FM Nirmala Sitharaman outlines Union Budget 2026-27 priorities at US-India Strategic Partnership Forum meet

NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman shared the key priorities and reform direction of the Union Budget 2026-27, with a focus on policy stability, manufacturing growth and long-term investment.

The minister on Monday, addressed the Board Members of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in New Delhi and shared the budget priorities. According to a social media post by the Ministry of Finance, the meeting focused on strengthening India-US economic engagement and sharing the outcomes and intent of the Union Budget.

The ministry said the interaction underlined the government’s broader objective of creating a predictable and stable policy environment to encourage businesses and industry to plan long-term investments.

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman addressed the Board Members of US-India Strategic Partnership Forum @USISPForum in New Delhi, today.

Outlining the key tenets of the Union Budget 2026-27, FM Smt. @nsitharaman said that under the leadership of… pic.twitter.com/423svfgvxz

— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) February 9, 2026

Outlining the key tenets of the Union Budget 2026-27, Finance Minister Sitharaman said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Budget reflects the government’s commitment to continuity, certainty and predictability from a policy perspective.

She noted that such an approach is aimed at enabling businesses and industry to foster long-term plans and make sustained investment commitments. During her address, the finance minister highlighted major announcements related to reforms across multiple sectors.

She specifically pointed to government support for semiconductors and electronic components manufacturing, Bio Pharma Shakti initiatives, development of Rare Earth Corridors, and the upgradation of legacy industry clusters. Sitharaman also underlined the government’s focus on building and strengthening India’s manufacturing capacity through Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

She said special emphasis has been placed on medium enterprises, with the objective of creating strong manufacturing champions that can drive growth, innovation and employment. The finance minister reiterated that these measures are aligned with the broader vision of enhancing India’s industrial base and improving competitiveness in key strategic sectors.

Participants at the meeting acknowledged the policy efforts being made by the government to support the reform momentum. They appreciated the commitment towards fiscal discipline, particularly in the backdrop of heightened global uncertainty. The participants also noted that policy clarity and fiscal prudence would help reinforce investor confidence and deepen economic cooperation between India and the United States. (ANI)