"Budget 2026 reinforces the country's long-term commitment to infrastructure-led growth. For road owners and operators, the next phase is about performance on the ground. Higher capex and risk-support mechanisms will expand connectivity, but outcomes will depend on how safely and reliably corridors run every day. At NXT Infra, we are focused on preventive maintenance, rapid incident response, and climate-resilient asset upkeep so that increased mobility translates into safer journeys, lower disruption, and more dependable logistics for communities and businesses."
Rajesh Chabrra, CTSO, NXT Infra.
The allocation of ₹7.85 lakh crore to defence—with capital modernisation crossing ₹2 lakh crore for the first time—is a decisive post-Operation Sindoor signal that India will no longer outsource its security. The 75% domestic procurement mandate is exactly the right move. The government has shown the ambition; now we need procurement timelines that match it. And as we spend this historic sum, let us ensure the money flows to companies that design and develop in India—not just assemble in India. That's the difference between strategic autonomy and strategic dependence with an Indian label.-Shri Ashok Atluri Chair PHDCCI Defence & HLS Committee.
"The Union Budget 2026–27 marks a decisive shift in India's journey from a consumer of technology to a creator of strategic intellectual property. The launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, building on ISM 1.0 and extending into equipment, materials, full-stack IP design, supply chains and industry-led R&D; alongside a ₹40,000 crore allocation for the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme under PLI, signals a clear move beyond assembly towards seeding end-to-end semiconductor and electronics value chains.
The ₹10,000 crore 'BioPharma Shakti' initiative reflects a similar ambition in biotech and pharma, where deep science, regulated markets and long development cycles demand patient, risk-tolerant capital.
Critically, the ₹10,000 crore MSME Growth Fund and the ₹2,000 crore top-up to the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund acknowledge that frontier innovation often begins in small, under-capitalised teams; scaling them is now a policy priority. For deeptech investors, this Budget is not about incentives alone, it's India's declaration to lead the next decade's breakthroughs in silicon, electronics, bio & advanced manufacturing."
By Chetan Mehta, Founding Partner, AUM Ventures, an early-stage Deeptech-focused venture capital firm.
Quote from Dr Kanika Batra Modi, Assistant Director & Clinical Lead – Gynaecological Oncology, Max Institute of Cancer Care:
"The Union Budget 2026 reflects a forward-looking approach towards strengthening India's healthcare ecosystem, with a welcome focus on accessibility, affordability, and capacity building. The initiative to train 1.5 lakh multi-skilled caregivers can significantly strengthen maternal and women's healthcare support systems, especially in Tier II, Tier III, and rural areas.
The expansion of emergency and trauma care centres across district hospitals is an important step towards safer pregnancy and reproductive healthcare services. Additionally, duty exemptions and cost relief on 17 lifesaving drugs, including critical cancer treatments, will help improve affordability and patient access. Investments in mental health infrastructure and allied healthcare training also signal a more integrated approach to women's wellness. Overall, the Budget reinforces India's commitment to building inclusive, preventive, and patient-centric healthcare systems."
Mr. Manish Bansal, Managing Director, Window Magic on Infrastructure & Construction Industry
"The proposed increase in public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore in FY 2026- 27 underscores the government's unwavering focus on infrastructure-led growth, even amid global uncertainties. This strong infrastructure push, supported by targeted interventions across manufacturing, MSMEs, and city economic regions, will help reduce logistics costs, create employment, and attract long-term private investment.
Measures such as the proposed Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund will enhance risk confidence during the construction phase, while asset monetization through REITs and InvITs will speed up capital recycling in real estate and infrastructure. With sustained focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and investments in modern construction and infrastructure equipment, India is laying the groundwork for efficient, resilient, and future-ready urban development- driving demand for high-quality, durable, and energy-efficient building solutions."
Union Budget 2026–27 quote by Mr. Rohit Gera, Managing Director, Gera Developments:
"The Union Budget 2026–27 presents a growth-oriented fiscal approach that balances discipline with targeted investments, reinforcing confidence in India's macroeconomic fundamentals. The increased allocation for infrastructure and urban development, with a focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and improved connectivity, is expected to unlock new residential markets and enhance livability in emerging urban centres. Higher capital expenditure and support for urban economic regions should strengthen long-term residential real estate activity by improving demand fundamentals and lowering execution risks for developers. While direct tax relief for homebuyers remains modest, sustained infrastructure investment and clearer financing pathways can indirectly support affordability. The Budget also highlights the need for clearer policies on affordable and rental housing to ensure that growing demand is met with effective delivery frameworks."
