The Union Budget 2026–27 arrives at a time when India is navigating a complex economic landscape shaped by global uncertainty, technological disruption and rising social aspirations. Presented as a “Yuva Shakti–driven” Budget, it seeks to strike a balance between sustaining growth, deepening inclusion and preparing the economy for future challenges. While not overtly populist, the Budget attempts to consolidate earlier reforms and extend their impact across regions and sectors. A notable feature of the Budget is its continued emphasis on infrastructure-led growth. Proposals for high-speed rail corridors, expansion of national waterways and new freight corridors underline the government’s belief that connectivity remains the backbone of economic expansion. These measures, if implemented efficiently, can reduce logistics costs, improve competitiveness and create large-scale employment. For regions like Jammu and Kashmir and other hill states, the focus on sustainable transport and tourism infrastructure offers an opportunity to integrate local economies with national growth while preserving ecological balance. The Budget’s tilt towards high-value agriculture marks another strategic shift. By promoting crops such as almonds, walnuts and pine nuts in hilly regions, the government acknowledges the need to move beyond subsistence farming and traditional staples. However, the absence of clear financial outlays and timelines raises questions about execution. Without adequate investment in post-harvest infrastructure, market access and farmer training, these initiatives risk remaining well-intentioned announcements. Youth and employment form the thematic core of the Budget. Skill development, support for startups and measures to encourage entrepreneurship are framed as tools to harness India’s demographic dividend. The stress on deregulation, simplified compliance and labour reforms indicates an attempt to make the business environment more agile. Yet, translating policy intent into quality jobs remains the real test, especially in regions with limited industrial bases. Social inclusion continues to find space, with reaffirmed commitments towards the poor, women and disadvantaged sections. The Budget’s narrative of “Viksit Bharat” is anchored in the idea that growth must be broad-based. Still, critics may argue that direct relief measures for inflation-hit households are limited, leaving room for concerns among lower-income groups. Environment and sustainability emerge as subtle but important threads. Eco-friendly mountain trails, wildlife tourism routes and sustainable transport initiatives signal recognition of climate realities. Integrating conservation with livelihoods could become a defining feature of future budgets if backed by robust governance frameworks. Overall, the Union Budget 2026–27 is evolutionary rather than transformative. It builds on existing policies, reinforces long-term priorities and avoids fiscal adventurism. Its success will ultimately depend not on announcements, but on timely implementation, cooperative federalism and the ability to convert macro-level vision into tangible benefits for citizens on the ground.