Union Budget 2026 Key highlights: Big push to capex, defence, manufacturing and MSMEs — Key takeaways from FM’s speech

Union Budget 2026 Live Updates: Reacting to the Budget, Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet, said Budget 2026 reflects a clear shift from short-term stimulus to long-term capacity-building at a time of global uncertainty. He noted that the emphasis on structural reforms, stronger manufacturing, diversified supply chains and future-ready investments shows the government’s focus on foresight rather than fiscal populism. Singh also welcomed the 9% rise in public capital expenditure as a key growth anchor, while highlighting that adherence to the fiscal glide path - with the deficit reduced to 4.3% of GDP - strengthens policy credibility and discipline, signalling a pragmatic and sustainable Budget.

Union Budget 2026 Live Updates: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Union Budget lives up to the sentiments and expectations of the people and lays a strong foundation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant and developed India by 2047. Highlighting the focus on national security, he said the Budget allocates Rs 7.85 lakh crore for the defence sector and reinforces India’s resolve to further strengthen its defence system, especially after the success of Operation Sindoor. Singh noted that Rs 2.19 lakh crore has been provided for the overall capital expenditure of the armed forces, with a key emphasis on modernisation, including Rs 1.85 lakh crore earmarked specifically for upgrading the Army, Navy and Air Force. He added that the Budget strikes a clear balance between security, development and self-reliance.

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Union Budget 2026 Live Updates: Defence has received a strong push in Budget 2026, with total allocation pegged at around Rs 7.8 lakh crore. Of this, Rs 2.19 lakh crore has been earmarked specifically for defence modernisation, underlining the focus on upgrading the armed forces. Defence expenditure for FY27 has been raised to Rs 5,94,585 crore, marking a sharp 21% increase over the Rs 4,91,732 crore budgeted for FY26. The hike reflects the government’s emphasis on military preparedness, indigenous manufacturing and long-term strategic capability building.

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Union Budget 2026 Live Updates: Nitin Gadkari Hails Inclusive Growth and Self-Reliance Focus

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari praised the Union Budget 2026, highlighting its focus on farmers, youth, and MSMEs, and calling it a roadmap for inclusive growth, innovation, and capital investment. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for a fiscal strategy aimed at boosting productivity, competitiveness, and entrepreneurship, positioning India as a global manufacturing and innovation hub. Gadkari noted that targeted investments in infrastructure and healthcare will improve quality of life and ensure wider access to essential services, while the Budget’s emphasis on self-reliance and sustainable capacity-building reinforces India’s vision for a resilient and opportunity-driven economy under Viksit Bharat 2047.

Union Budget 2026 Live Updates: Sandeep Sikka, ED and CEO of Nippon Life India Asset Management, commented on the Budget 2026, saying, “Overall, a good Budget. Every micro detail has been addressed fairly well, be it the manufacturing side or the borrowing side. Markets are reacting prematurely; the fine print remains to be seen.” This perspective adds to the ongoing discussion on how the Union Budget 2026 balances growth, fiscal prudence, and sectoral priorities, as markets and investors await further clarity on implementation.

Union Budget 2026 Live: Key Income Tax Updates

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced important changes to India’s income tax process, aimed at making compliance easier for taxpayers. The government has extended the timeline for revising income tax returns (ITR) with a nominal fee. Individuals filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 can now continue to submit returns until 31 July 2026, providing more flexibility for taxpayers.

For non-resident Indians (NRIs), the deduction of TDS on the sale of immovable property will now be done by the resident buyer instead of requiring the seller to have a TAN, simplifying the process significantly. Additionally, taxpayers will be allowed to update income tax returns even after reassessment, though a 10% tax will apply on the revised amount. These measures are intended to make tax compliance more taxpayer-friendly while maintaining government revenue safeguards.

Union Budget 2026 LIVE: India sets fiscal deficit target at 4.3% for FY27

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India will aim for a fiscal deficit of 4.3% of GDP in FY27. This target signals the government’s effort to balance growth with fiscal discipline, maintaining room for investment in key sectors while keeping public finances under control.

Union Budget 2026 Speech Live: Focus on labour-intensive MSMEs

Union Budget 2026 continues to highlight support for small and medium enterprises, especially labour-intensive sectors. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a Rs 10,000-crore SME growth fund to boost small industries across India. In addition, a Self-Reliant India fund of Rs 2,000 crore will provide targeted support to micro enterprises.

Key proposals include a new scheme to help states set up three chemical parks, Rs 10,000 crore allocated for container manufacturing over the next five years, and the launch of a National Fibre Scheme aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in fibres. These initiatives are designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing, generate employment, and make India’s MSMEs globally competitive.

Union Budget 2026 LIVE: Modi 3.0 Govt's Big Infra Push! Rs 12.2 lakh crore capex, 20 waterways in 5 years, announces FM Nirmala Sitharaman 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces a record Rs 12.2 lakh crore capital expenditure in Buget 2026.

