" As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, the industry would welcome continued support to strengthen India's manufacturing ecosystem through policy stability, infrastructure development, and a level playing field for domestic producers. For the metals and stainless steel sector, factors such as rising steel input costs, raw material volatility, global trade disruptions, and dumping pressures continue to pose challenges.
The forthcoming Budget may consider measures such as trade safeguards where appropriate, rationalisation of duties on critical steel inputs, and incentives that encourage capacity expansion and value-added manufacturing. Improved access to long-term financing for technology upgrades, compliance requirements, and scale efficiencies could further support sectoral growth. "
- Chandragupt Prakash Mangal, Managing Director, Mangalam Worldwide Limited.
- Sameer Kanodia, Managing Director and CEO of Lumina Datamatics Limited
"As India prepares for the Union Budget, we expect a sharper policy focus on strengthening digital and AI-led infrastructure that underpins knowledge services, publishing, and the fast-growing retail and e-commerce ecosystem. Continued investments in advanced technologies such as AI, automation, and cloud platforms will be critical to improving productivity across content creation, digital publishing workflows, and large-scale retail operations.
For the publishing sector, targeted support for technology-enabled content production, research digitisation, and global content services exports can help Indian companies deepen their role in the international knowledge economy. Similarly, policy measures that encourage data-driven retail operations, catalogue automation, and digital supply chains will be vital as e-commerce scales in complexity and volume.
Aligned with our expectations, a strong emphasis on AI-focused skill development, R&D incentives, and ease of doing business for technology-driven service providers that can enable companies to continue building globally competitive solutions from India, while creating high-value employment and accelerating innovation across publishing and commerce."
Siddhartha Abburi, Director, Avantel Limited-
"As India approaches the Union Budget, we anticipate a sharper policy emphasis on building sovereign technology capabilities across strategic communications, defence electronics, and satellite-enabled systems. Sustained investment in defence modernisation, space-based connectivity, and secure digital infrastructure will be essential to creating resilient, mission-critical platforms that are designed, developed, and manufactured domestically.
For the defence and space communications ecosystem, focused support for design-led R&D, domestic production of advanced communication technologies, and long-term procurement clarity can enable Indian enterprises to play a deeper and more predictable role in national security and strategic infrastructure. Policy measures that accelerate indigenisation across high-value electronics, system integration, and software-defined communication architectures will be increasingly critical as operational requirements scale in both sophistication and complexity.
A strong emphasis on R&D incentives, advanced skills in communications and embedded systems, and an improved ease-of-doing-business environment for technology manufacturers can position India to deliver globally competitive, indigenous solutions, thereby strengthening strategic self-reliance while generating high-value employment and innovation-led growth."
Dr. Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher & Founder of the hospital-
The upcoming budget should focus on healthcare and medical research. With a growing population and more people suffering from lifestyle-related diseases, the current health budget is not sufficient to meet future needs. Currently, new treatments such as stem cell therapy, biologics, and cell-based medicines are now chosen by many people to tackle health problems. There should be measures taken for facilitating health research funding by at least 10–15% for supporting research and innovation. More money is needed when it comes to cancer treatment, mental health care, digital health services, and even affordable generic medicines. The goal should also be to improve hospitals and health facilities at district and state levels. Likewise, expand medical colleges, and increase undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats to meet the country's growing healthcare demands. Higher investment in healthcare will help India to become a global medical hub and boost medical tourism. Supporting drug development, medical devices, and AI-based healthcare can make treatments more precise, safe, faster, effective and less expensive. For strengthening the healthcare in India, the critical step will be to invest today in science, stem cells, and regenerative medicine.
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Pre-Budget 2026 Expectations quote
Dr. G. Anil Krishna, Chairman & Managing Director of Medicover Hospitals (India) would be happy to share his inputs.
Healthcare must remain a top national priority in the upcoming Union Budget. Diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, cancer, diabetes, and kidney failure require timely diagnosis and prompt treatment to save lives and reduce long-term complications. Increased budgetary support for strengthening hospital infrastructure, emergency services, and advanced diagnostics will help ensure faster access to quality care for patients across regions. We also hope to see greater focus on preventive healthcare, early screening, and affordability of treatment. A healthcare-focused budget will empower hospitals to continue delivering comprehensive, patient-centric care and improve health outcomes for communities across the country.
