On February 1, 2026, at 11:15 AM IST, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a Union Budget focused on scaling up manufacturing in seven strategic sectors, rejuvenating legacy industries, boosting infrastructure, and positioning India as a global pharma hub. Key allocations include ₹100 billion for biopharma and ₹400 billion for semiconductors.
Key Highlights:
Strategic manufacturing boost: The Budget proposes scaling up production in seven strategic sectors, including electronics, defense, renewable energy, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and automotive. This initiative aims to reduce import dependence, strengthen domestic supply chains, and enhance India’s global competitiveness.
Reviving legacy industries: Alongside new-age sectors, the government announced plans to rejuvenate traditional industries such as textiles, steel, and chemicals. The focus is on modernization, sustainability, and integrating advanced technologies to ensure these sectors remain globally relevant.
Infrastructure push: A significant portion of the Budget is dedicated to infrastructure development, with emphasis on transport corridors, logistics hubs, and smart city projects. The creation of city-economic regions is expected to drive regional growth, attract investments, and generate employment.
Pharma and biopharma focus: India is set to be developed as a global pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, with a dedicated allocation of ₹100 billion over five years for the biopharma sector. This funding will support R&D, clinical trials, and advanced manufacturing facilities, strengthening India’s position in global healthcare supply chains.
Semiconductor mission expansion: Recognizing the critical role of chips in modern technology, the Budget increases the outlay for the Semiconductor Mission to ₹400 billion, aimed at building fabrication units, design centers, and talent pipelines. This is expected to reduce reliance on imports and secure India’s place in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
Regulatory strengthening: The government also proposed measures to strengthen the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), ensuring stricter quality standards, faster approvals, and better regulatory oversight for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Long-term stability: The Budget emphasizes security and stability, with policies designed to balance growth with resilience. This includes measures for energy security, supply chain diversification, and sustainable industrial practices.
Investor sentiment: Early market reactions at 11:15 AM IST showed cautious optimism, with Nifty 50 trading up 0.25% and pharma stocks gaining momentum. Analysts believe the Budget’s focus on manufacturing and infrastructure could provide a long-term growth trajectory for India’s economy.
Global positioning: By prioritizing semiconductors, pharma, and infrastructure, India aims to position itself as a global manufacturing powerhouse, capable of competing with established economies while meeting domestic demand.
Why It Matters
This Budget marks a transformational shift in India’s economic strategy balancing modernization of legacy industries with aggressive investment in future-ready sectors. With large allocations for semiconductors and biopharma, and a push for infrastructure and city-economic regions, India is laying the foundation for sustainable growth and global leadership.
Key takeaway: The Union Budget 2026-27 is not just about numbers, it’s a roadmap to make India a manufacturing, pharma, and technology hub, ensuring long-term stability and global competitiveness.
Sources: Economic Times Budget Live, Business Standard, Moneycontrol, Bloomberg India, Press Information Bureau (PIB)
