New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- Presenting herninth consecutive Union Budget, Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, Government of India, framed Budget 2026 as a continuation of reform-led governance, declaring that the government has chosen "reforms over rhetoric" as it pushes to sustain growth momentum.

Calling the reform journey a moving train rather than a destination, Sitharaman told Parliament that the "Reform Express" is on its way, signalling continuity rather than disruption in policy direction at a time of global economic volatility.

"Our Kartavya is to ensure every family, community, and sector has access to resources, amenities, and opportunities," she said during her budget speech.

Budget 2026 marked another first in the process, with...