New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commended the Union Budget 2026-27, describing it as a “highway of immense opportunities”. He stated that the “Reform Express” which India is traveling on, “will gain new energy and momentum through this budget”.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled her ninth consecutive Union Budget on Sunday, driven by three ‘kartavyas’ or duties intended to enhance and sustain economic progress by boosting competitiveness, fulfilling aspirations, and ensuring that every family, community, and region has access to resources and opportunities for engagement.

In his comments, the Prime Minister lauded the Finance Minister, asserting, “Today’s budget is historic. It is a strong reflection of India’s ‘Nari Shakti’. Nirmala Sitharaman has achieved a remarkable feat by presenting the budget for the ninth consecutive time as a woman Finance Minister.”

He explained that the budget serves as a “highway of immense opportunities”, aiming to “turn the dreams of the present into reality” and establish a “strong foundation for India’s bright future” and the nation's “high flight” toward the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

PM Modi noted that the ‘Reform Express’ on which India is progressing, “will gain new energy and momentum through this budget”. “The path-breaking reforms open up the sky for our aspiring and talented youth to soar. This budget realizes the vision of trust-based governance and a human-centric economic structure,” he added.

Referring to the budget as “unique”, the Prime Minister emphasized, “It focuses on reducing the fiscal deficit and controlling inflation, while also highlighting high CAPEX and high growth. This budget bolsters India’s global role. India’s 140 crore citizens are not satisfied with merely being a fast-growing economy; we aim to become the world’s third-largest economy soon.”

He further stated that India’s position as a trusted democratic partner and quality supplier is increasing, noting that the benefits of recent significant trade agreements, including the “Mother of all deals” (referring to the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement), will primarily benefit the country's youth.

PM Modi mentioned that this budget presents a “bold vision to accelerate the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ missions”.

“The support provided to emerging and sunrise sectors is unprecedented. Initiatives such as the Bio-Pharma Shakti Mission, Semiconductor Mission 2.0, Electronic Components Manufacturing Scheme, development of Rare Earth Corridors, emphasis on critical minerals, new schemes for the textile sector, and promotion of high-tech and tech-driven manufacturing will empower India to grow globally,” he added.

According to the Prime Minister, the budget “takes significant steps to enhance infrastructure”, including dedicated freight corridors, nationwide voter base expansion, high-speed rail corridors, special emphasis on developing tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and promoting municipal bonds to equip cities with a robust economic foundation.

“All these measures will accelerate the growth trajectory of a Viksit Bharat. The greatest asset of any country is its citizens, and reinforcing cities ensures they thrive and contribute to national progress,” he added.

As the Finance Minister stated in Parliament, PM Modi declared, “This is a Youth Power Budget. It embodies the thoughts, dreams, determination, and energy of young India. The provisions in the budget will cultivate leaders, innovators, and creators across sectors.”

“From establishing medical hubs and developing allied health professionals, fostering the orange economy and AVGC sectors, enhancing tourism, to unlocking new opportunities through the Khelo India mission, the budget opens pathways for youth to excel and lead,” he added.

The Prime Minister affirmed that a “major tax exemption” has been introduced to position India as a global data center hub.

“I especially congratulate India’s youth, as this will significantly boost employment generation. I am pleased that the budget also takes tangible steps to enhance tourism, particularly in the northeast. By empowering various states, the budget establishes a solid groundwork for balanced and inclusive development across the country,” he added.

PM Modi highlighted that over ten crore women in India are connected with self-help groups, which have proven to be highly effective.

“The budget emphasizes creating a modern ecosystem for women-led self-help groups. Efforts are also in progress to build new hostels for girls in every district, making education more accessible,” he stated.

“The government has consistently prioritized agriculture and fisheries, and this budget introduces essential measures to support farmers engaged in coconut, cashew, cocoa, and sandalwood production,” he added.

PM Modi also mentioned the Bharat Vistar AI tool, which will assist farmers in receiving information in their native language, which will “greatly aid them”. He noted that promoting entrepreneurship in fisheries and animal husbandry will generate more local employment and self-employment opportunities in villages.

“This budget is ambitious and addresses the aspirations of the nation. I once again commend Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her team for this forward-thinking, inclusive budget that prioritizes the welfare of villages, the poor, and farmers,” he added.