Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said the Union government has reinforced India’s self-reliance across sectors despite global geopolitical challenges, noting that the country’s economic path remains stable and aligned with the long-term vision of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget, Sitharaman said the government’s priority is to accelerate economic growth while fulfilling public aspirations under the guiding principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

“Our government has consistently preferred decisive action over uncertainty. We have undertaken wide-ranging structural reforms, maintained fiscal discipline and ensured monetary stability, with a sustained focus on public investment,” she said while addressing the Lok Sabha.

The Finance Minister highlighted that the global environment is marked by disruptions to trade, multilateral frameworks, resource availability and supply chains. She added that rapid technological changes are reshaping production systems while increasing pressure on water, energy and critical mineral resources.

“In this challenging global context, India will continue to move forward with confidence towards becoming a developed nation, balancing ambition with inclusiveness,” Sitharaman said.

The Finance Minister presented the 15th Budget of the Narendra Modi-led government and the second full Budget since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a third consecutive term in 2024. Sitharaman also holds the distinction of being the first woman Finance Minister to present the Union Budget nine times in a row.

The Union Budget 2026–27 is expected to place strong emphasis on capital expenditure, particularly in strategically important sectors shaped by evolving geopolitical realities.

Following the Budget presentation, Sitharaman is scheduled to interact with around 30 college students from different parts of the country. The students are witnessing the Budget presentation live from the Lok Sabha Gallery, providing them an opportunity to observe one of Parliament’s most significant annual proceedings.

The Finance Minister added that inputs and suggestions from citizens, especially the youth, were collected through multiple platforms during the Budget formulation process, and these perspectives are reflected in the Union Budget 2026–27.