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Congress Hopes Budget Boosts Economy, Eyes EU Trade Deal Impact

Congress leader Tariq Anwar expressed hope that the upcoming Union Budget would serve the public interest and improve the national economy. The Budget Session of Parliament commences with an address by President Droupadi Murmu, followed by the presentation of the Economic Survey and the Union Budget. Anwar also commented on the newly signed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, stating it would be beneficial if it increases trade and investment. The FTA involves significant tariff reductions on exports and imports between India and the EU.

Key Points: Congress on Budget & EU Trade Deal | Economic Survey Ahead

  • Budget Session begins with President's address
  • Economic Survey due January 29
  • Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1
  • India-EU FTA aims to boost trade and investment
2 min read

"We hope Budget is in public interest and improves our economy": Congress' Tariq Anwar

Congress leader Tariq Anwar hopes the Union Budget is in public interest. Session begins with President's address, followed by Economic Survey and Budget.

"We hope the Budget is in the public interest and improves our economy - Tariq Anwar"

New Delhi, January 28

Ahead of the Budget Session set to commence today, Congress leader Tariq Anwar on Wednesday expressed hope that the Union Budget would be in the public interest and would improve the country's economy.

Anwar said that the functioning of the Budget Session will depend on what kind of budget the Union Government unveils on February 1.

"A lot will depend on what kind of Budget is presented by the Govt. We hope the Budget is in the public interest and improves our economy," he said.

The Budget Session of Parliament will commence today with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint sitting of the two Houses.

The Economic Survey of India is scheduled to be presented on January 29th, followed by the Union Budget 2026-27, to be presented on February 1st.

The session will span 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments.

Tariq Anwar further said that the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would be beneficial if India's trade increases and investment grows.

"From America, he (Prime Minister Modi) has now reached Europe; it's difficult to say what will happen next. But we still believe that if our trade increases and investment grows, it will lead to more employment and investment in our country. If this is successful, it will be good for our country's economy," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa unveiled the pact during a joint press briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday, where PM Modi said India-EU cooperation would help stabilise a turbulent global order.

Under the agreement, the EU will remove tariffs on 99.5 per cent of Indian exports, with most duties dropping to zero once the pact comes into force, while India will provide tariff concessions on 97.5 per cent of traded value. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic signed the joint announcement in the presence of the leaders.

As part of the agreement, India will revoke tariffs on all EU chemical products, while duties will be abolished on 90 per cent of optical, medical and surgical equipment.

The agreement comes amid fresh tariff pressures on both India and Europe from the Donald Trump-led US administration.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The EU FTA sounds promising for our exports! More jobs in manufacturing and IT could be a big boost. But the budget must ensure the benefits reach small businesses and farmers, not just big corporates.
A
Arjun K
While the opposition's hope for a public-interest budget is valid, one must acknowledge the current government's focus on infrastructure. The new expressways and metros are visible progress. The budget should continue that, but with more transparency in spending.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the med-tech sector, the tariff removal on 90% of medical equipment in the EU deal is huge! This could make advanced healthcare more affordable in India. A forward-thinking move.
V
Vikram M
All talk. Every year it's the same "hope". We need concrete action on unemployment and controlling inflation. The Economic Survey needs to show real data, not just positive projections.
K
Karthik V
Good that the session is long. Allows proper debate. Hope MPs actually discuss the budget clause by clause instead of the usual disruptions. The FTA is a strategic win, especially with the US applying pressure.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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