India, Feb. 1 -- While acknowledging the impact of global headwinds on economic growth, finance minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman laid emphasis on the fact that India remains one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The FY26 Union Budget shows the government is now aiming to accelerate growth by catalysing private-sector investments and strengthening the middle class. The budget's stated focus is on key population segments - the poor, youth, farmers, and women - and three sectors (agriculture, MSMEs, and exports) that have been dubbed the primary drivers of India's economic expansion.

The government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana to boost agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, and imp...