India, Feb. 2 -- Delivering her 85-minute-long Budget 2026-27 speech on Sunday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not mention "telecom" for once, even though she placed digital infrastructure at the centre of India's investment-led growth strategy.

At first glance, the budget appears restrained on technology announcements. There is no single flagship telecom scheme, no dramatic artificial intelligence (AI) outlay, and no reform package for networks. However, a closer look reveals five important signals about how India plans to develop its digital, telecom, and computing backbone over the next decade.

Like the rest of the budget-focused on three kartavyas or key duties-the announcements for the technology and digital infrastructure...