New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) expressed its approval for the Union Budget 2026–27 on Sunday, labeling it as inclusive and growth-oriented, with a pronounced emphasis on trade, industry, exports, and enhancing the ease of doing business.

In a conversation with IANS, CAIT Secretary General and BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal stated, “Guided by the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the budget unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman can be encapsulated in two terms: inclusive and decisive. It seeks to realize the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, which is the Prime Minister’s aspiration.”

Khandelwal noted that the Budget contains pivotal initiatives for trade and industry, including the elimination of customs duties on numerous items. “The pharmaceutical sector has experienced a fresh impetus, and various initiatives have been launched to enhance the ease of doing business and improve the quality of life for ordinary citizens. Through the semiconductor mission, the electronics sector has been fortified, and policies concerning rare earth minerals have been addressed,” he remarked.

Khandelwal emphasized that the Budget embodies the strong, decisive, and far-sighted leadership of PM Modi, under whose direction India continues to advance steadily despite global economic hurdles.

He highlighted that the Budget prioritizes reducing logistics expenses. “There is a concerted effort to decrease logistic costs. The focus is on optimizing waterways and enhancing railways. These elements have received targeted budgetary support,” Khandelwal pointed out. He also noted that initiatives like establishing content creator labs for the youth would generate new job opportunities in emerging sectors.

According to him, “Every sector that collectively contributes to the economy has been addressed fairly. Through these budgetary measures, Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Swadeshi Abhiyan’ will gain momentum, ensuring that Indian production and exports receive robust support. This is truly an inclusive budget.”

He remarked, “The Budget conveys a strong and affirmative message of assurance to traders, entrepreneurs, investors, and particularly to micro, small, and medium enterprises. Its emphasis on empowering every segment of society, alongside economic growth, makes this Budget genuinely unique.”

Khandelwal further stated, “What the Prime Minister articulated -- ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas’ -- applies to all. This budget places a special emphasis on the pharmaceutical sector, which holds substantial export potential. Furthermore, the Finance Minister has included provisions for rare diseases in her budget address. In essence, the budget aims to guarantee that healthcare reaches every individual’s doorstep.”

He underscored the special focus on the MSME sector, asserting that provisions like easier access to credit, streamlining compliance processes, digital empowerment, technological upgrades, and encouragement for formalization will elevate small industries and traders to new heights.

Khandelwal concluded, “MSMEs are the cornerstone of the Indian economy. The measures outlined for the MSME sector in this Budget will play a crucial role in job creation, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian products.”