India’s Budget Shields Economy Amid US Trade Pressures
India's latest budget reveals a defensive strategy against escalating US trade tensions, prioritizing economic resilience over stimulus. The Modi administration allocates targeted support for exporters hit by Trump-era tariffs while boosting infrastructure and defense spending by 18%—a clear nod to regional security concerns with China and Pakistan.
Market reaction turned negative as investors balked at a new equity transaction tax, overshadowing the budget's measured approach to debt containment. Analysts interpret the fiscal plan as insulation against global volatility rather than aggressive growth fuel.