Author: Bureau
Union Budget 2026 reinforces the financial sector’s role as the backbone of economic expansion, with a strong focus on credit flow, digital inclusion, and systemic resilience. Measures aimed at strengthening public and private banking institutions, improving asset quality, and expanding last-mile credit are expected to support businesses, consumers, and infrastructure growth alike. Key industry leaders respond to the budget. Sanjay Doshi, Partner and Head, Transaction Services and Financial Services Advisory, KPMG in India: Given the current strength of bank’s balance sheet historically driven by resolution of large NPA situations and retail loan growth, banks will now focus significantly on loan…
Manufacturing remains central to the budget’s vision of economic self-reliance and global competitiveness. Budget 2026 strengthens this focus through capital expenditure, industrial corridor development, logistics modernisation, and targeted support for high-growth manufacturing segment, Key industry leaders respond to the budget. Mr. Aravind Melligeri, Executive Chairman & CEO, Aequs Limited: The decision to allow eligible SEZ manufacturing units to sell into the Domestic Tariff Area at concessional duty is a significant boost for companies that have created large-scale capacities in both the consumer and aerospace & defence sectors. At a time of global demand volatility and trade disruptions, this pragmatic measure…
IT and technology continue to be the cornerstone of India’s growth story. Budget 2026 strengthens this foundation with incentives for deep tech, AI, semiconductor ecosystems, cybersecurity, and digital public infrastructure. Key industry leaders respond to the budget. Mr. Ravi Agarwal, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Cellecor: The Union Budget 2026 reflects a steady and constructive approach toward strengthening India’s consumer electronics and technology manufacturing ecosystem. The near doubling of the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme outlay from ₹22,919 crore to ₹40,000 crore is a meaningful step toward building a stronger domestic component supply chain. Alongside the expansion of the India Semiconductor Mission…
Budget 2026 reaffirms agriculture as both an economic and strategic priority. Increased investment in agri-infrastructure, irrigation, climate-resilient farming, and agri-tech innovation aims to boost farmer incomes while ensuring food security. Key industry voices respond below. Mr. Padmanand V, Partner, and Agriculture Industry Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat: The Budget’s support for the agriculture sector rightly focuses on high-growth sub-sectors such as fisheries and livestock. Initiatives include Amrit Sarovars with 500 related reservoirs, fishery and livestock FPOs, and integrated livestock value chain promotion programmes. High-value crops such as coconut, sandalwood, cashew, and almonds are being specifically targeted, with high-density cultivation planned for almonds,…
With the presentation of Union Budget 2026 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the government has laid out its economic vision for the coming year. Technology-led governance, jobs, manufacturing, and sustainability, Budget 2026 signals where policy intent is headed and which sectors are set to gain momentum. What this budget truly means for businesses, innovators, and the broader economy. MSMEs remain the backbone of India’s economic engine, and Budget 2026 reinforces this reality with enhanced credit access, simplified compliance frameworks, and technology-led productivity support. Expanded credit guarantee schemes, incentives for formalisation, and digital onboarding are designed to reduce friction and improve…
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals emerge as strategic priorities under Budget 2026, with increased allocations for public health infrastructure, domestic drug manufacturing, and research-driven innovation. Policy support for medical devices, biotech startups, and digital health platforms signals a move toward self-reliance and global leadership. Key industry voices respond below. Nilesh Maheshwari, Partner and Pharma, Bio Tech & Life Sciences Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat: The INR 10,000 crore outlay under Biopharma Shakti will significantly accelerate India’s transition towards innovation-driven pharmaceuticals by strengthening research infrastructure, advanced technology hubs, and clinical standards, enabling progress in biologics, vaccines, and next-generation therapies. It will enhance domestic capacity,…
The real estate sector sees a renewed push through infrastructure expansion, urban development programs, and policy clarity around housing and land governance. Investments in transport corridors, smart cities, and regional connectivity are expected to unlock new growth zones beyond traditional metros. Industry leaders have shared their reactions below. Bhavik Vora, Partner, Grant Thornton Bharat ON REITs: REITs for CPSEs have been under discussion for quite some time, and the proposal has now been highlighted in Budget 2026. While the REIT structure will undoubtedly help CPSEs raise much‑needed capital for long‑term investments, a key near‑term challenge will be determining fair rental…
The automobile sector is reinforced by Budget 2026 through continued investment in road infrastructure, clean mobility, and manufacturing-led growth. Policy clarity around electric vehicles, alternative fuels, and domestic component manufacturing supports long-term transition while protecting industry stability. Here are comments from leading industry stakeholders. Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group: We applaud the Government of India’s Union Budget 2026 presented today by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This Budget focuses on enhancing India’s competitiveness in the world, takes meaningful steps towards atmanirbharta and enables a wider participation in the benefits of economic growth. The emphasis on frontier and…
Union Budget 2026-27 – Strategic Implications & Priority Actions for 5 strategic sectors i.e. Startups, Startup investors, MSME’s, universities, and GCC’s+industries focusing on innovation – Suresh Narasimha, Managing Parter, CoCreate Ventures Tracking the Union Budget 2026-27 as it was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 1 February 2026, the fiscal roadmap underscores India’s shift toward capex-led economic expansion, manufacturing sovereignty, and innovation-driven growth. Key elements of the budget include a ₹53.5 lakh crore outlay, a 4.3 % fiscal deficit target, and a ₹12.2 lakh crore capital expenditure allocation. The government framed this budget around sustained infrastructure build-out, scaling manufacturing…
Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS), a leading airport services management company in India, has been awarded the Best Ground Services Award at Wings India 2026, one of the country’s most respected aviation industry platforms. The award recognizes AISATS’s sustained performance in delivering high-quality ground handling services while setting benchmarks in operational efficiency, safety, and passenger experience across Indian airports. The award was presented by the Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Sri Ram Mohan Naidu, underlining AISATS’s position as a trusted partner for domestic and international airlines. The recognition reflects the company’s strong focus on service reliability, process…