Opinion

Pause and reflect: Why February may not be the time for rate cuts

With FY25-26 CPI inflation likely to average at 2.1 per cent Year-on-Year and FY26-27 CPI inflation to still average below the 4.0 per cent target, the question of 'space' is still easy to answer

Balancing between trade and politics in the evolving India-US equation

The new India-US reciprocal tariff deal offers relief and predictability, but ties market access to strategic concessions, reshaping how bilateral trade will be negotiated

State power discom profits hide a deeper and unresolved fiscal problem

After a decade of losses, the state discoms reported profits of about ₹2,700 crore in 2024-25, a turnaround from the losses of over ₹25,000 crore the previous year

Lower US tariffs help India, but diversification remains essential

US tariff relief lifts markets and sentiment, but India must use the trade deal to deepen reforms, attract capital flows and diversify exports

Patience over retaliation: India's long game with Trump has paid off

India and the US have entered a new phase in their relationship, marked by greater parity

India's trade breakthroughs must shift focus now to execution and reform

The 'mother of all trade deals', the Indo-US thaw, and a sensible Budget signal the beginning of the implementation phase

Budget 2026: Govt should have a clear road map for disinvestment target

Even for 2025-26, miscellaneous capital receipts were budgeted at ₹47,000 crore, but were later revised down

Devolution for growth: 16th FC rejigs inter-state formula with care

State governments have long argued that their space for policy experimentation and autonomy has been shrinking

Best of BS Opinion: From fiscal transfers to a world without rules

Here are the best of Business Standard's opinion pieces for today

A world remade by rivalry: Each country must chart its own future

As the rules-based order fractures, geopolitics, minerals and energy rivalries are reshaping climate action, trade, and the future of global cooperation

Transfer design and emerging outcomes of the 16th Finance Commission

The Sixteenth Finance Commission's transfer framework raises questions on equity and fiscal equalisation as rigid tax devolution and limited grants reshape Centre-state finances

Exim Matters: Trade deals help but competitiveness delivers export growth

As India courts global trade deals like the EU pact, the Economic Survey flags competitiveness-not protection-as the real key to sustainable export growth

Budget 2026: 16th FC avoids rocking the boat, but rewards GDP contributors

The Union Budget for 2026-27 has also placed a clear bet on urbanisation as an engine of growth

Best of BS Opinion: What FM Sitharaman's much awaited Budget 2026 revealed

Here are the best of Business Standard's opinion pieces for today

Budget 2026: Cautious & prudent, yet focusing on the long-term journey

Economic Survey and Budget 2026 chart a fiscally prudent, future-ready roadmap, betting on infrastructure, manufacturing and resilience amid global uncertainty

Budget 2026: Confident yet anxious amid global and domestic uncertainty

The Budget has indeed woken up the sleeping markets, just not the way the government's fans would have expected

Pharma leap: Volume to value-based growth as India targets $500-bn industry

The Budget recognises that innovation must translate into tangible benefits for patients

A Budget for uncertain times: Modest fiscal path, services-led growth

FM goes for modest fiscal consolidation, while focusing on services and state capex for growth

Budget 2026 reflects a maturing economy with focus on long-term growth

Budget 2026 prioritises fiscal prudence and structural reforms, betting on manufacturing, technology and exports to build a Viksit Bharat by 2047

Budget 2026-27: Inside the fiscal consolidation numbers and open questions

The Budget has largely eschewed political populism, even as several states are to go for Assembly elections in the coming months