PM Narendra Modi Holds High-Level Talks With Economists Ahead Of Union Budget 2026–27

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday convened a high-level brainstorming session with economists and sectoral experts as part of the consultation process for the Union Budget 2026-27, signalling the government’s clear focus on accelerating economic growth and expanding employment opportunities.

The Budget is scheduled to be presented in Parliament on February 1.

The meeting brought together senior officials from NITI Aayog, leading economists, and experts representing a wide range of sectors.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also participated in the deliberations, underscoring the government’s intent to anchor the upcoming Budget in expert-driven analysis and practical policy inputs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited participants to offer candid assessments of India’s current economic landscape, outline a forward-looking development roadmap, and flag emerging challenges that could shape policy priorities in the coming year.

The discussions reflected a broad-based approach, with emphasis on aligning fiscal decisions with long-term national goals.

A key focus of the session centred on sector-wise budgetary allocations aimed at sustaining high growth and generating quality employment.

Experts presented suggestions on how targeted spending and policy clarity could stimulate demand, unlock productivity, and enhance India’s investment climate.

Several participants highlighted the need to make private investment more attractive by ensuring regulatory certainty and reducing procedural frictions.

Skill development featured prominently in the deliberations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the experts examined ways to align workforce capabilities with evolving industry requirements, particularly in manufacturing, services, and emerging technology-driven sectors.

Participants stressed that a skilled and adaptable workforce remains essential to maintaining India’s competitive edge.

Export Growth and Global Uncertainties Discussed

The meeting also addressed export growth and India’s positioning in global markets amid persistent international uncertainties, including disruptions caused by US tariff-related developments.

Experts discussed strategies to strengthen India’s export competitiveness and diversify markets to cushion the economy against external shocks.

Infrastructure investment emerged as another critical theme. Participants underlined the importance of sustained capital expenditure on highways, ports, railways, and power projects to maintain momentum in economic expansion while creating large-scale employment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently identified infrastructure as the backbone of growth, and the discussions reinforced its centrality to the Budget strategy.

Inputs on agriculture, MSMEs, startups, and allied sectors formed an integral part of the dialogue.

Experts emphasised that targeted support to these segments can drive inclusive growth, foster innovation, and advance the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of a self-reliant India.

Social and economic inclusion also received attention, with participants calling for policies that ensure growth benefits reach all sections of society.

The consultation further examined the fiscal roadmap, including the challenge of balancing revenue mobilisation with prudent expenditure while keeping the fiscal deficit on a declining glide path.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s engagement with experts highlighted the government’s intent to craft a Budget that combines ambition with discipline, growth with equity, and reform with resilience.

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