The Union finance minister also announced plans to create 20 waterways over the next five years. 

Union Budget 2026 Speech Live: Key agendas outlined for FY27

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined the government’s key focus areas for FY27 while presenting the Union Budget 2026. She said priority will be given to scaling up manufacturing in strategic sectors, strengthening India’s industrial base and global competitiveness.

The Budget also aims to create champion MSMEs across the country and develop strategic economic regions to drive balanced growth, investment and job creation in the coming years.

Union Budget 2026 Speech Live: Rs 10,000 crore allocation for biopharma sector

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a Rs 10,000 crore allocation for the biopharma sector in the Union Budget 2026, highlighting the government’s focus on strengthening high-growth and innovation-led industries. She said comprehensive reforms are being undertaken to accelerate economic growth and improve productivity across sectors. Sitharaman added that more than 350 reforms have been rolled out in recent times, noting that the government’s reform push is firmly on track and gathering momentum.

Union Budget 2026 Speech Live: Budget based on three ‘kartavyas’, says Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Union Budget 2026 is anchored around three key ‘kartavyas’, or responsibilities. The first is to accelerate and sustain economic growth by improving competitiveness. The second focuses on fulfilling the aspirations of the people, while the third aims to ensure that every family, community and region has access to resources and opportunities. She added that achieving these goals requires a supportive ecosystem and described the Budget as a unique, youth-driven roadmap focused on long-term and inclusive development.

Union Budget 2026 LIVE Update: Centre to launch ISM 2.0, says Nirmala Sitharaman 

Union Budget 2026 Speech Live: Reforms over rhetoric, says Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government has focused on delivering reforms rather than rhetoric as she began her Budget 2026 speech in Parliament. She said this approach has helped India achieve a GDP growth rate of 7.2% despite global geopolitical challenges.

Highlighting the broader economic picture, Sitharaman said India’s growth story over the past 12 years has been marked by stability even amid ongoing global uncertainty. She added that the government has consistently prioritised meaningful and far-reaching reforms to strengthen the economy.

Budget 2026 LIVE Update: Government has chosen people over popularity, says FM

Stating that the Narendra Modi government has once again chosen people over popularity, Nirmala Sitharaman says the Centre remains committed to addressing and resolving economic challenges. 

The finance minister mentions the government's 'Reform Express' push, highlighting the government's commitment to reforms for the development of the country. 

Union Budget 2026 Speech Live: FM Nirmala Sitharaman begins Budget presentation

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has begun presenting the Union Budget 2026 in Parliament, marking her ninth consecutive Budget speech. The Budget is expected to build on the Narendra Modi government’s reform agenda, with key announcements awaited on growth, employment, income tax and welfare measures.

Budget 26 LIVE Update: BREAKING--Finance Minister rises to present Union Budget FY27 in Parliament

Union Budget 2026 Speech LIVE Update: Presenting Budget on sacred occasion of Magh Purnima & birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, says FM

Budget 2026 LIVE Update: What's in store for economy in FM's red cloth-draped 'digital bahi-khata'

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has once again showcased the government's emphasis on the powerful combine of tradition and technology.

The FM is carrying the Budget documents on a digital tablet placed inside a red 'bahi-khata' style pouch -- a characteristic addition by the Narendra Modi administration to the traditional Budget practices. 

It was back in 2019 when she first appeared carrying Budget documents in a 'bahi-khata', ditching the decades old practice where the finance ministers carried the crucial economic documents in a leather briefcase. 

The shift to 'bahi khata' also marks a shift away from Colonial Era practices. 

Two years later, in 2021, she broke another stereotype when she carried the documents in paperless form -- all stored in a digital wallet.

Union Budget LIVE Update: Budget to be another step towards Viksit Bharat, says Gajendra Singh Shekhawat  

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has termed the Union Budget 2026-27 as a step towards making India a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). 

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, the minister says: "Have faith. The goal with which the Government has been working for the last 11 years is to make a Viksit Bharat. All Budgets have been steps towards that goal. This Budget too will be another step towards making India a Viksit Bharat."

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Cabinet meeting begins

The Union Cabinet meeting has started, where the Budget will receive formal approval.

Budget 2026 LIVE Update: FM poses with President 

The FM is at the President's House, with the most powerful women of the country holding the Narendra Modi government's signature 'bahi khata' -- a countrymade folder containing Budget documents. 

Budget 2026 LIVE Update: A muted start to the day on Dalal Street! 

Domestic equity benchmarks are now flat after a mildly negative start to the special Sunday trading session in Mumbai. 

The markets are open for a special session today, all set to register their first reaction to their trading and investment bets. 

