Kohima : Nagaland is poised to benefit from targeted investments in education, skill development, tourism and small enterprises under the Union Budget 2026-27, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and External Affairs Kriti Vardhan Singh said on Monday.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP office in Kohima, Singh said the Budget places emphasis on strengthening professional and skill-based institutions in the state through the establishment of facilities across Tier-1 and Tier-3 categories. He said the initiative is aimed at building local capacity and improving employment opportunities for the youth of Nagaland.

Highlighting the role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the minister said the sector would be central to the state’s economic empowerment. MSMEs are expected to drive exports, generate employment and support regional development, particularly in smaller and emerging markets such as Nagaland, he added.

Tourism has also been identified as a key focus area for Nagaland and the wider North-East region. Singh said the Budget proposes the development of five major tourism destinations across the North-East, along with a Buddhist Circuit connecting several states in the region. He added that a pilot programme to train 10,000 tourist guides nationwide would further support ecotourism and heritage-based tourism.

Placing the Budget in a broader global context, Singh said the Union Budget 2026-27 reflects the realities of an increasingly multi-polar world, where regional priorities are gaining importance. He said the proposals seek to maintain steady economic growth while strengthening cooperation with like-minded governments.

On trade and security, the minister said proposed Free Trade Agreements would focus on expanding market access while gradually moving towards technology-driven border management systems.

Singh noted that the Budget is anchored around the three ‘Kartavyas’ outlined by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman – accelerating economic growth, building human capacity and ensuring inclusive development. He said special emphasis has been placed on youth empowerment through measures promoting self-employment and addressing the aspirations of young people.

He further said proposals such as the development of industrial corridors would strengthen infrastructure and support long-term growth. Expressing confidence in the Budget’s vision, Singh said the Union Budget 2026-27 would help ensure balanced and inclusive development, with states like Nagaland playing a more active role in India’s growth trajectory.