Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, on February 7, 2026, said that Andhra Pradesh, along with other coastal states, will emerge as the torchbearer of India’s Blue Economy transformation. Addressing media representatives and social media influencers in Vijayawada, the Minister described the Union Budget 2026–27 as not merely an annual financial statement, but a strategic roadmap for India’s economy for the next quarter century, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Budget 2026–27: A Strategy for the Next 25 Years
Dr Jitendra Singh said that even though the Budget is formally for FY 2026–27, it effectively serves as a long-term strategy document guiding India’s economic transformation over the coming decades. He noted that at a time of global economic uncertainty, India has chosen a path of stability, clarity and sustained investment-led growth.
He emphasised that the Budget rests on three core pillars—productivity, resilience and inclusivity—ensuring fiscal discipline while maintaining a strong push for capital expenditure and structural reforms.
Blue Economy as a National Growth Mission
Referring to the Prime Minister’s repeated emphasis from the Red Fort on making the Blue Economy a national priority, the Minister said the Budget gives concrete shape to this vision by placing fisheries, marine exports, coastal infrastructure and ocean-based economic activity at the centre of India’s long-term growth strategy.
He said that allowing deep-sea fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and recognising fish landings at foreign ports as exports will significantly enhance income opportunities for fishermen. This policy shift, he added, will strengthen food security, boost export competitiveness, and firmly position India as a blue ocean nation. With its long coastline and strong aquaculture base, Andhra Pradesh stands to gain substantially from these measures.
Building an Integrated Marine Economy
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the modernisation of reservoirs, strengthening of coastal fisheries infrastructure, and expansion of cold chain networks and processing facilities will create a fully integrated marine economy framework. This approach links livelihoods, exports, logistics and value addition, turning coastal states into growth multipliers for the national economy.
Industrial Corridors and the Rare Earth Push
Linking the Blue Economy mission with India’s broader industrial strategy, the Minister highlighted the development of strategic industrial corridors across the country. In Andhra Pradesh, the Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Corridor will place the state at the forefront of next-generation manufacturing, renewable energy components and advanced materials.
He added that industrial corridors along the eastern coast will strengthen logistics integration and improve India’s participation in global supply chains. The integration of ports, container manufacturing, rail connectivity and industrial clusters will create a seamless economic architecture connecting coastlines with manufacturing hubs.
Infrastructure, Agriculture and Irrigation Support for Andhra Pradesh
Dr Jitendra Singh also spoke about continued infrastructure support for Amaravati, expansion of capital investment, and sustained backing for the Polavaram irrigation project, describing them as foundational investments for long-term productivity and water security.
He said the Budget places strong emphasis on agriculture, high-value plantation crops, MSME growth funds and women-led Self-Help Group enterprises, ensuring that growth remains inclusive and broad-based.
Andhra Pradesh’s Central Role in India’s Growth Story
The Minister noted that Andhra Pradesh’s role in the national development strategy spans fisheries and ports, industrial corridors, digital infrastructure, mineral value chains and agricultural exports, making it a central contributor to India’s growth trajectory.
He said the Union Budget 2026–27 combines productivity, resilience and inclusivity, ensuring that India remains fiscally prudent while continuing to invest aggressively in infrastructure and future-ready sectors.
Conclusion
Dr Jitendra Singh concluded that the Union Budget 2026–27 moves India decisively toward becoming a globally competitive, export-driven and innovation-led economy. With coastal states leading the Blue Economy mission and industrial corridors driving advanced manufacturing, Andhra Pradesh is positioned as a key partner in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
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Source: PIB
