Indian Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday (Feb 1), while presenting the 2026-27 budget, highlighted the Narendra Modi government's push for a 'Reform Express'. She said that "Since we assumed office 12 years ago, the country's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation." This, she noted, was the "result of conscious choices we have made even in times of uncertainty and disruptions."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-2026-sitharaman-announces-10-000-crore-bio-pharma-shakti-scheme-health-sector-announcements-from-the-union-budget-1769925595153">Budget 2026: Sitharaman announces ‘Bio Pharma Shakti’ - India’s ambitious plan to dominate next-gen drugs</a><h2>Reform Express</h2>Sitharam stated that under the Modi government's 'reform express' push “over 350 reforms," including GST rationalisation, have been rolled out. She noted that “The reform express is well on its way and will maintain its momentum to help us fulfil our duties,” said Sitharaman, adding that since the NDA government assumed office 12 years ago, “the country's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/beyond-the-budget-story-behind-indian-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-s-iconic-budget-day-sarees-through-the-years-in-pics-1769913382545">What's the story behind Nirmala Sitharaman’s iconic Budget Day saree for 2026?</a>"Keeping Aatmanirbharta as a lodestar, we have built domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security and reduced critical import dependencies. Simultaneously, we have ensured that citizens benefit from every action of the Government, undertaking reforms to support employment generation, agricultural productivity, household purchasing power and universal services to people. These measures have delivered a high growth rate of around 7% and helped us make substantial strides in poverty reduction and improvement in the lives of our people," said Sitharaman. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/union-budget-2026-focus-on-growth-people-s-aspirations-sabka-saath-sabka-vikas-1769926861323/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/union-budget-2026-focus-on-growth-people-s-aspirations-sabka-saath-sabka-vikas-1769926861323/embed</a>Referring to global challenges, Sitharaman said India is facing an external environment in which trade and multilateralism are under strain. She emphasised that India will continue to take confident steps towards Viksit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion. "Today, we face an external environment in which trade and multilateralism are imperiled. And access to resources and supply chains are disrupted. New technologies are transforming production systems while sharply increasing demand on water, energy and critical minerals. India will continue to take confident steps towards Vikasit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion," said Sitharaman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Budget 2026-27: FM Nirmala Sitharaman highlights Modi govt's reform express,' says 360 reforms including GST rationalisation rolled out

Indian Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday (Feb 1), while presenting the 2026-27 budget, highlighted the Narendra Modi government's push for a 'Reform Express'. She said that "Since we assumed office 12 years ago, the country's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation." This, she noted, was the "result of conscious choices we have made even in times of uncertainty and disruptions." Also read | Budget 2026: Sitharaman announces ‘Bio Pharma Shakti’ - India’s ambitious plan to dominate next-gen drugs Reform Express Sitharam stated that under the Modi government's 'reform express' push “over 350 reforms," including GST rationalisation, have been rolled out. She noted that “The reform express is well on its way and will maintain its momentum to help us fulfil our duties,” said Sitharaman, adding that since the NDA government assumed office 12 years ago, “the country's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation.” Also read | What's the story behind Nirmala Sitharaman’s iconic Budget Day saree for 2026? "Keeping Aatmanirbharta as a lodestar, we have built domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security and reduced critical import dependencies. Simultaneously, we have ensured that citizens benefit from every action of the Government, undertaking reforms to support employment generation, agricultural productivity, household purchasing power and universal services to people. These measures have delivered a high growth rate of around 7% and helped us make substantial strides in poverty reduction and improvement in the lives of our people," said Sitharaman. https://www.wionews.com/videos/union-budget-2026-focus-on-growth-people-s-aspirations-sabka-saath-sabka-vikas-1769926861323/embed Referring to global challenges, Sitharaman said India is facing an external environment in which trade and multilateralism are under strain. She emphasised that India will continue to take confident steps towards Viksit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion. "Today, we face an external environment in which trade and multilateralism are imperiled. And access to resources and supply chains are disrupted. New technologies are transforming production systems while sharply increasing demand on water, energy and critical minerals. India will continue to take confident steps towards Vikasit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion," said Sitharaman.

Budget 2026-27: FM Nirmala Sitharaman highlights Modi govt's reform express,' says 360 reforms including GST rationalisation rolled out

The speech, expected to begin at 11:00 AM, is notable as the first Budget scheduled on a Sunday. This marks Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive budget, a record for a Finance Minister.

The speech, expected to begin at 11:00 AM, is notable as the first Budget scheduled on a Sunday. This marks Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive budget, a record for a Finance Minister.

Budget 2026: How priorities have shifted since 2019 and why Nirmala Sitharaman’s record 9th budget matters

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Budget 2026-27: FM Nirmala Sitharaman highlights Modi govt's reform express,' says 360 reforms including GST rationalisation rolled out

Budget 2026: How priorities have shifted & why Sitharaman’s 9th budget matters