PM Modi meets economists, sector experts ahead of Union Budget 2026-27, calls for mission-mode reforms across sectors

Union Budget 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met eminent economists and sectoral experts to seek their views on the upcoming Budget. During the key budget meet, he called for mission-mode reforms across diverse sectors.

The meeting began at 11 AM in the presence of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, other members of the Aayog, economists and sectoral experts.

Also read: Check out key economic insights ahead of Budget 2026


The prime minister stressed on the need for mission-mode reforms to build global capability and attain global integration.

PM Modi highlighted the core pillars for India’s journey toward 2047. He noted that the vision of a developed India by 2047 has transcended government policy to become a genuine mass aspiration. This shift is evident in the evolving patterns of education, consumption, and global mobility, necessitating enhanced institutional capacity and proactive infrastructure planning to meet the needs of an increasingly aspirational society, he said.

Economists' suggestions on Union Budget 2026

The economists shared strategic insights on enhancing productivity and competitiveness across the manufacturing and services sectors during the pre-budget meet.

The discussions between the government and stakeholders focused on accelerating structural transformation through increased household savings, robust infrastructure development, and the adoption of cutting-edge technology.

The group explored the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an enabler of cross-sectoral productivity and also discussed the continued scaling of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

Also read: Why the year 2026 can be a big deal for India’s economy

The participants noted that the unprecedented flurry of cross sectoral reforms in 2025, and their further consolidation in the coming year, will ensure that India continues to chart its path as one of the fastest growing global economies by strengthening its foundations and unlocking newer opportunities, the government said in a release.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to present the Union Budget for fiscal year2026-27 on February 1. It comes against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties and a steep 50% US tariff on shipments from India. The government aims to make India a global service giant with emphasis on healthcare, education, transport, tourism, professional services, AI, etc.