Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri painted an optimistic picture of India’s economic trajectory during a Dehradun press briefing on the 2026-27 Union Budget. He portrayed it as emblematic of the confidence and maturity in an economy reshaped since 2014.
The budget masterfully equilibrates growth impulses with fiscal restraint, chronicling India’s rise from ‘Fragile Five’ fragility to fourth-global-economy stature and trusted growth engine worldwide. Puri called it forward-looking, anchored in decade-long foundations, readying India for leadership leaps.
FY2026’s 7.4% GDP projection, propelled by consumption and capex, outstrips global 3% norms, affirming India’s fourth-year reign as top major-economy grower.
On inflation, Puri celebrated 2025’s 1.8% plunge—the sharpest among peers—with April-December averages at 1.7%, aided by cheap veggies and pulses. India’s rates remain enviably low versus global benchmarks.
Capex tells a transformation tale: ₹12.2 lakh crore for 2026-27, up 430% from 2013-14. Highways: 500% hike; defense: 210%+; health: 176%; education: 110%+. Infrastructure’s ROI shines—₹1 on highways multiplies to ₹3.2 GDP gain.
Puri concluded that such investments have turbocharged development, with the budget reinforcing India’s self-assured economic narrative amid worldwide headwinds.