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Dr Krishna Prasad Vunnam, Founder & Managing Director, Ankura Hospital for Women & Children
We hope the upcoming Union Budget should focus on the health needs of women and children, which are the foundation of a healthy society. Increased investment in maternal and child healthcare, vaccination programmes, and neonatal care is essential to reduce preventable complications. We also urge greater focus on women's health issues, such as cervical and ovarian cancer, through wider access to screening, HPV vaccination, Pap smear testing, and public awareness initiatives. Support for adolescent health, nutrition, and early diagnosis can createa long-term impact. A woman- and child-centric healthcare budget will ensure timely care, better outcomes, and a healthier future for the nation.
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Pre-Budget 2026 Expectations quote
Dr. P. Vijaya, President of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA).
The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) looks forward to a Union Budget that prioritises stroke prevention, early diagnosis, and timely access to quality care, as the burden of stroke continues to rise rapidly across the country. Stroke is no longer limited to the elderly; we are increasingly seeing youngsters affected due to lifestyle-related risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and stress. We urge the government to allocate higher funding for strengthening stroke-ready infrastructure, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, to ensure faster access to imaging, thrombolysis, and rehabilitation services. Increased support for public awareness campaigns is equally important, as early recognition of stroke symptoms and prompt treatment can save lives and prevent long-term disability. Investment in training healthcare professionals and promoting preventive health screenings will be key. A strong, healthcare-focused budget can significantly reduce stroke-related mortality, disability, and the overall economic burden on families and the nation.
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Dr Sunil Kutty, Director, NewEra Hospitals, Consultant Brain and Spine Surgeon, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
We look forward to a Union Budget that places strong emphasis on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving affordability for patients. Increased investment in public and private healthcare, support for advanced medical technology, and incentives for preventive care will go a long way in improving health outcomes. Policies that encourage skill development for healthcare professionals and reduce the cost burden on patients are especially important. As a hospital committed to a patient-first approach, we believe a progressive healthcare-focused budget will help institutions like ours continue delivering timely, high-quality, and compassionate care, ensuring that more people have access to reliable medical services under one roof.
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Dr Roy Patankar, Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Laparoscopic Surgeon and Director Zen Multispeciality Hospital Chembur
The upcoming budget should aim to focus on positioning India as a global leader in healthcare. To make India a magnet for medical tourism, a $20 billion market currently dominated by Turkey and Thailand, visa-on-arrival facilities for patients and their relatives should be introduced, with limited exceptions where necessary. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure through cheaper, easier loans and funding will ensure hospitals are equipped to deliver high-quality care nationwide. Incentives for research in medical institutions, tied to publications and innovations like China's model, can drive knowledge-led growth and homegrown solutions. Indian MedTech companies should also be supported through Production-Linked Incentives, focusing on import substitution and cutting-edge technologies. Offering a three-year tax holiday for PPP hospitals with more than 200 beds in Grade B towns will encourage investment in underserved regions, improving accessibility and quality of care. Such a forward-looking budget can transform healthcare, boost innovation, and make quality care accessible across Bharat.
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"As India charts its economic priorities ahead of the upcoming budget, we would like to see policymakers strengthen and expand tax incentives for green buildings and sustainable business practices. At Essensai067, sustainability is not just a commitment - it's a strategic investment that drives long-term value for our economy, communities, and the environment.
Enhanced tax benefits towards R&D spends, Design Development for Made in India products that are geared to present and sell their products abroad, purchases from the government for such products to aid scaling of production, accelerated depreciation, and targeted relaxations for businesses that adopt energy-efficient technologies, green materials, and low-carbon operations will catalyze wider adoption of sustainable practices across industries. Such measures not only support climate goals but also position India as a global leader in green innovation and responsible growth."
— Haresh Mirpuri, Founder, Sai Lakshmi Industries, Essensai 067, Aranyani, Barnhouse and Nonnina.
