The budget is a bold and balanced roadmap for India's economic future, crafted to navigate global uncertainties while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and global competitiveness. It is about empowering people, boosting businesses, and building a resilient economy that can thrive in the long run.One of the most talked-about changes is the recalibration of personal income tax. This move is expected to boost disposable incomes, spur consumer spending, and reignite economic activity at a time when privaste investment has been sluggish. The financial sector, especially banks, is set to play a key role in turning these policies into real-world impact. While credit demand could rise with higher consumer spending, the focus on infrastructure and SME financing opens new avenues for banks to deploy capital effectively. Additionally, the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) into tier-2 cities will help create jobs in smaller towns. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have received much-needed and much-deserved attention. By improving credit access and strengthening market linkages, the government aims to make these businesses globally competitive. Sector-specific incentives will help them scale and integrate into global supply chains, creating more opportunities for growth and exports.In a significant shift, the government's efforts to fast-track regulatory approvals and decriminalise over 100 business laws signal a strong commitment to improving the ease of doing business, making India a more attractive destination for investors. Fiscal discipline remains a cornerstone. The decision to lower the fiscal deficit target to 4.4% of GDP, down from 4.8%, reflects a commitment to macroeconomic stability and investor confidence. While tax cuts will cost the exchequer about Rs 1 lakh crore in revenue loss, this will, however, help boost consumption and expedite growth recovery, which is critical to sustain the fiscal consolidation momentum in the years ahead. The fiscal consolidation achieved thus far and the commitment to reduce the centre's debt/GDP towards 50% by the end of this decade should pave the way for an eventual sovereign ratings upgrade.At its core, the budget reflects confidence in India's economic resilience and potential. Not just about numbers, it's about building a brighter future and accelerating India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.(The author is CEO,India & Emerging Asia, Deutsche Bank)