Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget had no surprises. But none should have been expected given the limitations under which the budget was presented. It tries to boost falling growth with measures intended to strengthen domestic and foreign investments. But Sitharaman offers little to fuel demand and arrest the slowing consumption.
Don’t panic over unchanged defence budget. Need is for long-term strategic thinking
There is some disappointment over the lack of significant increase in budget allocation for defence in the post-Balakot phase. But defence continues to get the largest share of India’s total budget. Defence spending should be driven by long-term strategic thinking rather than tactical measures like acquiring more tanks and aircraft.