Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 presented her record ninth Union Budget. Sitharaman laid out an economic roadmap that looks to be in continuity with targeted shifts aimed at growth, resilience and long-term competitiveness. Framing her speech around “three core kartavyas” guiding the government’s vision, Sitharaman said the administration had consistently chosen “reforms over rhetoric” since coming to power. Below are the key business and economy highlights from Union Budget 2026: Capital expenditure raised