Chandrachur Datta, Partner, Vector Consulting Group,-
The ₹10,000 crore BioPharma SHAKTI allocation marks a clear shift from scale-at-speed to scale-with-complexity in India's pharmaceutical sector. The renewed focus on GMP compliance, advanced biologics, and clinical research establishes stricter requirements for manufacturing operations, regulatory readiness, and supply chain system integration. Organizations can now develop resilient facilities, specialized equipment, and operational models because multi-year policy certainty enables them to make those commitments. India now possesses enhanced capabilities to execute complex biopharma programs through this development, enabling delivery at international standards.
"Budget 2026–27 signals a clear move to structurally strengthen India's textile and garment sector amid ongoing global price competition and export volatility. The initiatives will enhance productivity through three core elements: fibre self-reliance, modernisation of traditional clusters, Samarth 2.0 skilling programs, and the operation of mega textile parks. The government demonstrates its commitment to boosting exports through a budget allocation of ₹10,000 crore, which will create new job opportunities. The implementation of these actions requires an export policy system that delivers consistent results, alongside swift trade deal development and permanent labour law changes, to enable exporters to maintain their profit margins and customer base while achieving growth through job creation."
— P Senthilkumar, Senior Partner, Vector Consulting Group.
The Government of India has allocated ₹20,000 crore (~USD 2.4 billion) over the next five years specifically for carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies. These are incentives aimed at scaling deployment in heavy-emitting sectors like power,steel, cement, refineries, and chemicals. Key Features: The funds are intended to incentivise CCUS technology adoption and commercial readiness across multiple industrial sectors. This allocation is part of India's broader climate strategy aligned with its net-zero by 2070
Investments in carbon capture are critical for hard-to-abate sectors — industries where reducing emissions through electrification or fuel switching alone isn't feasible. Budget allocations and strategic funds help de-risk early projects, establish demonstration facilities, and create market incentives for broader technology adoption* The ₹20,000 crore allocation is less about immediate emissions reductions and more about strategic positioning. By earmarking multi-year funding, the government is signaling that CCUS is expected to become a structural pillar of India's industrial decarbonisation pathway, not a niche or transitional tool. This matters for investor confidence, long-lead infrastructure planning, and domestic technology development. Inputs by: Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI
Dr. Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher & Founder of the hospital.
The Union Budget 2026–27 places strong emphasis on strengthening India's healthcare system and medical research, making it one of the most progressive budgets for the health sector in recent years. Record investments in district hospitals and trauma centres will improve access to advanced medical care at local levels, while the introduction of AI-based healthcare technologies will enhance diagnosis, treatment, and efficiency in public health services.
A key positive aspect of the budget is its focus on biotechnology and advanced medical research. Increased support for biological drugs, biotech institution upgrades and clinical trials creates a favourable environment for innovation in stem cell therapies, gene therapies, CRISPR research, and regenerative medicine. India's growing contribution to advanced treatments such as CAR-T cell and haemophilia therapies further highlights this progress.
These reforms are particularly beneficial for StemRx, as the improved research infrastructure, funding support, and focus on clinical translation will help accelerate its growth in cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine. The 2026 budget provides the right momentum to move forward with advanced research and bring innovative treatments closer to patients.
Overall, the Union Budget 2026–27 sets a strong foundation for healthcare innovation and positions India for leadership in advanced medical science.
By Kunal Vasudeva, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Indian School of Hospitality
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The Union Budget 2026 places education at the centre of India's economic ambition. The Education to Employment and Enterprise framework, university townships, and investments in future technologies signal that education is being treated as national infrastructure. The next phase rests on execution at scale through teacher capability, strong primary education outcomes, and delivery standards that work across the country. Sustained focus here will anchor services-led growth and Viksit Bharat.
By Shreevats Jaipuria, Vice Chairman, Seth MR Jaipuria Group
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'Budget2026's emphasis on AI and emerging technologies is a positive signal, particularly in how it connects innovation with scalable skilling frameworks.
For meaningful impact, these initiatives must formally include private K–12 institutions, which educate a significant share of India's school-going population.
Faculty upskilling programs that run across government and private schools will ensure consistency in teaching quality, especially in emerging digital and AI-enabled learning environment.'
