business

On this special broadcast of the Business Today show on India Today, Shweta Singh and Rajdeep Sardesai analyze the expectations and political symbolism surrounding the Union Budget 2026. Shweta Singh highlights the significance of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s attire, noting, 'She's wearing a hand-woven Kanjiwaram saree, sending a message to Tamil Nadu.' The discussion delves into the shift from 'Dream Budgets' to a long-term vision for 'Vixit Bharat 2047'. Rajdeep Sardesai questions the translation of intent into ground-level action, particularly regarding deregulation and the fiscal health of states. Guest Shankar Iyer critiques the slow pace of labor reforms and the persistent 'Tax Inspector Raj' affecting MSMEs. The panel also examines the 16th Finance Commission's role in addressing the North-South divide and the impact of upcoming state elections on fiscal policy. The programme concludes with observations on how the government’s 'reform express' faces challenges in sectors like power and ease of doing business despite a decade of intent.

On this special broadcast, Rajdeep Sardesai discusses the historic significance of the Union Budget 2026 as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth consecutive budget, surpassing Morarji Desai's consecutive record. Sardesai notes that this occurs 'at a time of uncertainty and global headwinds.' Business Today TV Head Siddharth Zarabi joins the discussion, highlighting a potential 'fundamental change' in the budget's structure, specifically regarding Part B, which may shift toward a long-term vision for 'Viksit Bharat' rather than just taxation changes. The panel, including Shailender Bhatnagar and Abha Bakaya, analyzes market expectations amid lackluster trade and global political shifts. The program also announces the National Stock Exchange as the new prime sponsor for the network's market shows. The discussion focuses on whether the government will provide a 'major reform push' to incentivize private CAPEX and boost consumption to maintain India's robust growth trajectory in a challenging global environment.

On this broadcast, economist Sanchita Mukherjee analyses the expectations and strategic direction of the Union Budget. Mukherjee highlights the importance of fiscal consolidation and execution, stating, 'The tiger lies low, not in fear. The tiger lies low when it's taking in .' She emphasizes that while India's macroeconomic parameters remain pristine, the challenge lies in attracting FDI and translating education into productive skilling and job creation. The discussion covers the need for public-private partnerships to mitigate regulatory risks and the importance of simplifying execution to cut through red tape. Mukherjee also suggests enhancing agricultural productivity through credit guarantee schemes similar to the MSME sector and proposes aggressive asset and gold monetisation to fund urban infrastructure. The transcript further explores the role of women in the budget drafting team, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and DEA Secretary Anuradha Thakur, noting how female participation influences social sector allocations and household budget concerns.

In this exclusive interaction, Union Minister Piyush Goyal discusses the significance of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a 'defining moment in India's history.' He emphasizes that India now negotiates from a position of strength, backed by a robust economy projected to reach 30-35 trillion dollars. Goyal highlights how the deal safeguards sensitive sectors like agriculture while opening vast opportunities for Indian exports in engineering, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. He credits the successful negotiation to the leadership and empowerment provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Minister explains that the agreement, often referred to as the 'mother of all deals,' will transform India into a global manufacturing hub and provide consumers with cheaper access to high-tech products and life-saving drugs. The dialogue underscores the strategic importance of the partnership with the 27-nation bloc, noting that it reflects nearly one-third of global trade and offers a win-win scenario for both India and the European Union.

On this Special Report, host Siddharth Zarabi leads a high-level panel discussion following the tabling of the Economic Survey in Parliament. Joined by top economists including Sajid Chinoy and Sonal Verma, Zarabi explores the 'Reform Express' roadmap mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussion highlights critical macroeconomic indicators, with Zarabi noting that the survey provides 'clues into the mind of what finance ministry mandarins are thinking' ahead of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s upcoming budget presentation. The panel analyzes India's 7% GDP growth projection, the challenges of a hostile global trade environment, and the strategic debate over rupee depreciation as a shock absorber. Experts also discuss the impact of Chinese excess capacity on domestic manufacturing and the necessity of rationalizing customs duties to boost export competitiveness. The programme concludes with expectations for fiscal prudence and a strong narrative on AI-driven digital infrastructure to sustain India's current economic momentum.

Ahead of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth Union Budget, this News Today special edition brings together leading economists to discuss India’s economic priorities amid global uncertainty.

