PM Modi (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the Union Budget 2026 as “historic”, saying it charts a clear roadmap towards achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and gives fresh momentum to India’s reform journey. He also highlighted the recently signed “mother of all deals” between India and EU in his address.Praising finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting the Budget, PM Modi said it symbolised women’s empowerment, noting that Sitharaman has created a record by presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time.“Today’s budget is historic. It reflects the strong empowerment of the nation’s women power. As a woman Finance Minister, Nirmala ji has created a new record by presenting the country’s budget for the ninth consecutive time. Budget 2026Budget 2026 Live Updates: Govt sets capital expenditure target for FY27 at Rs 12.2 lakh croreUnion Budget 2026-27: What gets cheaper, what gets costlierLatest income tax slabs FY 2026-27: What are the income tax slabs, rates under new and old tax regime after Budget 2026? Check full details & FAQsThis budget is a highway of immense opportunities. It turns today’s aspirations into reality and strengthens the foundation of India’s bright future,” the Prime Minister said.Describing the Budget as a key step towards long-term national goals, Modi added, “This budget is a strong foundation for our high flight toward a developed India by 2047. Friends, the reform express on which India is riding today will gain new energy and new momentum from this budget.”He said India’s ambitions go beyond being the world’s fastest-growing 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,” Modi said.Referring to global engagement, the Prime Minister said India has signed the “mother of all deals” with the European Union, aimed at maximising benefits for the country’s youth and small and medium industries. He said the Budget presents an ambitious roadmap to accelerate the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.Highlighting key proposals, PM Modi said measures such as the Bio-Pharma Shakti Mission, Semiconductor Mission 2.0, the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme, the creation of a Rare Earth Corridor, emphasis on critical minerals, new schemes for the textile sector, promotion of high-tech toy manufacturing, and the development of champion MSMEs are future-oriented steps that address both present and long-term needs.“I believe the support our budget provides to MSMEs and small industries will give them the strength to grow from local to global,” he said, adding that the government has taken major steps to strengthen infrastructure. These include expanding dedicated freight corridors, developing high-speed rail, focusing on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and promoting municipal bonds to give cities a stronger economic base.Earlier in the day, finance minister Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the 2026–27 financial year in the Lok Sabha, marking her ninth consecutive Budget presentation.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaPhotostoriesNo one Killed Jessica’, ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’, ‘Veer-Zaara’: 5 fearless roles that prove Rani Mukerji is Bollywood’s ultimate Mardani!Union Budget 2026: From coconut to chocolate, things which have got attention in this year’s budget and whyTaylor Swift’s 7 most expensive possessionsCJ Roy death case: What remains unclear as the probe continues7 most memorable Grammy moments to rewind before the 2026 awardsBudget-friendly destinations in 2026: 8 Indian places that should be on every traveller’s wish list this yearBudget 2026: Nirmala Sitharaman wears a purple saree rooted in the 1,400-year-old weaving legacy of the Pallava dynastyUnion Budget 2026: 7 high-speed rail corridors announced, including Mumbai-Pune, Hyderabad-Bengaluru; check full listNavi Mumbai airport goes 24/7: Inside the quiet shift to round-the-clock opsRam Charan and Upasana Konidela welcome twins: A look at South Indian film stars who became parents recently123Hot PicksBudget highlights 2026Budget Income Tax SlabUnion Budget 2026February 2026 bank changesIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingNirmala Sitharaman SareeMany Pacquiao vs Conor Height DifferenceBengaluru Worker Dead NewsMLB Trade RumorsDwyane Wade WifeSnowboarder Ryan Wedding CaseUnion Budget Speech LiveStock Market BudgetUnion Budget SpeechGold Silver Rate Today
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the Union Budget 2026 as “historic”, saying it charts a clear roadmap towards achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and gives fresh momentum to India’s reform journey. He also highlighted the recently signed “mother of all deals” between India and EU in his address.Praising finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting the Budget, PM Modi said it symbolised women’s empowerment, noting that Sitharaman has created a record by presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time.“Today’s budget is historic. It reflects the strong empowerment of the nation’s women power. As a woman Finance Minister, Nirmala ji has created a new record by presenting the country’s budget for the ninth consecutive time. This budget is a highway of immense opportunities. It turns today’s aspirations into reality and strengthens the foundation of India’s bright future,” the Prime Minister said.Describing the Budget as a key step towards long-term national goals, Modi added, “This budget is a strong foundation for our high flight toward a developed India by 2047. Friends, the reform express on which India is riding today will gain new energy and new momentum from this budget.”He said India’s ambitions go beyond being the world’s fastest-growing 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,” Modi said.Referring to global engagement, the Prime Minister said India has signed the “mother of all deals” with the European Union, aimed at maximising benefits for the country’s youth and small and medium industries. He said the Budget presents an ambitious roadmap to accelerate the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.Highlighting key proposals, PM Modi said measures such as the Bio-Pharma Shakti Mission, Semiconductor Mission 2.0, the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme, the creation of a Rare Earth Corridor, emphasis on critical minerals, new schemes for the textile sector, promotion of high-tech toy manufacturing, and the development of champion MSMEs are future-oriented steps that address both present and long-term needs.“I believe the support our budget provides to MSMEs and small industries will give them the strength to grow from local to global,” he said, adding that the government has taken major steps to strengthen infrastructure. These include expanding dedicated freight corridors, developing high-speed rail, focusing on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and promoting municipal bonds to give cities a stronger economic base.Earlier in the day, finance minister Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the 2026–27 financial year in the Lok Sabha, marking her ninth consecutive Budget presentation.