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By Ms. Preethi Rajeev Nair, Prinicipal - CBSE, Lancers Army Schools
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Budget 2026 recognises that technology in school education must be supported by strong human capital. The focus on AI and digital infrastructure underscores the need for future ready classrooms. For structured K–12 institutions, such a Lancer's Army School, the real impact will depend on disciplined implementation. Faculty upskilling, accredited training, and responsible use of technology should take precedence over hardware deployment. Investments in digital capability must strengthen pedagogy, assessment, and mentoring, ensuring that innovation reinforces academic rigour.
By Mr. Chaitanya Chitta, Senior Vice President, Cintana Education.
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The Union Budget 2026–27 makes a timely shift by placing capacity building at the centre of India's growth strategy. Its focus on semiconductors, electronics, AI, advanced manufacturing, data centres, and industrial corridors signals that India is consciously building the talent and skills backbone required to sustain long-term growth, alongside high-employment sectors such as allied healthcare, services, tourism, and MSMEs. At the same time, sustainable global collaboration depends on the movement of people, not just ideas. For private and international universities, meaningful long-term engagement will require predictable, multi-year policy and funding frameworks that support faculty exchange, joint research, and student mobility. With the right enabling framework and global collaborations, India will not only meet its domestic needs but emerge as the world's most trusted source of skilled talent, delivering inclusive growth and long-term competitiveness.
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By Prof. Indranil Manna, Vice Chancellor, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra
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"The launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, backed by a ₹40,000-crore allocation, signals a decisive move towards building a full-stack semiconductor ecosystem under the Yuva Shakti vision for Viksit Bharat. For Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, this reinforces the need to align academic programmes more closely with industry by integrating chip design, testing, and advanced fabrication skills to the curriculum. Such transitions shall enable graduates to be workforce ready from the outset. Budget 2026's announcement of a new National Institute of Design in eastern India, along with the establishment and upgradation of four telescope infrastructure facilities for astronomy and astrophysics, underlines the growing importance of multidisciplinary education. Combined with sustained investment in AI, quantum technologies, and deep-tech research, these measures create pathways for students to engage in high-impact, future-oriented careers."
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By Mr. Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman, Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions
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"The Union Budget 2026-27 presented by the honorable Finance Minister reflects a decisive shift from viewing education as an end in itself to an enabler of employment and enterprise. The focus is on two important domains – STEM education and employability. The proposed 'Education to Employment and Enterprise Committee' and the 5 University Townships are positive steps towards creating industry-readiness, developing skilled career pathways and leveraging technologies like AI for driving the growth of India's services and manufacturing sectors. A vision to encourage girls in higher STEM education is clearly visible in the initiative to set up a girls' hostel in every district. I also laud the thrust on Astrophysics and Astronomy by setting up or upgrading telescope infrastructure across the country. Equally, the decision to elevate the sports culture through the Khelo India Mission, will bring a greater focus on sports within the education sector. All in all, the Union Budget recognizes the need to drive India's march towards Viksit Bharat by facilitating pathways from education to employability and promoting a culture of science and inquiry."
Govind Sankaranarayanan, Co-founder & COO, Ecofy
"Budget 2026 again seeks to reinforce the NBFC sector. In particular, the expanded MSME framework, including over ₹7 lakh crore in liquidity support through a mandatory TReDS regime for CPSE procurement, credit guarantees for invoice discounting via CGTMSE, and the creation of a secondary market for trade receivables, will materially improve cash flows and de-risk lending.
The ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, along with the ₹2,000 crore top-up to the Self Reliant India Fund, strengthens access to both growth and risk capital for enterprises across the MSME spectrum, while initiatives such as Corporate Mitras enhance compliance capability.
Sharply targeted reforms, such as the above, are likely to be effective in achieving their objectives.
We also welcome the extension of customs duty exemptions on capital goods for battery energy storage systems and key inputs such as sodium antimonate for solar glass manufacturing, which will support clean energy deployment and domestic manufacturing competitiveness."
Mr. Ashwani Singh, Managing Partner, 35North Ventures (SEBI Accredited VC Firm based in Mumbai)-
This is a good budget with the special emphasis on tier 2 and tier 3 towns, creating new engines of growth which will be more democratic and create local employment in these cities. This will reduce the burden on creaking infrastructure in metros. The focus on infrastructure including waterways is good for long term growth of the country. Focus on defence spend is also good given the geopolitical realignment worldwide.
