Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with leading economists and sectoral experts on December 30, 2025, to gather input for the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27. The consultations, also attended by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and NITI Aayog officials, focused on the current economic outlook, global growth prospects, fiscal management, and potential reforms. Discussions aimed to inform policy priorities amidst geopolitical uncertainties and a significant US tariff on Indian shipments. The Budget is slated for presentation on February 1.