This India Today Special Report, hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai, features a pre-budget roundtable ahead of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth consecutive Union Budget. The panel, including economists Neelkanth Mishra and JP Morgan’s Sajid Chinoy, analyzes the 2026 Union Budget challenges amidst global headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty. Key discussion points include fiscal consolidation, job creation, and the necessity of private investment to drive long-term economic growth. Sajid Chinoy advocates for strategic trade shifts, suggesting the easing of Press Note 3 to attract Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for local job creation and technology transfer. The experts debate India's potential entry into the CPTPP and the impact of rupee volatility on macroeconomic stability. The program examines the balance between fiscal discipline and structural reforms required to boost labor incomes. This comprehensive analysis explores how global financial instability and fragmented trade environments influence India's growth trajectory as the nation approaches its demographic peak in 2047, emphasizing the urgency of a fast-paced reform agenda.

This India Today special report features a pre-budget roundtable hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai, focusing on the Union Budget 2026 and the challenges facing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Top economists, including Neelkanth Mishra, Sajid Chinoy, and Naina Lal Kidwai, analyze India's strategy amidst global geopolitical shifts and the 'fog of uncertainty.' Key discussion points include the 4.4% fiscal deficit target, the impact of 'Operation Sindoor' on defense spending, and the necessity of structural reforms to boost manufacturing. Experts deliberate on easing Press Note 3 to attract Chinese FDI, the role of the 16th Finance Commission, and tax clarity for Global Capability Centres. The panel provides a GDP growth forecast for FY27 between 6.5% and 7%, emphasizing the urgency of micro-reforms in urban infrastructure and agriculture. The report highlights the tension between fiscal consolidation and the need for private investment to jumpstart the economy, exploring trade relations with ASEAN and the importance of export-led growth in a fragmented global order.

On this India Today special report, the panel discusses critical expectations for the upcoming Union Budget and the necessity of structural reforms. Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairperson of Rothschild & Co India, emphasizes the need for tax clarity, stating, 'the way our tax regimes are very complicated muddy the works and it's going to be very critical to have a principle by which we can actually set these frameworks in advance.' She highlights the challenges faced by Global Capability Centres (GCCs) regarding transfer pricing and ESOPs. Neelesh Surana, CIO of Mirae Asset Investment Managers, proposes an 'Ease of Doing Business Commission' to assist entrepreneurs with compliance. Neelkanth Mishra, Chief Economist at Axis Bank, addresses the fiscal indiscipline in states and the pivotal role of the 16th Finance Commission in creating incentives for capital expenditure. The discussion underscores the importance of urban governance, skilling, and the federal dynamics between central and state finances in driving India's long-term economic growth.

On this India Today special report, Rajdeep Sardesai hosts a panel of economic experts to discuss the upcoming Union Budget 2026 and necessary structural reforms. The discussion features Neelkanth Mishra, Sajid Chinoy, Pranjal Sharma, and Soumya Kanti Ghosh. A key point raised during the session was: 'The specific reform has to be to clean up the customs duty part.' The experts highlight that while fiscal consolidation is largely complete, the focus must shift to jumpstarting private investment and improving the 'speed of doing business.' The panel explores the necessity of integrating with Asian supply chains, potentially easing Press Note 3 to attract Chinese FDI, and addressing the volatility of the Indian rupee. Further suggestions include an omnibus credit guarantee scheme for the agricultural sector and property card schemes for urban households to streamline land reforms. The programme provides a comprehensive look at the macroeconomic challenges and the 'test match' approach required for sustainable Indian growth.

On this news report, Naga Arjun provides details regarding the death of CJ Roy, the Chairman of the Bengaluru-based Confident Group. The real estate businessman allegedly died by suicide at his residence following searches conducted by Income Tax officials at his Richmond Road offices. Naga Arjun reports that 'The cops have rushed to the spot. They found bullet wounds on the chest and he was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead.' The raids were reportedly linked to suspected assets disproportionate to known sources of income. CJ Roy was a prominent figure in Bengaluru’s real estate sector and a well-known sponsor of Kannada cultural events. While the police are yet to recover a suicide note, they are currently recording statements from employees and officials present at the scene. The investigation into the exact circumstances of the death is ongoing as authorities await further forensic details.

Expert cautioned that while India is benefiting from cyclical tailwinds such as tax cuts, lower inflation and easing interest rates, global risks remain high.