Mr. Parveen Gupta, Director, Ramacivil India, on Infrastructure and Construction.
"The government's push to increase public capital expenditure to over ₹12 lakh crore reflects a robust commitment to infrastructure-led growth and economic resilience. Combined with initiatives like the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund and asset monetization through REITs and InvITs, this will strengthen private sector confidence and accelerate execution of large-scale projects.
For the construction and real estate sectors, this creates unprecedented opportunities to deliver high-quality, technology-driven projects, improve productivity, and drive sustainable urban development. With a clear focus on over 5,000 Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and emerging city economic regions, this infrastructure push is set to generate employment, enhance connectivity, and catalyze long-term growth across India's built environment."
Lalit Arora, COO & Co-Founder, UBON-
"As a homegrown consumer tech brand, we welcome the Union Budget 2026–27's strong focus on simplifying customs and excise duties and correcting duty inversions. For companies like ours that are committed to Make in India, a clearer and more predictable tariff structure directly supports local manufacturing and long-term planning. Rationalising exemptions on products already being manufactured domestically is a positive step towards strengthening India's electronics ecosystem and encouraging value addition within the country.
The proposed ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and liquidity support through TReDS are equally significant. Access to timely credit remains a critical challenge for MSMEs, especially those investing in manufacturing infrastructure, tooling, and skilled manpower. These measures can help small and mid-sized manufacturers scale operations with confidence. At UBON, we see this Budget as a step towards creating a more enabling environment for Indian consumer tech brands to innovate, manufacture locally, and compete globally".
Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman & CEO, SS Innovations on Healthcare and Medtech Industry-
"The allocation of over ₹1.04 lakh crore to healthcare in Budget 2026- 27 marks a defining moment for India's health ecosystem and reflects a clear commitment to strengthening both access and quality of care. Investments in district hospitals, emergency and trauma care, allied health professionals, and traditional medicine signal a comprehensive approach to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system.
The emphasis on capacity expansion, medical tourism, and technology-led upgrades creates a strong foundation for advanced interventions such as robotics, minimally invasive surgery, and precision-driven care. This budget not only addresses today's healthcare needs but also positions India as a global hub for affordable, high-quality, and innovation-led healthcare delivery."
Union Budget 2026-27 quote from Mr. Joy Chakraborty, COO, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai
“The Union Budget 2026-27 gives much needed structured clarification to healthcare delivery. From an operational perspective, the plan to establish 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites. Combined with duty exemptions on life-saving drugs, reduced costs of diagnostic equipment, and faster access to advanced therapies through a stronger biopharma ecosystem, the budget enables hospitals to plan capacity expansion, technology adoption and patient-centric care delivery with greater operational certainty and affordability at the core.
Special focus has been given in this budget on developing a strong healthcare ecosystem for Senior Care. To support the requirements of elderly care, access to relevant training programs will be critical to upskill healthcare workforce to cater to this growing patient pool in the country. At the same time, making assisted devices available in the market is equally important. Focus and thrust on AI and technology can help provide practical and cost-effective solution to several unsolved problem for elderly.
The proposed NIMHANS-2 and new All India Institutes of Ayurveda further strengthen specialised and integrated care pathways. Initiatives such as district-level day-care cancer centres, a 50% capacity increase in district hospitals through emergency and trauma care centres, and the creation of five regional medical hubs will significantly decongest tertiary hospitals while strengthening emergency care system. Faster clinical trial approvals and strong domestic biopharma ecosystem also mean quicker access to newer biologics and more predictable supplies.
Crucially, the budget outlines a wide spectrum of structured career pathways, particularly in health and care services. In the healthcare sector, Allied Health Professional (AHP) education will be expanded across 10 selected disciplines, including optometry, anaesthesia technology, applied psychology and behavioural health. Additionally of 1 lakh allied health professionals and training of 1.5 lakh caregivers directly addresses one of the most pressing operational challenges strengthening the healthcare workforce pipeline and continuity in care, which is critical for sustaining quality outcomes throughout.”
Quote from Mr Vaibhav Kaushik, Co-Founder & CEO, Nawgati:
"For the mobility ecosystem, viewing fuel and charging access as an integrated national network aligns well with the Budget's emphasis on sustainable and efficient infrastructure. Continued support for EV expansion, digital payments, and logistics modernisation can improve utilisation across fuel stations and charging points in cities and along highways. From an industry perspective, the next phase will depend on execution clarity, common standards, and interoperable data systems that enable real-time visibility. If implemented effectively, these measures can reduce congestion and downtime, optimise fleet operations, and ensure that existing infrastructure delivers stronger economic and environmental outcomes."
