Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman convened the 11th pre-budget consultation on Friday in New Delhi with key experts from the infrastructure and energy sectors to gather vital inputs for the Union Budget 2026-27. The meeting was attended by senior industry representatives including S Paramasivan (Afcons MD), Manish Tripathi (Shapoorji Pallonji Infrastructure Capital Director), K Narayanarao (GMR Group Deputy MD), Sandeep Wadhwa (JM BAXI Group Director), and Jagan Shah (Infravision Foundation CEO). Senior government officials such as Secretaries from the Ministries of Power, Shipping, Road Transport, the Railway Board Chairman, and the Chief Economic Adviser were also present.

The upcoming Budget comes amidst geopolitical uncertainties and a steep 50% US tariff imposed on goods imported from India. Minister Sitharaman is tasked with navigating these challenges while fostering sustained economic growth. The government currently projects India’s GDP growth for the ongoing financial year at 6.3 to 6.8%, with aspirations to surpass 8% growth in FY27 through enhanced demand and job creation.

During the meeting, industry leaders outlined key priorities including greater capital allocation, easier financing mechanisms, regulatory reforms, and increased support for green technologies such as solar power and clean energy manufacturing. Experts urged the expansion of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to reduce dependency on imports and accelerate domestic manufacturing capacity in renewable sectors.

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The finance minister’s consultations form part of a broader series of pre-budget discussions held over recent weeks covering agriculture, MSMEs, capital markets, manufacturing, and technology sectors. These comprehensive sessions aim to shape a progressive budget that balances short-term economic recovery with long-term structural growth.

Sitharaman is expected to present the Union Budget on February 1, 2026, with a focus on leveraging infrastructure development and energy transition to catalyse India’s emergence as a robust global economic power despite external headwinds.

Also Read: Nirmala Sitharaman Begins Pre-Budget Consultations for Union Budget 2026-27 with Economists