Individuals residing abroad to be permitted equity investments in listed Indian firms: Finance Minister

Union Budget 2026-27: Key Highlights

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined several key proposals in the Union Budget 2026-27, aimed at promoting economic growth and development in India.

Boost to Foreign Investment

Nirmala Sitharaman announced that individual persons residing outside India (PROI) will be allowed to make equity investments in listed Indian companies through a portfolio investment scheme.

• The investment limit for PROIs will be raised to 10 per cent from 5 per cent, facilitating increased foreign investment in the country.
• The finance minister also proposed creating a framework with suitable access to funds and derivatives on corporate bond indices.

Infrastructure Development

The government will continue to focus on developing infrastructure in cities with a population of over 5 lakh, Sitharaman said.

Upgradation of Infrastructure and Services

• The Union Budget 2026-27 proposes to upgrade the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre at Jamnagar, Gujarat.
• The country's telescope infrastructure will be upgraded to promote astrophysics and astronomy.

Tourism Development

The government will launch a pilot scheme to upgrade the skills of 10,000 guides at 20 iconic tourist sites, Sitharaman announced.

• India has the potential to offer a world-class experience in mountaineering, the finance minister noted.

Ecological Sustainability

The Centre will develop ecologically sustainable trails in Himachal Pradesh, Utttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir, Sitharaman said.