New Delhi, Feb. 13 -- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday that the Union Budget 2025-26 aims to ensure inclusive development, with a focus on accelerating growth and boosting private sector investment.

Replying to the discussion on the Union Budget in the Rajya Sabha, Sitharaman said that the budget was prepared during a challenging time, with serious external challenges beyond estimates or forecasts.

"Despite this, we have tried to keep the assessment as accurate as possible, keeping India's interests paramount," she said.

She said the government has been strengthening cooperative federalism and working with transparency.

Sitharaman added that India's economy is projected to grow by 6.4 per cent in real terms a...