Shared mobility is intended to improve connectivity across urban and inter-city corridors, especially as India's transport ecosystem is expected to enter a phase of sustained infrastructure investment. Institutions such as Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) have played a role in creating a structured framework for scaling electric bus adoption through Public-Private Partnerships, with the Payment Security Mechanism expected to emerge as a key enabler in building confidence among private operators. In parallel, investments in electric mobility, digital infrastructure, telematics, and advanced safety systems are expected to enhance operational efficiency and service reliability. Together, these measures are believed to support the expansion of multi-modal transport, improve commuter experience, and address rising travel demand as economic activity strengthens contributing to a more future-ready mobility ecosystem.
- Sanyam Gandhi, Whole-time Director, Chartered Speed limited.
India's lighting and electronics manufacturing sector is entering a new phase of transition. Over the past few years, PLI-led investments have enabled capacity expansion and improved operational stability.
Within the lighting segment, the industry is gradually shifting from assembly-focused manufacturing toward greater value addition in areas such as design, optics, drivers, controls, and energy-efficient systems. Demand is moving toward smart and connected lighting solutions, supported by growth in commercial real estate, infrastructure development, and tighter energy efficiency norms. This shift highlights the importance of building deeper manufacturing and technology capabilities.
As the Union Budget approaches, policy measures that support component manufacturing, electronics, and system-level development could play a role in shaping the sector's next phase. Incentives for R&D, tooling, and backward integration may help reduce import dependence for critical components and improve supply chain resilience, while sustained focus on energy efficiency can support long-term competitiveness.
- Mr. Abhishek Malik, Executive Director, Calcom Vision limited.
Pre-Budget Expectations for the Wellness Industry-
"As we get closer to the Union Budget 2026, the wellness products industry is at a very important point. At Aurafest, we've seen a lot of people interested in real, natural wellness products, but the industry has a lot of problems that need government help.
We hope the government will make GST more reasonable for wellness products. This will put them in lower tax brackets and make holistic health more accessible to regular Indians. The industry also needs more infrastructure support to find high-quality raw materials and set up testing facilities that keep the quality of the products.
Better export incentives would make a big difference because demand for Indian wellness products is growing around the world. We want to see dedicated help for artisan communities that make traditional wellness items so that their skills and jobs are safe.
Most importantly, we need a simpler set of rules that protects consumers while also encouraging new ideas and businesses. If the wellness sector were recognized as a priority industry, it would free up money, create jobs, and make India the world leader in real wellness solutions. The wellness revolution is here; we need the right policies to keep it going."
- Sumit Govind Sharma, Founder, Aurafest.
Mr. Tushar Gupta, Director of Operations, Thermocool Home Appliances Ltd
Thermocool Home Appliances feels that it is a great opportunity for the growth momentum in the Indian consumer durable sector to be consolidated as it is slowly shifting towards upgraded, efficient, and technologically advanced products. It is eagerly waiting for what it hopes will be a growth-friendly approach in the Union Budget 2026.
Rationalization of the GST rates on the necessity-based home and kitchen appliances would help improve affordability and accelerate the entry into Tier 2 & Tier 3 markets. In the manufacturing areas, continued focus on PLI schemes and reduced import duties for key components and raw materials would help domestic manufacturing scale up.
The industry also awaits increased incentives for R&D in innovative new products, including AI and IoT solutions in the area of energy efficiency and sustainability. As government programs like PMAY and Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana are already fueling demand in the housing segment, the consumer durables market is likely poised for continued growth.
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Mr. Abhishek Raj, Founder and CEO, Jenika Ventures
The Indian real estate sector in 2026 looks forward to substantial growth, supported by government policies, technology, and increased institutionalization. The residential market is expected to witness a drift towards the luxury and super luxury segment, while Tier-II and Tier-III cities are set to acquire prominence because of improved connectivity and affordability. The development of affordable housing is expected to remain a promoted sector, along with challenges such as increasing construction and land prices. The office market will witness normalized leasing levels of 70-75 million sq. feet per annum, largely contributed by the GCCs and the flexible workspaces community. The 'flight to quality' phenomenon shall continue, with a preference for ESG-rated and prime office spaces. Alternative property categories such as logistics realty, data centers, co-living, and senior living are expected to witness substantial institutional investment, largely because of the demographic shift and the growth of online e-commerce. The recent GST reforms, such as simplified rates and a reduction in rates for construction materials, would help in reducing costs and making it more transparent, instilling investor confidence. Combined with other proposed measures such as RERA, development of infrastructure, online land record management, and sustainability norms, this sector shall finally witness more organization and professionalism. The upcoming budget looks forward to fixing boundaries for affordable housing, home loan tax deductions, GST reforms, and sectoral recognition, further kick-starting this sector in the year 2026.
