‘Not Content With Being the Fastest-Growing Economy’: PM Modi Hails Budget 2026 as Foundation for Viksit Bhara

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the Union Budget 2026 as "historic" and future-oriented, saying it lays a strong foundation for India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Reacting soon after the Budget presentation, he said the proposals would give fresh momentum to reforms, infrastructure growth and employment generation.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the Budget focuses on long-term economic strength, urban development and empowerment of youth and women.

Big Push for Infrastructure and Urban Growth

PM Modi said the Budget takes major steps to strengthen India's infrastructure backbone. He pointed to proposals for new dedicated freight corridors, expansion of national waterways, and the development of high-speed rail projects as key drivers of growth.

He also highlighted the focus on tier-2 and tier-3 cities, saying these measures will help create a strong economic base beyond metros. The push for municipal bonds, he added, will allow cities to raise funds for development and modern infrastructure.

"These steps will accelerate the pace of Viksit Bharat and provide new strength to our cities," Modi said.

Aiming Higher Than Fastest-Growing Economy

The Prime Minister made it clear that India's ambitions go beyond current achievements.
"India is not content with being the fastest-growing major economy. We want to become the world's third-largest economy as soon as possible," he said, adding that Budget 2026 gives new energy to this goal.

He described the Budget as adding speed to the "reform express" and said it provides opportunities for India's youth to innovate, build and grow.

Focus on Jobs, Manufacturing and MSMEs

PM Modi said the Budget places special emphasis on employment, manufacturing and entrepreneurship, especially for young people and small businesses. He noted that initiatives linked to Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat received a strong push.

Referring to several sector-specific measures, he said the Budget includes forward-looking steps such as the Bio-Pharma Shakti Mission, Semiconductor Mission 2.0, electronics manufacturing support, rare earth corridors and schemes for textiles and MSMEs. These, he said, are designed to meet both present and future needs of the economy.

Women Empowerment Takes Centre Stage

The Prime Minister also underlined the role of women in India's growth story and praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time.

Calling it a proud moment, Modi said the Budget reflects the empowered presence of women in national leadership. "This Budget shows the strength of India's women power and opens a highway of opportunities," he said.

Creative Economy and New-Age Skills

Among the new focus areas, PM Modi highlighted the government's push for the creative economy. Under the Orange Economy initiative, sectors such as animation, gaming, visual effects and comics are expected to create millions of jobs in the coming years.

To support this, the Budget proposes setting up AVGC content creator labs in schools and colleges, helping students gain skills in emerging digital fields.

Clear Roadmap to 2047

Summing up his remarks, the Prime Minister said Budget 2026 reflects the aspirations of 140 crore Indians and strengthens the reform journey.

"This Budget gives new speed and direction to India's development and lays a clear roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047," Modi said, adding that the government remains committed to turning today's aspirations into long-term prosperity.

With its focus on infrastructure, reforms, innovation, women empowerment and youth-led growth, Budget 2026, according to the Prime Minister, is designed to fast-track India's rise as a global economic powerhouse.