New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the Union Budget 2026-27 as “historic”, saying it reflects the aspirations of 140 crore Indians, strengthens India’s reform journey, and lays out a clear roadmap for Viksit Bharat. Speaking after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget, Modi said it turns today’s dreams into reality and builds a strong foundation for a developed India by 2047.

Highlighting the human-centric nature of the budget, Prime Minister Modi congratulated India’s youth, saying the budget gives a major push to employment generation. He said the reforms announced would provide new energy to the “reform express” and offer greater opportunities to the country’s talented and courageous youth.

Modi also underlined the budget’s strong focus on women empowerment, especially through self-help groups, which he said are being supported to create a modern economic ecosystem. Measures such as the construction of new hostels for students, he added, will make education more accessible across the country.

Tourism, particularly in the Northeast, has received renewed attention in the budget to ensure balanced development among states, the Prime Minister noted.

Focus on MSMEs, agriculture, and infrastructure

The Prime Minister said the budget gives fresh momentum to Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, with strong support for MSMEs to help them grow from local to global players. Future-oriented initiatives such as the Bio-Pharma Shakti Mission, Semiconductor Mission 2.0, electronics manufacturing, critical minerals, and a Rare Earth Corridor were described as key steps for long-term growth.

Agriculture, dairying, and fisheries remain top priorities, Modi said, with continued support for farmers and the promotion of rural entrepreneurship expected to create more local employment. He also highlighted major infrastructure plans, including the expansion of freight corridors, high-speed rail projects, development of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and the use of municipal bonds to strengthen urban economies.

A vision for a #ViksitBharat by 2047

Prime Minister Modi also reiterating India’s ambition to become the world’s third-largest economy. "The 140 crore citizens of India are not satisfied with being the fastest-growing economy; we want to become the world’s third-largest economy as soon as possible," he said.