New Delhi, Feb. 4 -- Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran on Wednesday highlighted that India's Union Budget places manufacturing at the centre of the country's economic and strategic priorities, as it is critical for currency stability, export competitiveness and strategic leverage in a fragmented global environment.

"Manufacturing matters for currency strength, for lower cost of capital, and also in today's world, manufacturing has taken on a strategic dimension," Nageswaran said while addressing the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (PHDCCI) post-Budget session.

On manufacturing, Nageswaran highlighted support for semiconductors under ISM 2.0, electronic component manufacturing, aircraft components, revival of old i...