"The increase in public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 trillion (₹12.2 lakh crore) for FY27 will indirectly drive demand for residential and commercial space across the country. Furthermore, the Budget's focus on Tier-II and III cities and temple towns—supported by a ₹5,000 crore annual allocation through city economic region mapping—will provide vital support to the sector.
The introduction of seven high-speed rail corridors, including Mumbai-Pune, will reduce travel times and unlock land parcels, creating new micro-markets for integrated townships. Additionally, enhanced municipal bond financing provides ₹100 crore incentives for issuances exceeding ₹1,000 crore, while higher NRI investment limits will channel long-term capital into real estate where infrastructure-led growth is strongest."Mr. Parag Munot, Managing Director, Kalpataru Limited.
Rajeev Tiwari, Founder & CFO, STEMROBO.
"The Union Budget 2026 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman underscores India's strategic push towards a technology-driven future while making growth more inclusive and equitable. The government's vision, framed within the new three-Kartavya framework, explicitly targets opportunities for youth, women, and disadvantaged groups as catalysts for sustainable growth and innovation.
Importantly, this Budget continues to recognise artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies as key pillars for the next phase of India's economic transformation. With advanced tech and digital infrastructure high on the policy agenda, India aims to accelerate technology adoption across sectors, support industry competitiveness, and catalyse innovation ecosystems that now emphasise deep-tech, AI research, and applied learning. Experts have highlighted that AI should shift from policy signal to actual execution across real-world applications.
Crucially, improved access to STEM education and lab-based experiential learning, particularly for girls and women, is central to bridging gender gaps in high-tech fields. By strengthening STEM institutions and linking them with industry and research initiatives, this Budget not only fosters skill development but also creates a pipeline of women technologists and innovators who can power India's digital economy and contribute to global leadership in AI and technology."
From Shri Gaurav Aggarwal Co-Chair PHDCCI Medical Devices Committee
Budget 2026–27 is one of the most structured and future-ready healthcare budgets we have seen in recent years, with a clear line of sight from vision to execution. The government has thoughtfully stitched together health education, healthcare infrastructure, cancer and NCD care, skilling, AYUSH and medical tourism into one coherent Viksit Bharat health strategy, rather than a set of isolated schemes. For the MedTech ecosystem, four elements stand out: the expansion of Allied Health Professional institutions and training of 1 lakh AHPs and 1.5 lakh caregivers, which will directly improve utilisation of medical and assistive devices at the last mile; the creation of five Regional Medical Hubs for medical value tourism with integrated facilities for diagnostics, post-care and rehabilitation; the strengthening of AYUSH infrastructure through new All India Institutes of Ayurveda and upgraded drug testing labs; and the proposed networked expansion of NIPERs under Biopharma SHAKTI, which will deepen India's R&D and human capital base in biopharma and high-end medical technologies. The decision to bolster CDSCO with a dedicated scientific review cadre under this umbrella sends a strong signal on India's commitment to global-standard regulation, faster approvals and predictable timelines for innovators in drugs and medical devices. As Co-Chair of the Medical Devices Committee at PHDCCI & Managing Director of Innvolution Healthcare, I see this Budget as a powerful platform to deepen domestic manufacturing, expand high-quality access in cancer and NCD care, and position India as a trusted global destination for advanced, yet affordable, healthcare.
By Mr. Sandeep Kumar Jain, Managing Director, CDK Global
"The creation of a High‑Powered Education‑to‑Employment and Enterprises Standing Committee signals a landmark shift in India's approach to human capital development. By directly linking education, skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship, the government is building the connective tissue needed for sustainable growth in the services sector—especially as India aspires for a 10% global share by 2047.
The unified IT Services framework eliminates tax arbitrage, streamlines compliance, and strengthens India's position as the world's software and digital services hub. For the technology and services industries, this initiative comes at a pivotal moment. As artificial intelligence and emerging digital platforms redefine work, the focus on adaptive skill pathways will be crucial to ensuring that opportunity keeps pace with innovation. At CDK Global, we see this as an inflection point to deepen industry‑academia collaboration, integrate AI‑driven skill development, and create future‑ready career paths in technology, analytics, and customer experience.
Also, the vision for technology as a societal equalizer—from empowering farmers and women in STEM to enhancing accessibility for divyangjan—echoes our own belief that digital progress must be inclusive by design. This alignment between policy intent and industry capability sets the stage for India's next chapter as a global leader in technology‑enabled services."
