Union Budget 2026 to Emphasize Growth, Reforms, and Fiscal Discipline Over Major Tax Cuts

The Union Budget 2026, to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, is expected to focus on sustaining growth through capital expenditure, infrastructure, rural development, and reforms rather than major tax cuts. Key priorities include supporting domestic manufacturing, simplifying tax regimes, enhancing financial inclusion, and boosting agriculture with digital and climate-resilient initiatives. Experts call for tax reliefs like higher deductions and capital gains rationalisation, while fiscal discipline and debt-to-GDP targeting remain central. Market sentiment is cautious, anticipating incremental reforms amid global uncertainties.