India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a significant tax holiday for foreign companies establishing data centers in India until 2047. This move aims to attract global investment and boost economic growth. The budget also focuses on fiscal consolidation and increased government spending on infrastructure. However, proposed changes to stock transaction tax and buyback taxation have raised concerns among investors.
The budget simplifies tax collection with revised Tax Collected at Source (TCS) rates, significantly benefiting overseas travelers, students, and those seeking medical treatment abroad. Changes include a reduced 2% TCS on education, medical, and tour packages under 10 lakh, easing upfront costs.
The budget simplifies tax collection with revised Tax Collected at Source (TCS) rates, significantly benefiting overseas travelers, students, and those seeking medical treatment abroad. Changes include a reduced 2% TCS on education, medical, and tour packages under 10 lakh, easing upfront costs.
A new partial credit guarantee fund will support private developers. This will help lenders by reducing risks. Investments will flow into long-gestation and urban infrastructure projects. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated the fund aims to boost private sector confidence. This initiative will lower capital costs, making public services more affordable.
Government borrowing is increasingly financing capital expenditure, boosting economic growth potential as effective capital spending surpasses the fiscal deficit. Conservative tax revenue growth, alongside non-tax receipts and asset sales, provides a cushion. While revenue spending is managed, a slight increase in the budget size is observed, with a focus on easing the debt burden towards targets.
India's Union Budget 2026-27 introduces a comprehensive customs overhaul, featuring duty relief for manufacturing and exports, and a single digital window for faster clearances. Measures aim to boost competitiveness in sectors like textiles and footwear, while rationalizing duties on strategic imports to enhance market access with the US.
India is significantly boosting its weather forecasting. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has allocated Rs 1,342 crore for Mission Mausam. This ambitious initiative will use advanced technologies and computing to improve weather monitoring and prediction. The Ministry of Earth Sciences receives a total of Rs 3,789.23 crore. The Deep Ocean Mission also receives funding for exploration and technology development.
The Union Budget 2026-27 earmarks over Rs 1471 crore for upgrading forensic capabilities. Funds will boost safety of women initiatives, modernize Central Forensic Science Laboratories, and establish a National Forensic Data Centre. The Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System receives Rs 550 crore for seamless data sharing. Criminology and Forensic Science sees a significant hike, supporting R&D and regional labs.