Sharing her post-Budget take on the Union Budget 2026, CA Srishti Gosavi, a finance content creator, said: As expected, after last year's mega direct tax overhaul that made income up to ₹12.75 lakh effectively tax-free under the new regime, this Budget 2026 feels more like stability than shock relief, there's no change in income tax slabs or major new rate cuts, which will be a bit of a let-down for the salaried middle class expecting fresh relief.
The STT increase has slightly let-down the active traders which can be seen in through market crashes.
On direct taxes, the focus seems to be on simplification, compliance ease and predictability, not headline-grabbing cuts-something many taxpayers might quietly appreciate over time.
TCS relief for travelers & students - sharp reduction in TCS on overseas tour packages, education and medical remittances to just 2 %, making foreign trips and overseas expenses significantly more affordable upfront.
All said, this feels like a measured, pragmatic budget, not spectacular, but one that keeps the tax regime stable while trying to balance revenue and growth.
"Pharma is attracting significant attention from the government, reflecting the sector's critical role in driving India's overall pharmaceutical industry development. In line with the vision of Viksit Bharat and the pursuit of Aatmanirbharat, initiatives like Bio Pharma Shakti underscore the commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing, promoting innovation, and fulfilling our Kartavya to position India as a global leader in healthcare solutions."
- Mr. Vivek Sharma, Executive Chairman of Cohance Lifesciences Ltd.
The Union Budget reflects the government's clear and positive intent to strengthen India's economic fundamentals. The emphasis on scaling manufacturing across seven strategic sectors — including biopharma, electronics manufacturing services, semiconductors, rare earths, chemicals, capital goods and textiles — is expected to support domestic growth, improve export competitiveness and create employment.
The decision to allow Individual Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs) to invest in listed Indian equities, along with higher individual and aggregate investment limits, is a welcome step that should help expand the investor base, deepen market participation and support the continued development of India's equity markets-By Dale Vaz, Co-founder & CEO, Sahi.
Gautam Bali, Founder and Managing Director, Vestige Marketing Pvt Ltd
The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a clear reaffirmation of people-led entrepreneurship as a foundational pillar of India's economic growth and social development, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat. The Hon'ble Finance Minister's emphasis on Yuva Shakti, skilling and trust-based governance creates a supportive framework for aspiration-driven business models that enable self-employment and long-term income generation.
The focus on building human capital through large-scale skilling initiatives, easing compliance for small enterprises, and expanding opportunities in Tier II and Tier III markets strengthens the ecosystem for the direct selling industry, which operates on participation, training and community-led growth. Initiatives such as Bharat Vistaar and SHE-MARTs further empower farmers, rural communities and women entrepreneurs by integrating technology with agricultural development and market access.
Together, these measures support consumption-led expansion, improve ease of doing business and promote digital enablement. This will help individuals, especially youth, build sustainable livelihoods through entrepreneurship, thereby reinforcing India's journey towards inclusive and resilient growth.
"What stands out in Budget 2026–27 is the government's conviction on public capex, raised to ₹12.2 lakh crore, even as real estate cycles remain selective. The combination of CPSE asset recycling through dedicated REITs, an Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund and ₹5,000 crore allocations per City Economic Region over five years directly improves project viability and lender confidence. Improved logistics under the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme further supports destination-led hospitality development. On the demand side, simplifying TDS on non-resident property transactions by removing the TAN requirement meaningfully reduces friction for NRI buyers. Together, these measures strengthen capital flow, execution certainty and long-term investability across hospitality-led real estate markets." – Mr. Sandeep Ahuja, Global CEO, Atmosphere Living.
Mr. Anil Rai Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, on the Union Budget 2026–27-
"We commend and congratulate the Government of India for presenting a progressive and industry-focused Union Budget 2026–27 that strengthens India's journey toward self-reliance and global competitiveness. The proposed capital expenditure of ₹12.2 lakh crore, alongside measures to mobilise private investment through the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund, accelerated CPSE real estate monetisation via REITs, and development of dedicated freight corridors with sustainable cargo focus, will accelerate execution across housing, commercial, industrial, and logistics projects.
Key interventions such as the expansion of the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme from ₹22,999 crore to ₹40,000 crore, the ₹10,000 crore, five-year initiative to promote domestic container manufacturing, and rationalisation of customs duties to correct inverted structures reflect a decisive push towards localisation and technology-led manufacturing. These measures are expected to drive capacity creation, strengthen supply chains, and enhance India's competitiveness across critical industrial sectors.