On this Special Report, host Siddharth Zarabi leads a panel of top economists to decode the Economic Survey 2026-27 tabled in Parliament. Joining the discussion are Sajid Chinoy of JP Morgan, Sonal Verma of Nomura, Anubhuti Sahay of Standard Chartered, and Tanvi Gupta Jain of UBS Securities. The panel analyzes the 'reform, perform and transform' mantra mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Siddharth Zarabi notes that the survey 'contains a lot of nuggets of information and data that gives us some clues into the mind of what finance ministry mandarins are thinking' regarding the upcoming budget. The experts discuss India's 7% GDP growth projection, the necessity of rupee depreciation as a shock absorber against global volatility, and the impact of Chinese excess capacity on domestic manufacturing. The conversation also covers fiscal consolidation targets, the surge in gold imports, and the urgent need for rationalising customs duties and enhancing the speed of doing business to maintain India's economic momentum.

In this exclusive interview with India Today Global, Minister Hodgson discusses the evolving geopolitical landscape and the strengthening of India-Canada relations. Addressing concerns over American trade pressure, the Minister asserts that 'Canada honors its trade agreements' and emphasizes the importance of market diversification. Hodgson highlights that Canada is looking at increased engagement with India and China to reduce singular exposure, comparing it to a business owner seeking multiple customers. The discussion also covers global energy security, where Hodgson positions Canada as a stable and secure alternative supplier for India, bypassing volatile regions like the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, the Minister reaffirms Canada's commitment to national sovereignty and the principle that borders cannot be changed by force, as established in international charters. The programme explores how Canada is navigating unilateral tariff coercion and the shift away from multilateralism while seeking deeper economic integration with India to ensure mutual growth and stability in a changing world order.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the 'Mood of the Nation' poll results regarding the state of the Indian economy. The Unidentified speaker notes that the findings are critical as they assess 'How do people perceive the Modi government's handling of the economy at a critical time just ahead of the budget?' The discussion features a panel of experts including Raj Chingappa of India Today, Yashwant Deshmukh of C Voter, and Siddharth Zarabi of Business Today TV. Political perspectives are provided by Salman Soz of the Congress and Dr. Syed Zafar Islam of the BJP. The programme examines how the public is responding to domestic and global economic challenges. The poll findings are particularly significant given the proximity to the upcoming budget announcement. The panel aims to provide a comprehensive sense of the national sentiment during what has been described as a difficult period for economic management both at home and abroad.

On this Special Report, Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran discusses the drivers behind India's recent economic reforms ahead of the Union Budget. Addressing the impact of global shifts, he states, 'I would not necessarily attribute the reformed dynamism to the geopolitical situation, although, doubtless, it would have played its part.' Nageswaran clarifies that key policy shifts, including the opening of the nuclear power sector to foreign and private investors, the liberalisation of the insurance sector, and the implementation of the labor code, were in development long before current geopolitical uncertainties arose. He emphasizes that while global factors are a consideration in India's policy calculus, the momentum for these structural changes was already established. The conversation provides a glimpse into the government's long-term economic strategy and what to expect as the nation counts down to the big budget day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the landmark Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union at the India–EU Business Forum, highlighting what he called an “unprecedented alignment” between the two democratic partners.

This edition of The News Today with Rajdeep Sardesai focuses on the landmark free trade agreement between India and the European Union. Finalised after nearly two decades of negotiations, the pact seeks to open up a combined market of two billion people by cutting import duties on key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and textiles.

Business Today Group Editor Siddharth Zarabi joined Gaurav Sawant to analyse the landmark India–European Union trade agreement, calling it a “momentous development” comparable in significance to India’s 1991 economic reforms.

This special report examines the intense political and social backlash following the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new draft regulations aimed at tackling caste-based discrimination in Indian universities. Mohandas Pai, Chairman of Aarin Capital, characterizes the framework as draconian and anti-constitutional, while Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defends the proposed equal opportunity centres, equity squads, and 24-hour helplines. Senior journalist Neerja Chowdhury analyzes the political implications for the BJP, drawing parallels to the 1990 Mandal Commission protests. The discussion features conflicting perspectives on whether these norms foster inclusion or deepen social fault lines. Additionally, the programme covers the historic trade agreement between India and the European Union. Experts evaluate this pact as a significant economic development since 1991, impacting the textile, automobile, and pharmaceutical sectors. The report explores market access for Indian consumers and the strategic diplomatic signals sent to global powers like the United States and China following the New Delhi summit, highlighting the economic ramifications of this international partnership.