Mr. Pawan Sharma, Managing Director,TRG Group
The Indian real estate industry is expected to show sustainable and organized growth in 2026 because of a mix of end-user demand, institutional investment, and government initiatives. The residential segment is also expected to witness a rise in attraction towards the premium and luxury segments, and Tier II and Tier III cities will prosper because of proper infrastructure, connectivity, and accessibility. Affordable housing will continue to need specialized intervention due to the rise in construction and land costs. Leasing from the commercial segment is expected to stabilize and touch 70-75 million sq. ft., mostly because of the GCC and flexible workspace community. High-quality and fully ESG-compliant projects will experience substantial demand because of the growing importance and consciousness of the industry and real estate players towards higher standards of sustainability and sustainable practices. Alternative real estate, such as logistics, warehousing, data centers, co-living, and senior living, is expected to witness substantial institutional investment because of demographic transformations, the rise of e-commerce, and supply chain evolution. The recently introduced GST reforms and amended laws will result in decreased construction costs, easier compliance, and greater transparency and fairness and will be a welcome move for all real estate developers and investors. With the aid of government initiatives such as RERA, real estate digitization, and real estate mandates and developments, the industry can experience a complete transition and evolution, and become a much more professional and strong industry and ecosystem in 2026. Budget allocations and initiatives related to the real estate industry, such as affordable housing, housing loan tax, and reduced and refined GST, will also accelerate and aid this healthy growth pattern and trajectory.
Quote By Dr. Kanishk Agrawal, Chief Technology Officer at Judge group India
'As India prepares for the 2026 budget, it is imperative that we establish India as a tech power. The next wave of growth will not come from basic digitization but rather through investments in cutting edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor chips, quantum computing and the infrastructure required to process large volumes of data. Every rupee we invest to build a sovereign technology infrastructure today will become a competitive advantage for India in the future. The budget must view innovation as the primary foundation of the future economy and not merely as an ancillary effort. To accomplish our goal, we require a budget that provides tax credits for R&D activity, establishes strong linkages between academic institutions and private sector firms and creates access to capital for product-focused startups. We must also have a strong focus on developing talent in emerging technologies as the intellectual capital developed from these areas will be India's most valuable export over the next ten years. A budget that enables the future requires alignment between policy, funding and innovative technologies so that the technology created and developed in India will not only be adopted globally but will also be owned, controlled and utilized globally by other nations.'
Mr. Puneet Garg, CEO & Faculty, Academy of Internal Audit, "As India is progressing at a rapid pace in its drive for a digital economy, it is not possible to ignore the rising number of cases of finance-related frauds and cyber threats. The use of technology in finance has opened new avenues but also makes it prone to weaknesses in existing systems. Fraudsters are adapting at a rapid pace, and readiness is being demanded in response.
The Union Budget 2026 must therefore focus on not only embracing technology trends but also on creating skilled manpower. This requires targeted budget outlays in the educational domain for young professionals interested in audit work, fraud risk management, cyber compliance, and finance governance. This will enable the creation of a skilled manpower pool that can protect the financial systems. Such measures will help make India's protection systems against digital fraud stronger, improve regulatory compliance, provide job opportunities, and help in making the financial system more transparent and resilient." Mr. Puneet added.
Pratik Vaidya, Managing Director and Chief Vision Officer, Karma Management Global Consulting Solutions Pvt Ltd- "While India is beginning to put together labour laws into four codes, reform will certainly take a while before the last mile compliance looks easier. This Budget shall have a national digital compliance spine with comprehensive state-wise regulations, best practice templates and single-window workflows for registrations, licences, renewals, returns and inspections. MSMEs need risk-based compliance, not one-size-fits-all forms. Promote self-certification for low-risk sites, create more facilitation centres, and ensure that inspections are predictable with a selection based on data and a level of assurance and proper protections. If the government is going to formalise and strengthen social security coverage, it should ease friction for compliant employers and impose severe punishment on wilful defaulters. Easy transition into compliance would result in better jobs, vendor governance and investor confidence."
