<h1>Fiscal consolidation reaffirmed as government commits to reducing deficit and debt-to-GDP on a medium-term glide path.</h1> The finance minister reaffirmed a policy of fiscal consolidation and a medium term glide path to reduce the fiscal deficit and debt to GDP ratio per expert committee recommendations, while preserving and prioritising capital expenditure for growth. She characterised pandemic borrowing as temporary and defended disciplined, targeted borrowing for productive capital projects. A ratings agency acknowledged fiscal discipline but stated that more substantial debt reduction and enhanced revenue measures would be needed for a sovereign rating upgrade.