Saddaf Alam, Energy Sector Expert:
Union Budget 2026–27 sends a strong and reassuring signal to the power and energy sector, especially in the context of India's long-term vision of energy security and Viksit Bharat. The continued thrust on public capital expenditure, energy transition, manufacturing, infrastructure expansion, and new economic corridors will significantly increase electricity demand across regions. This, in turn, will directly translate into a sharp rise in the requirement for robust transmission networks to evacuate power reliably from generation hubs to consumption centres.
Budget's emphasis on renewables, energy storage systems, nuclear power, data centres, industrial corridors, city economic regions, and electrified transport will create new demand of the power supply. Managing this transformation will require accelerated investment in high-capacity transmission lines, substations, and inter-state corridors to ensure grid stability and seamless power flow.
Budget Reaction Quote by Utkarsh Kawatra, CEO and Co Founder, myHQ by ANAROCK
"The Union Budget 2026 does not bring a direct impact on flex workspace and commercial real estate sectors. However, no change is also a good scenario as it brings welcome stability to the sectors by not introducing any abrupt changes. After a record-breaking year for office leasing and a growing demand for flexible workspaces driven by GCCs and startups, continuity in policy ensures the market can build on its momentum without sudden external shocks. While the budget does not address specific industry demands such as GST relief, ITC reforms, capital support for Tier-2 and Tier-3 expansion, or single-window clearances, the focus on higher infrastructure capex, development of new logistics corridors, and investment in Tier-2 cities will indirectly create strong tailwinds for urban growth and ancillary commercial demand. This provides a stable backdrop for the flex coworking sector, particularly in non-metro and Tier 2 regions."
Parthanil Ghosh, Executive Director, HDFC ERGO General Insurance
"With the Budget's continued focus on growth, inclusion, and long-term resilience, India is steadily moving towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. By encouraging wider risk protection and financial participation, it strengthens the foundation for 'Insurance for All', positioning insurance as a vital enabler of economic and social stability.
The strong focus on healthcare through initiatives such as the Rs 10,000 crore Biopharma SHAKTI programme and duty exemptions on critical cancer medicines reflects a clear commitment to making quality treatment more accessible and affordable. When aligned with comprehensive health insurance, these measures help to manage medical expenses with greater confidence. At the same time, the exemption of interest on Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awards from income tax and TDS is a significant step towards building a citizen-centric insurance ecosystem, encouraging wider adoption of motor cover and ensuring that accident victims receive full financial support when they need it most."
Mr. Achin Gupta, MD & GCEO (Designate), Cipla Limited and Co-Chair, FICCI Pharma Committee
“A Viksit Bharat is anchored in a Healthy India, and we are pleased to see healthcare take centre stage in the Union Budget 2026. It signals a strong commitment towards strengthening India’s pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem, with clear emphasis on innovation, research and value driven growth. The prioritisation of long-term capacity and capability building through higher end manufacturing, advanced therapies and improved access to quality care, is laying the foundation for greater self-reliance and enhanced global competitiveness.”
Mr. Nishant Kanodia, Chairman, Matix Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd-
"The Union Budget 2026–27 is a watershed moment that validates a conviction I have held for years: the future of food security lies at the intersection of biology and technology.
The Finance Minister's announcement of 'Bharat Vistaar'—an AI-enabled advisory system—alongside a substantial ₹1.52 lakh crore allocation, bridges the gap between tech and the soil.
We often view agriculture as traditional and tech as modern, but this Budget proves they are symbiotic.
The focused push on high-value crops like coconut and cocoa will stimulate farm incomes, while the strategic recalibration of customs duties encourages the domestic value addition we have long championed under 'Make in India'.
At Matix, our foundation is built on resilience and efficiency. We see the removal of exemptions not as a hurdle, but as a necessary step toward the self-reliance and predictable environment required for capital-intensive sectors to thrive.
We are ready to translate this policy framework into action, ensuring that as India moves toward 'Viksit Bharat,' our farmers are equipped with both the best nutrients and the best intelligence."
