Ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a pre-Budget meeting with leading economists and policy experts to discuss key priorities for India’s economic growth. The consultation focused on tax incentives, data centre development, and export policy reforms, which are expected to play a significant role in the upcoming budget.

During the interaction, economists recommended targeted tax incentives to boost investment, consumption, and savings. Simplification of the tax structure and measures to encourage voluntary compliance were highlighted as critical steps to improve ease of doing business and support long-term economic stability.

A major highlight of the discussion was the push for expanding data centres in India. With rapid digitalisation, growing cloud adoption, and rising data consumption, experts stressed the need for supportive policies, infrastructure status, and stable taxation to position India as a global data centre hub. Investment in digital infrastructure is expected to strengthen India’s technology ecosystem and attract foreign capital.

Economists also underscored the importance of export policy reforms and export diversification. Expanding exports beyond traditional markets and products, particularly in high-value manufacturing, technology services, and emerging sectors, was seen as vital to improving India’s global competitiveness and reducing external vulnerabilities.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised mission-mode reforms and a consultative approach to policymaking, aligning fiscal priorities with India’s long-term growth vision. The outcomes of the pre-Budget meeting are expected to influence policy announcements in the Union Budget 2026, with a focus on investment-led growth, digital infrastructure, and export expansion.