At this hour, minutes into the opening bell, the Senesx is up 28 pts -- barely in the green -- at 82,298 while the Nifty50 is trading just below the flatline, down 11 pts at 25,310.  

Follow this link for latest Budget Day market updates 

Union Budget 2026 Live Update: FM with her Budget team—First glance

Budget 2026 Live Updates: FM Nirmala Sitharaman leaves for Rashtrapati Bhavan

FM Nirmala Sitharaman has departed for Rashtrapati Bhavan to seek the President’s formal approval to present the Budget.

She is wearing a Kanchipuram saree crafted in Tamil Nadu.

After the President’s formal approval, the Budget will then be officially cleared in a Cabinet meeting at Parliament House.

Union Budget 2026 LIVE Updates: FM leaves for President's House

The Finance Minister has left for Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House), where she will seek President Droupadi Murmu's formal nod to present Budget FY27 in Parliament.

The Budget will then be formally approved at the Cabinet meeting at the Parliament House.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Global uncertainty in focus

The Survey also highlighted rising global uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions, which could affect investment and supply chains. Against this backdrop, it said India should stay focused on resilience and long-term growth as it moves towards Viksit Bharat, rather than quick fixes.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: 'Long-term gains over short-term comfort'

Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran struck a philosophical note, stressing that long-term economic gains matter more than short-term comfort. His message: fiscal discipline today helps build a stronger economy tomorrow.

Union Budget 2026 Live: FM Nirmala Sitharaman set to appear with her Budget team shortly

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to appear for a formal photograph with her team shortly. 

Budget 2026 Live Updates: Fiscal deficit better than expected, Eco Survey

The Survey said India’s fiscal deficit stood at 4.8 per cent of GDP, slightly below the budgeted 4.9 per cent. The government has also set a stricter target of 4.4 per cent for FY26, marking a strong improvement from the 9.2 per cent recorded in FY21 during the pandemic.

Budget 2026 Live Updates: What is fiscal deficit?

In simple terms, a fiscal deficit happens when the government spends more than it earns from taxes and other sources. While higher spending can boost growth and support the economy, it also leads to more borrowing, which needs to be kept under control.

Union Budget FY27 LIVE Update: FM to table 16th Finance Commission report  

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is also set to table the 16th Finance Commission’s report in Parliament today.

The impact of this report will also be reflected in the country’s fiscal position.

A country's fiscal position represents the overall financial health of its government. Defined by balance of revenue, expenditure and debt, financial position indicates whether an administration is running a surplus (saving) or a deficit (borrowing).

A healthy financial position is crucial for assessing economic stability. 

Budget 2026 LIVE Updates: All eyes on Budget speech at 11 am; here's what else will happen when

• 8:30 am: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will leave her residence for the Ministry of Finance
• 8:45 am: The finance minister will arrive at Kartavya Bhavan 1 (Man Singh Road)
• 9:00 am: The finance minister will participate in a traditional photo session with her Budget team right outside the Ministry of Finance
• 9:30 am: The finance minister will meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan 
• 9:50 am: The FM will arrive at the Parliament House
• This is where the first media photo session is expected to take place
• 10:15 am: A meeting of the Union Cabinet -- chaired by the Prime Minister -- will be held to formally approve the Union Budget for FY27
• 11:00 am: Proceedings of the Lok Sabha will begin. Thereafter, the FM will deliver the Budget speech, starting at around 11 am
• The opening part of the speech is expected to highlight the Narendra Modi government’s achievements and key figures
• Between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm: The FM will address a press conference and brief the media on the major Budget announcements
• Post-Budget press conference at around 2:30 pm

Budget 2026 LIVE Updates: Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to leave her residence shortly 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to begin her Budget day early, leaving her residence around 8:15-8:30 am.

She is expected to get a customary picture clicked at Kartavya Path between 8:45 am and 9:15 am before proceeding to Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The finance minister is expected to arrive at Parliament around 10 am, followed by a Cabinet meeting at 10:15 am.

The Union Budget speech will be delivered in the Lok Sabha at 11 am.

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Budget 2026 Live Updates: Finance Minister to begin Budget day from Kartavya Bhavan for the first time

This year marks a significant first in the Union Budget tradition, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will begin her Budget day journey from Kartavya Bhavan instead of the historic North Block at Raisina Hill. With the finance ministry now operating from its new address, the finance minister will depart from Kartavya Bhavan and proceed to Parliament to present the Union Budget 2026, signalling a symbolic shift in the Budget day protocol.

Union Budget 2026 Live Updates: Key announcements awaited as FM presents Budget 2026 today

India is gearing up for a crucial day as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2026 in Parliament later today. The Budget is expected to spell out the government’s priorities on growth, employment, income tax and welfare spending. The Budget speech is scheduled for 11 am, but developments will unfold through the day as key proposals and policy signals emerge.

Welcome to Zeebiz.com's live coverage on Union Budget 2026