Siddharth Chaturvedi, Executive VP, AISECT Group and Vice President of CII Madhya Pradesh
The Union Budget 2026–27 presents a visionary and growth-oriented roadmap that strongly aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Its strong emphasis on MSMEs, employment generation, skill development, and enhanced credit access will significantly strengthen entrepreneurship and job creation, particularly in states like Madhya Pradesh with a large MSME base. Continued investments in infrastructure, logistics, and advanced technologies such as AI and robotics will improve productivity and regional competitiveness, while initiatives supporting women’s participation, skilling, and emerging sectors reflect a holistic approach to sustainable growth. Overall, the Budget lays a solid foundation for a resilient, future-ready, and globally competitive economy.”
Mr. Vineet Mittal, Chairman, Avaada Group
Budget 2026–27 strikes balance between ambition, growth and discipline. With sustained public capex of ₹12.2 lakh crore, a clear fiscal consolidation path, and reforms like the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund, it focuses on building long-term productive capacity rather than short-term stimulus. The emphasis on infrastructure, MSME scaling, transport, digital and logistics readiness sends a strong signal that India is investing for durable growth, competitiveness, and investor confidence.
Mr. Shekhar Singal, Managing Director, Eastman Auto & Power Limited
"The Union Budget reinforces policy continuity for India's energy transition by strongly backing domestic manufacturing, clean mobility, and decentralized renewable energy adoption with storage. With India expected to account for nearly 30% of global energy demand growth by 2035, the Budget's emphasis on renewable capacity expansion, grid integration, and reliable power delivery is both timely and strategically aligned with the country's long-term clean energy ambitions.
The exemption of basic customs duty on select capital goods, along with the addition of 35 capital goods for EV battery manufacturing, will provide a meaningful boost to domestic battery manufacturing and energy storage capabilities. In parallel, the ₹40,000-crore push for electronics manufacturing across key components such as printed circuit boards, capacitors, resistors and display modules will strengthen India's electronics and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
The continued focus on grid-scale renewable energy projects, alongside rooftop solar adoption under initiatives such as PM SURYA GHAR, will accelerate decentralised energy access while enhancing grid resilience. Overall, the Budget provides much-needed clarity and continuity, supporting India's 500 GW non-fossil fuel target and enabling companies like ours to scale integrated solar-storage solutions, strengthen last-mile e-mobility infrastructure, and drive sustainable energy access across both urban and rural markets."
Mr. Bhupinder Singh, Founder, InCred Group
This Budget has many positive structural elements and reflects a long term growth mindset. The strong push on infrastructure, domestic manufacturing and the technology ecosystem can meaningfully strengthen India's industrial and innovation base. At the same time, the sharp increase in STT on futures and options has understandably unsettled markets and could weigh on trading volumes at a delicate moment. Predictability and active participation are vital for deep capital markets, so ongoing engagement between government and market stakeholders will be key
Paul Salnikoff, Managing Director and CEO, Executive Centre India Limited.
The Union Budget underscores the government's continued focus on strengthening urban infrastructure and improving capital access for long-term commercial development. Over the past decade, instruments such as REITs and InvITs have enhanced transparency and institutional participation in India's real estate ecosystem. The proposed infrastructure risk guarantee fund and calibrated partial credit guarantees further reinforce lender confidence by addressing construction-phase risks. For enterprise-focused workspace providers operating in India's leading business districts, these measures support the creation of high-quality, professionally managed office environments aligned with evolving occupier expectations. The parallel emphasis on strengthening hospitality and service-led institutions also contributes to building a skilled, customer-centric workforce, supporting sustainable growth across office and workspace platforms
Aditya Kandoi, Founder & CEO, Redcliffe Labs
"Union Budget 2026 reflects a powerful shift in how India thinks about health, moving from treating illness to preventing it before it disrupts lives. The focus on diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases acknowledges a reality millions of families face every day and reinforces the urgent need for early detection, regular screening, and proactive care.
Strengthening the CDSCO is a crucial step toward building deeper trust in India's healthcare system. For patients, it means safer access to high-quality, innovative therapies. For the country, it strengthens our credibility as a global healthcare destination.
The proposal to develop new regional medical centers is equally significant, bringing advanced healthcare closer to communities beyond metros. When combined with technology-led diagnostics and affordable access, these measures can fundamentally change health outcomes at scale.
By expanding access, strengthening quality, and prioritizing prevention, this budget takes a much-needed step toward a healthier, more self-reliant India where good health is not a privilege, but a promise."
