New Delhi, February 1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time. Earlier on Sunday, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval to the Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her budget speech, "The government will continue to take strong steps towards a 'developed India.' India will remain deeply integrated with the global market. I would like to begin Part A by expressing my gratitude to the citizens of this country who have made it one of the largest economies in the world."

Sitharaman said, "We have ensured that farmers, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, youth, women, and the poor continue to benefit. This is a youth-driven budget. Our government's commitment is to focus on the poor and the marginalized."

He said that this budget was prepared in the Kartavya Bhavan. The first duty is to promote economic growth in a sustainable manner. The second duty is to fulfill people's aspirations. The third duty is to ensure that everyone has equal access to resources, facilities, and opportunities.

Earlier, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with President Draupadi Murmu on Sunday before presenting her record ninth budget in the Lok Sabha. As is customary, the Finance Minister met with the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan before proceeding to Parliament. President Murmu offered Sitharaman yogurt and sugar. She congratulated the Finance Minister on her budget.