Union Budget 2025: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has started her Budget speech on Saturday morning amid protest slogans from the Opposition. The budget speech is expected to unveil crucial fiscal policies, taxation reforms and government expenditure plans.

Nirmala Sitharaman began her speech by saying, “Our economy is the fastest growing economy among all major economies. Our development track record for the past 10 years and structural reforms have drawn global attention.”

President Droupadi Murmu fed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman the customary ‘dahi-cheeni’ (curd and sugar) ahead of her Budget presentation today.

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Ahead of the Budget presentation, union cabinet meeting took place in the Parliament. The cabinet has now approved Union Budget 2025-26.

Economic survey 2025

Ahead of the budget, the Economic Survey that was tabled in Parliament on Friday projected India’s economy to grow between 6.3% and 6.8% in the financial year 2025-26. The survey highlighted the nation’s strong economic fundamentals, backed by a stable external account, fiscal consolidation and steady private consumption.

In a bid to boost long-term industrial growth, the government is set to focus on research and development (R&D), micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and capital goods. These initiatives aim to drive productivity, innovation and global competitiveness across key sectors.

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Food inflation is expected to ease in Q4 FY25, thanks to the seasonal decline in vegetable prices and the arrival of the Kharif harvest. Additionally, strong Rabi production is likely to help keep food prices in check in the first half of FY26. However, inflation risks remain due to unpredictable weather patterns and rising global agricultural prices.

With key economic indicators in focus, all eyes are on Sitharaman’s budget speech, which is expected to set the course for the upcoming fiscal year.