By advancing the 'Make in India' agenda through sustained policy support, targeted investments, and focus on industrial competitiveness, this Budget lays a robust foundation for resilient, inclusive, and technology-driven growth across India's industrial landscape."
Short - Mr. Amit Sharma, MD and CEO for TATA Consulting Engineers - "The Union Budget 2026–27 sets a clear direction for India's long term growth, with a strong focus on capital investment, manufacturing competitiveness and technology led development. Continued high spending on infrastructure strengthens confidence in execution and supports progress across transportation, urban development and logistics. The emphasis on high speed rail, alongside roads, metros, ports and urban infrastructure, signals a move towards next generation connectivity. Policy continuity on clean energy and grid strengthening supports energy security and transition, while the focus on advanced facilities such as semiconductors, electronics, data centres and pharmaceuticals builds domestic capability. Measures supporting hydrocarbons and chemicals, and metals and mining including rare earth corridors, strengthen critical supply chains. Overall, the Budget underlines the importance of delivery quality alongside investment scale, and Tata Consulting Engineers remains committed to converting this policy intent into future ready assets for the nation."
Nisha Shah, Partner at AUM Ventures, an early-stage Deeptech-focused venture capital firm.
The Union Budget 2026 sends a clear and consistent signal on the urgency of advancing frontier technologies and AI. Building on announcements made last year such as the ₹1 lakh crore commitment for emerging technologies through the RDI scheme, now operationalised via the ANRF, the National Quantum Mission, enhanced support for the SRI Fund, and the ₹10,000 crore MSME Growth Fund, the government has put in place both capital and institutional mechanisms to accelerate innovation and its implementation. The Budget also recognises the importance of skilling for emerging technologies and AI, alongside measures to enable this transition.
We are strongly bullish that these initiatives will translate rapidly into on-ground, technology-led commercial outcomes. India has long had a deep reservoir of talent with a strong affinity for deep science and biology, and this policy momentum, combined with other tailwinds, materially strengthens India's position as a global deeptech powerhouse.
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Ms. Meenakshi Kumarr, Chef & Founder of Anahata Cafe (Formerly Roots Cafe)
"The Budget's focus on strengthening the hospitality and food & beverages ecosystem is a welcome step for emerging brands like Anahata Café. Upgrading the National Council for Hotel Management into a National Institute of Hospitality will help create a stronger talent pipeline by aligning academia with industry needs—something the F&B sector has long required. The Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana is especially encouraging, as hospitality and food processing offer meaningful, task-oriented roles that can enable dignified and inclusive employment when supported by customised training. Additionally, the creation of a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, along with the Self-Reliant India Fund, will help to nurture SMEs. For women-led F&B and FMCG startups, access to equity capital and risk funding is critical to scaling operations and building resilient supply chains."
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Bindu Sharma, Creative Director & Founder, Mavitrra
The Union Budget 2026 provides valuable support to women-led businesses and craft-based enterprises through its funding initiatives. The She MARTS program and self-help entrepreneur support through community-owned retail outlets both create meaningful connections with our mission at Mavitrra. The measures enable design-based jewellery brands to expand their locally made luxury products into broader markets. The budget supports brand development through manufacturing cluster expansion and sustainable business growth for women entrepreneurs. The Budget establishes that women-led creative enterprises will achieve growth through structured systems and visible presence and economic self-sufficiency while maintaining the authenticity of Indian craftsmanship."
Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman & CEO, SS Innovations on Healthcare and Medtech Industry-
"The allocation of over ₹1.04 lakh crore to healthcare in Budget 2026- 27 marks a defining moment for India's health ecosystem and reflects a clear commitment to strengthening both access and quality of care. Investments in district hospitals, emergency and trauma care, allied health professionals, and traditional medicine signal a comprehensive approach to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system.
The emphasis on capacity expansion, medical tourism, and technology-led upgrades creates a strong foundation for advanced interventions such as robotics, minimally invasive surgery, and precision-driven care. This budget not only addresses today's healthcare needs but also positions India as a global hub for affordable, high-quality, and innovation-led healthcare delivery."
“The aerospace manufacturing ecosystem requires both policy predictability and cost-competitive operations to establish global credibility. The exemption of basic customs duty on components used in civilian aircraft manufacturing reduces input costs and strengthens supply chains. India will advance its aerospace value chain development and secure its position as a reliable global civil aviation manufacturing partner through government investment in public infrastructure development and improvements in business operations, as well as through high-value manufacturing initiatives” - Pavan Ranga, MD and CEO, Rangsons Aerospace.
