Budget 2026: A Bharat Ready for Growth and Global Challenges
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented India’s Union Budget 2026–27 in Parliament on Sunday, outlining a broad roadmap to sustain growth, strengthen infrastructure, deepen economic reforms and create new opportunities for industry, youth and farmers. The Finance Minister underscored her government’s commitment to a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) vision, balancing fiscal
Duty-Free Deep-Sea Fishing Unlocks Blue Economy Potential
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced transformative measures for deep-sea fishing during her Union Budget 2026 presentation. These reforms enable Indian fishermen to fully exploit marine resources beyond territorial waters through duty exemptions and export recognition. Duty-Free Fish Catch in EEZ and High Seas Fish caught by Indian vessels in
Seven High-Speed Rails and Rare Earth Corridors Headline Transformative Infrastructure
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced seven high-speed rail corridors and dedicated rare earth corridors as cornerstone infrastructure initiatives in Union Budget 2026. These projects anchor India’s next growth phase alongside record ₹12.2 lakh crore capex targeting FY 2026–27. Capex Surge to ₹12.2 Lakh Crore Public capital expenditure increases from ₹11.2
Three Chemical Parks to Slash Import Dependence
The government will support states in establishing three dedicated chemical parks through a challenge-based scheme featuring cluster-based plug-and-play infrastructure. This initiative enhances domestic chemical production capacity while reducing import dependency for critical industrial inputs. Strategic Rare Earth Ecosystem Development Complementing this, four mineral-rich states—Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu—will
Customs Duty Relief for 17 Cancer Drugs and 7 Rare Diseases
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed exempting basic customs duty on 17 critical drugs and medicines, targeting cancer patients to reduce life-saving treatment costs during her Union Budget 2026 presentation. Expanded Rare Disease Coverage Seven additional rare diseases gain import duty exemptions for personal imports of specialized drugs, medicines, and therapeutic
Buyback Tax, STT Hike, and MAT Reduction Reshape Corporate Taxation
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant tax reforms during her Union Budget 2026-27 presentation, including taxing buyback proceeds as capital gains for all shareholders, raising Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on commodity futures, and reducing Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT). These measures balance revenue generation with corporate relief. Buyback Proceeds Taxed as
Electronics Manufacturing Outlay Doubles to ₹40,000 Crore
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced doubling the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme outlay from ₹22,999 crore to ₹40,000 crore in Union Budget 2026, building on doubled investment commitments from the April 2025 launch. This capitalizes on proven success to fortify India’s electronics value chain. ISM 2.0 Launch for Semiconductor Self-Reliance India
Customs Duty Waiver Boosts Defence Aircraft MRO Capabilities
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed exempting basic customs duty on raw materials imported for manufacturing aircraft parts used in defence sector maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) during her Union Budget 2026 presentation. Strengthening Domestic Defence MRO Ecosystem The exemption covers specialized alloys, composites, and components essential for fighter jets,
Customs Duty Exemption for Critical Minerals Processing
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed basic customs duty exemption on capital goods imports required for critical minerals processing during her Lok Sabha presentation. This targeted measure accelerates domestic value addition in strategic minerals essential for defense, electronics, and clean energy sectors. Strengthening Downstream Mineral Capabilities The exemption covers processing
Customs Duty Exemption Extended for Nuclear Power Till 2035
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed extending basic customs duty exemption on imports for nuclear power projects until 2035, expanding coverage to all nuclear plants regardless of capacity. This strategic measure accelerates clean energy capacity addition and supports India’s energy security goals. Comprehensive Nuclear Ecosystem Support The exemption covers critical equipment,
