Pradeep Gupta, Executive Director and India head of Investments, @Lighthouse Canton shares his expert views on India's latest budget and how it showcases a strategic blend of fiscal prudence and growth-oriented policies. The Government's clear top-down policy making approach on nine priority areas will drive consistent resource allocation. With a revised fiscal deficit target of 4.9%, India continues its commendable track record of financial discipline. The budget also positively addressed critical areas such as rural recovery and boosting consumption through agricultural packages and tax reliefs. The continued focus on investment in capex, manufacturing, infrastructure, housing, and defense, signals long-term growth. Measures to attract FDI and the abolition of the Angel Tax are positive steps for startups and capital inflow. Despite market reactions to Securities Transaction Tax and Capital Gains changes, the budget is seen as targeted and strategic, promoting parity and simplifying the regime.

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