NSE MD & CEO Welcomes Union Budget 2026–27, Highlights Fiscal Prudence and Market Reforms

NSE MD & CEO Welcomes Union Budget 2026–27, Highlights Fiscal Prudence and Market Reforms

Bhubaneswar, India, Feb 06: The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, today welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, highlighting its balanced approach towards fiscal consolidation, infrastructure-led growth, deepening of financial markets, and strategic investments in future-ready sectors.

Commenting on the Budget, Shri Chauhan said,

“The Union Budget 2026–27—the first presented from Kartavya Bhavan and the ninth consecutive Budget by Hon’ble Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman—reinforces the message that strong economic growth and fiscal discipline can advance together.”

He noted that the Budget remains firmly on the fiscal consolidation path, with the fiscal deficit easing from 4.4% to 4.3% of GDP and debt-to-GDP declining from 56.1% to 55.6%, keeping India aligned with its medium-term target of 50% ±1% by FY31. According to him, this sends a strong signal of macro-economic stability and policy credibility to investors and global markets.

Infrastructure continues to be the central growth driver, with public capital expenditure rising by about 12% to ₹12.2 lakh crore, aimed at crowding in private investment, boosting productivity, and reducing logistics costs.

Shri Chauhan also welcomed measures to deepen financial markets, including calibrated increases in securities transaction tax (STT) on derivatives to curb excessive speculation, monetisation of PSU assets through REITs, the introduction of bond index derivatives, and a stronger market-making framework for corporate bonds. He added that the extension of the income tax exemption window for GIFT City from 10 to 20 years would enhance its attractiveness for foreign portfolio investors.

Urban finance received renewed emphasis through a push for municipal bonds, while regulatory reforms in foreign exchange and capital markets are expected to improve ease of doing business and strengthen India’s global financial integration. Allowing NRIs direct portfolio access to Indian equities, he noted, would help tap long-term diaspora capital.

Highlighting the forward-looking nature of the Budget, Shri Chauhan said it prioritises strategic sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, bio-pharma, rare earths, tourism, and textiles, which are critical for driving innovation, exports, and high-quality employment.

“Overall, Union Budget 2026–27 combines fiscal prudence, infrastructure-led growth, market deepening, and future-ready reforms—laying a strong foundation for India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) is India’s leading stock exchange, operating a modern, fully automated trading platform with nationwide reach and playing a pivotal role in the development of the country’s capital markets.