Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said India is navigating a challenging global environment marked by trade uncertainties, weakening multilateralism and disrupted supply chains, even as the country moves steadily towards the goal of Viksit Bharat.
Speaking during her Budget 2026 address, Sitharaman noted that global economic conditions have become increasingly complex, with geopolitical tensions and technological shifts reshaping production systems worldwide.
Global disruptions and rising resource pressures
“Today, we face an external environment in which trade and multilateralism are in imperil and access to resources and supply chains are disrupted,” the Finance Minister said. She also highlighted that rapid technological change is transforming production processes, while sharply increasing pressure on water, energy and critical minerals.
She stressed that these challenges require careful policymaking, particularly for emerging economies that must grow while managing environmental and resource constraints.
Viksit Bharat with inclusion
Sitharaman said India will continue to take confident steps towards Viksit Bharat, balancing economic ambition with social inclusion. She underlined that growth must be broad-based, ensuring opportunities for all sections of society even as the country scales up its economic aspirations.
According to her, the government remains committed to reforms that strengthen resilience, support sustainable development and protect vulnerable communities amid global uncertainty.
Deepening global market integration
Emphasising India’s role as a growing economy, the Finance Minister said deeper integration with global markets remains essential. “As a growing economy with expanding trade and capital needs, India must also remain deeply integrated with global markets, exporting more and attracting stable long-term investment,” she said.
Economists say this dual approach—pursuing self-reliance while staying globally connected—will be crucial for maintaining growth momentum and investor confidence in the coming years.
As Budget 2026 unfolds, the government’s focus on navigating global risks while advancing inclusive development is expected to shape India’s economic strategy.