Ahead of the Budget Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that, for the first time in his 10-year tenure, there has been no foreign interference attempting to cast doubt on the budget.

“Today, you must have noticed one thing—perhaps since 2014, this is the first session of Parliament in which there has been no foreign interference a day or two before the Budget Session,” PM Modi said in his address at the start of the session.

“I have been observing for 10 years, since 2014, that before every session, people would be ready to create mischief, and there has never been a shortage of those willing to fan it. This is the first session in 10 years where I have not seen a spark from any foreign corner,” he added.

The Budget Session begins today, January 31, and will run until April 4 in two phases. The Economic Survey will be tabled in both Houses today. The first phase will conclude on February 13, with the second beginning on March 10.

The Budget presentation date was shifted to February 1 in 2017 to ensure parliamentary approval by the end of March, allowing implementation from April 1, the start of the fiscal year. Previously, presenting the Budget on February 29 delayed implementation until May or June due to the approval process.

During his remarks, Modi also hinted at a probable focus on women's empowerment in the Budget.

“In the third term, we are moving ahead in mission mode towards the all-round development of the country—whether geographically, socially, or economically. In particular, to restore the pride of Nari Shakti, to ensure that every woman leads a dignified life without discrimination based on caste or creed, and to guarantee equal rights, several important decisions will be taken in this session,” he said.

With a focus on reform, perform, and transform, Modi said the Budget will prioritise innovation, inclusion, and investment to drive economic growth.

“When we aim for rapid development, the greatest emphasis is on reform. The state and central governments must perform together, and we will witness transformation through public participation,” he added.