Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold a crucial meeting with leading economists and sectoral specialists today to gather their inputs for the upcoming Union Budget 2026. The high-level consultation, scheduled for 11 AM, is a key part of the government's extensive pre-budget discussions before major economic announcements.
Key Agenda and Participants
The primary objective of Tuesday's meeting is to provide a formal platform for experts to present their analysis of the nation's present economic conditions and suggest future priorities. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to present the Union Budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year on February 1, 2026. The budget will likely address a broad spectrum of economic challenges.
Alongside independent economists, the meeting will see the participation of senior officials from NITI Aayog. Attendees will include NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery and CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, along with other members of the policy think tank.
Budget Preparedness Amid Global Headwinds
This consultation occurs against a complex global backdrop marked by geopolitical tensions and significant trade policy shifts, including a steep 50 per cent US tariff on imports from India. These factors are expected to influence the budget's framing and policy responses.
The government has already initiated a multi-stakeholder approach to budget formulation. Earlier this month, it opened a channel for public suggestions through the MyGov platform. A post on X (formerly Twitter) by MyGovIndia on December 20 invited citizens to "contribute to the policies that promote inclusive growth and National development."
Series of Pre-Budget Discussions
Finance Minister Sitharaman has already conducted several rounds of focused group consultations in New Delhi. The process began with economists, followed by sessions with:
- Farmer associations and agriculture experts.
- Representatives from MSMEs, startups, and the manufacturing sector.
- Stakeholders from capital markets, banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI).
- Delegates from IT, tourism, hospitality, trade unions, and labour organisations.
Today's meeting with Prime Minister Modi marks a culmination of these sectoral discussions, aiming to integrate ground-level feedback and expert assessments into a cohesive fiscal roadmap for the coming year.
