Budget to unveil quality and cost blueprint to gain export muscle

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. One of the key themes of India’s upcoming Union budget, the first after US tariffs rocked global trade last year, will be to de-risk the economy from prolonged headwinds by announcing reforms and incentives for manufacturers, small businesses and exporters, according to two persons familiar with discussions.

The 1 February announcements by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will focus on schemes enabling export diversification, market access and improving the quality of goods manufactured in India, said one of two people quoted above–both spoke on the condition of anonymity. The government is also finalizing policies to further integrate the Indian manufacturing sector with global supply chains, while reducing import dependence on commodities, select products and capital goods, said both people.Reforms and measures to improve the ease of doing business and bolster the industry's competitiveness will be another highlight, they said.

One of the key themes of India’s upcoming Union budget, the first after US tariffs rocked global trade last year, will be to de-risk the economy from prolonged headwinds by announcing reforms and incentives for manufacturers, small businesses and exporters, according to two persons familiar with discussions. The 1 February announcements by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will focus on schemes enabling export diversification, market access and improving the quality of goods manufactured in India, said one of two people quoted above–both spoke on the condition of anonymity.