At a time when the global environment is being shaped by intense trade disputes and geopolitical conflicts, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented a Budget that stood out for its simplicity and clarity, with a clear emphasis on reinforcing India’s macroeconomic stability and shielding the economy from external risks. The Budget introduces several practical measures intended to maintain economic momentum, broaden the drivers of growth, and enhance India’s appeal as an investment hub. Right at the outset, the Finance Minister described the Budget as part of a broader long-term roadmap, calling it “a visionary budget with strong foundations in a stable economy.” The speech also subtly acknowledged the challenge of generating direct employment opportunities for the country’s vast youth population. It recognised that both the government and the organised sector face limitations in creating jobs at the required scale.