New Delhi: In a thought-provoking blend of ancient wisdom and modern economics, the Economic Survey 2026 — presented in Parliament on Thursday — has drawn inspiration from the Ramayana to guide India’s strategic response to global trade challenges, particularly vis-à-vis China.
The survey references an episode from the Yuddha Kanda (War Chapter) of the epic to emphasise a key lesson: nations can learn valuable insights from adversaries without compromising self-reliance or autonomy. This timeless principle, the document argues, holds special relevance in today’s volatile global economy marked by rising tensions, financial instability, and fragmented trade patterns.
The survey highlights China’s ambitious Hainan Free Trade Port initiative, which has transformed the entire island province into a special economic zone. By implementing full customs separation by the end of 2025, Hainan provides low tariffs, streamlined imports, and tax exemptions for locally processed goods sold throughout mainland China. The survey urges India not to view the Chinese initiative merely as competition but as a signal of deeper shifts in Asian trade routes, logistics, and investment flows — especially impacting the North Indian Ocean and South China Sea regions.
With concerns about possible major global disruptions, the survey suggests that India should carefully learn from competitors like China while continuing to focus on its self-reliance goals.
This cultural-economic fusion underscores India’s intent to navigate geopolitical complexities with resilience and foresight.
As the nation gears up for the Union Budget, this Ramayana-inspired message signals a pragmatic yet proud path forward in an unpredictable world.