Amid a volatile global economic environment buffeted by the US trade war, tweaking current policies to boost domestic manufacturing — with special focus on small and medium businesses and the flagship Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme — were among the key suggestions made by economists at the first pre-Budget meeting chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday, ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget for 2026-27 in February. In the meeting, which was attended by 19 leading economists and academicians, the government’s capital expenditure on infrastructure and other heads was taken note of. However, economists suggested scaling up investment in digital infrastructure and research and development, a person aware of the deliberations said on condition of anonymity. “It was mentioned in the discussion that the government’s continued focus on fiscal consolidation, growth and inflation gives it leverage for the Budget, though it need not sacrifice Budget discipline,” the source told The Indian Express. “It was expressed that there is an underlying need for a manufacturing policy which can take care of the MSME sector, employment, technology upgradation, and reduce import dependence.” Story continues below this ad The meeting …