Sameer Merchant, CEO & MD, Laxmi Dental Limited.
"The Union Budget 2026 lays a strong foundation for strengthening healthcare outcomes by focusing on workforce development, regional medical infrastructure, and expanded preventive and treatment capacities. Proposals such as the training of 1.5 lakh caregivers, the creation of regional medical hubs, and the proposed investment of ₹10,000 crore in biopharma will help strengthen capacity across prevention, treatment, and research, reflecting a thoughtful approach to improving access, quality, and resilience across the healthcare ecosystem.
These measures are particularly relevant for specialised healthcare segments that depend on skilled professionals and robust institutional capacity. By strengthening human resources and facility capabilities, the Budget supports more balanced healthcare access beyond metropolitan centres and contributes to building a more inclusive and future-ready healthcare system. This creates a supportive environment for organisations focused on preventive care, clinical excellence, and patient-centric delivery to contribute meaningfully to improved health outcomes and long-term system resilience."
Siddhartha Sagar, Director, Avantel Limited
"The Union Budget 2026 strongly reinforces India's push toward innovation-led and self-reliant growth across pharma, technology, manufacturing, defence and aviation. The focused support for biopharma, deep tech, semiconductors and AI ecosystems, along with continued incentives for domestic manufacturing and defence and aerospace capability building, creates a strong foundation for long-term value creation. These measures are expected to accelerate indigenous technology development, strengthen supply chains and open new high-value opportunities. For Avantel, the budget direction is well aligned with our focus on advanced technologies and strategic sectors, and we view it as a positive catalyst for the broader industry and our growth journey."
Kalyan Kumar, Co-Founder & CEO, KlugKlug:
"The Union Budget 2026 recognises the growing importance of the creator economy as part of India's services-driven growth. The establishment of AVGC Content Creator Labs across 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges is a landmark step towards building structured talent pipelines and formalising the digital content ecosystem. Such initiatives can nurture early-stage creators and help India emerge as a global hub for digital storytelling and creative exports.
Additionally, tax reforms supporting IT and digital services, including automated safe harbour approvals and extended safe harbour thresholds from ₹300 crore to ₹2,000 crore, create a more predictable regulatory environment for digital platforms and influencer-driven businesses. These measures reflect the government's understanding of the digital economy as both an economic and cultural growth driver. We believe structured skilling initiatives combined with supportive regulatory frameworks will accelerate monetisation opportunities and professionalisation across India's rapidly expanding creator economy."
Zaheer Travadi, Head of Brand Partnerships – CPG, TikTok Indonesia:
"The Union Budget 2026 signals a long-term vision for formalising and scaling India's creator economy. The rollout of AVGC creator labs in thousands of schools and colleges is a transformative initiative that will introduce digital content creation as a mainstream career pathway. With India already witnessing rapid growth in influencer-led brand marketing, structured skilling will help creators adopt professional standards and global best practices.
The government's focus on AI-driven technologies and safe harbour provisions for IT and digital services will also enhance transparency, compliance clarity, and platform-creator collaboration. Additionally, continued investments in digital infrastructure and services-sector reforms strengthen India's position as a leading exporter of digital creativity and cultural content. As global brands increasingly look towards India's creator community for regional engagement, such policy support will help creators scale sustainably while ensuring consumer trust. Overall, the budget reflects recognition of digital creators as economic contributors, and with continued regulatory clarity and skilling investments, the sector is poised for exponential growth."
Abhinay Kumar Singh, Founder & MD, Adgcraft Communications:
"Union Budget 2026 sets an intelligence-first foundation for India's long-term approach that places artificial intelligence, innovation, and value creation at the centre of India's growth strategy. The ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and strengthened liquidity support will empower small enterprises to grow efficiently. The launch of AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges, alongside recognition of the AVGC sector as a major employer, signals a transformative future for creative professionals. The focus on AI-powered skill development through the Education to Employment and Enterprise Standing Committee ensures that India's workforce is future-ready, competitive, and aligned with global standards. These visionary initiatives not only strengthen India's startup landscape but also set up a stage for inclusive, innovation-led growth that empowers creators, entrepreneurs, and communities nationwide, supporting our vision toward Atmanirbharta and making India a global innovation hub."
