Surbhi Puri, Director, Green Power International
The year 2025 was significant in India's journey to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070 while fostering sustainable and inclusive development. This year, we took some active measures to make India a Green Hydrogen hub and accelerate the transition to renewable energy. From the upcoming budget, we expect to strengthen these efforts through targeted support for research and development, skilling of the workforce, and incentives for domestic manufacturing.
India has an estimated compressed biogas (CBG) potential of approximately 62 MMT per annum, derived from a wide range of biomass feedstocks. However, as of late 2025, installed CBG production capacity stood at only about 0.8 million kg per day (roughly 315,000 tonnes per year). This significant gap is attributable to multiple constraints, including inefficiencies in biomass aggregation and logistics, high capital and financing costs, limited adoption of mature technologies, and underdeveloped gas distribution infrastructure. The upcoming Union Budget should look at addressing this gap.
Further reduction in customs duty on imported machinery would help lower overall project costs and accelerate the deployment of advanced technologies that support the transition to lower carbon emissions across the sector. In addition, establishing a single-window clearance framework for the installation of gensets, by integrating applicable environmental, electrical, and local authority approvals, would significantly reduce project lead times and compliance burdens for investors.
Pre-Budget Quote: Mr. D.V. Manjunatha, Founder and CMD, Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Limited
This Union Budget, the manufacturing industry could genuinely benefit from this one change that could unlock the next phase of investment - reintroduction of 80% depreciation for new manufacturing facilities. There is no denying that Manufacturing is capital-intensive by nature. Whether it's setting up new plants, upgrading machinery or investing in automation, companies need strong incentives to commit long-term capital.
For businesses, depreciation is not merely an accounting concept; it directly affects how and when we invest. Faster depreciation reduces the real cost of setting up factories and makes it easier to invest in critical upstream areas such as components, materials, tooling and advanced manufacturing capabilities. These are exactly the areas India needs to strengthen if we want to reduce imports and build resilient supply chains. With interest rates still elevated and input costs volatile, easing the upfront tax burden can make a real.
Akshali Shah, Executive Director, Parag Milk Foods, said that ahead of Budget 2026, a continued focus on the dairy and agriculture sector—particularly on strengthening infrastructure, improving farm productivity, and expanding milk collection—can help the sector become more efficient and globally competitive. Investments in modern processing technology, organised supply chains, and better farm practices will not only support farmers and reduce wastage but also give the Indian dairy sector greater global reach and recognition for quality products.
She added that reforms in GST and other taxation have played a positive role in supporting consumption patterns over the past year. Boosting consumption remains an important ask from the FMCG sector. While urban demand is showing signs of recovery, rural consumption—though resilient—requires continued policy support, especially in the face of monsoon risks and inflationary pressures.
Looking ahead, she expressed hope that Budget 2026 will continue to strengthen agricultural and dairy infrastructure, support rural development, and encourage the adoption of modern technology. Initiatives such as incentivising modern processing facilities and expanding cold-chain logistics can help improve milk availability, product quality, and overall efficiency. By building on recent progress and supporting farmers with better access to credit and resources, the sector can become more resilient, competitive, and capable of meeting growing consumer demand.
Mr. Rajeev Taneja, Founder, GlobalCare Health, said that in medical tourism, even small policy shifts around visas, accreditation, travel ease, and insurance portability can quickly change patient flows and open up new geographies. He noted that India’s opportunity lies in moving beyond being seen only as a value destination to being recognised for superlative quality, seamless travel, and coordinated post-treatment support. Stronger public–private collaboration can help translate these gains into better infrastructure and more reliable service delivery. As international patients increasingly seek end-to-end care journeys rather than standalone procedures, GlobalCare Health is focusing on building integrated pathways by connecting hospitals, facilitators, and travel partners to make choosing India for treatment simpler, safer, and more outcome-focused.
Mr. Pankaj Chandna, Co-Founder, Vaidam Health, said that with the pre-Budget period approaching, India is entering an important phase in its medical tourism journey. Policy reforms are increasingly recognising medical value travel as a structured, systems-led growth opportunity. Continued investments in healthcare infrastructure, expanding digital health adoption, and improving access for international patients have created a strong foundation.
He added that the next phase of growth will depend on clearer policy direction and faster, simpler medical visa processes, along with well-defined cross-border care pathways and patient facilitation standards that reduce uncertainty for families planning treatment. Medical tourism is a multi-billion-dollar global industry, and India is well positioned to strengthen its leadership with world-class clinicians, advanced hospital networks, and a compelling value proposition centred on outcomes, affordability, and patient experience.
Looking ahead to 2026, he said international patients will increasingly expect transparency, continuity of care, and seamless coordination throughout treatment, travel, and recovery. Strengthening digital health integration, enabling insurance alignment, and supporting accredited patient facilitation platforms will be critical to building trust. With the right policy support, India can extend medical tourism beyond metro cities into emerging healthcare hubs, creating a more inclusive and resilient ecosystem.
