Matías Gainza Eurnekian, CEO, Federal Card Services
"Sharing his anticipation for the Union Budget 2026-27 and its potential impact on the industry, Matías Gainza Eurnekian, CEO, Federal Card Services (FCS), said "India's payments landscape is entering its next phase of expansion, supported by rising consumer incomes, growing spending power, and rapid digital adoption. Industry insights from PwC and Visa consistently show that as disposable incomes increase, the use of cards and digital payment methods also accelerates especially when backed by strong acceptance infrastructure, financial inclusion initiatives and innovative payment offerings.
In this context, the upcoming Union Budget presents an important opportunity to strengthen the foundations of the ecosystem. Targeted incentives for advanced manufacturing and a continued push toward local production can help build a more resilient, globally competitive payments value chain. Extending and modernising schemes such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI), particularly for next-generation technologies, would further support this momentum.
Equally critical is policy clarity that balances growth with fiscal discipline. When consumers and businesses have confidence in the macroeconomic environment, it directly supports the adoption of new payment technologies and enables the digital payments sector to scale in a sustainable, long-term manner."
Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO, Spice Money
"As India accelerates its financial inclusion journey, the Union Budget should continue to prioritise the non-bank Business Correspondents ecosystem and rural fintechs that enable last-mile access to essential banking services. BCs are the backbone of assisted digital finance in Bharat, delivering critical services such as mATM transactions, AePS, cash-in and cash-out, and CASA access in regions where physical bank branches remain limited. Strengthening this network through better infrastructure support, digital enablement, and sustainable incentive structures will significantly deepen formal banking penetration. Rural fintechs have played a pivotal role in making everyday banking accessible and reliable for underserved communities. Enhanced connectivity in rural areas, and adoption of vernacular and voice-based interfaces can further drive usage and trust among first-time users.
As fintech participation in core banking and payment services grows, there is also a need for clearer regulatory guidelines focused on operational transparency, standardised reporting, and consumer protection. Consistent disclosure norms, improved grievance redressal frameworks, and clear compliance expectations will help strengthen confidence across the ecosystem. A budget that balances inclusion, innovation, and governance will ensure that assisted digital finance continues to empower citizens while supporting sustainable growth in India's rural economy."
Sudarshan Lodha, Co-founder & CEO, Strata, said, “Over the last few Budgets, the government has laid a strong foundation for commercial real estate through infrastructure investment, urban development programs, and capital-market reforms such as REITs and asset monetisation. As we look to Union Budget 2026–27, the next phase should focus on easing project-level financing, enabling structured private credit, and providing clearer tax and regulatory frameworks for alternative investment platforms. These measures can unlock long-term capital, support office expansion beyond core metros, and strengthen real estate’s role in employment and urban growth.”
Mr. Rajasekhar Papolu, Managing Director, Brihaspathi Technologies Limited said, "As India advances toward becoming a global digital leader, the upcoming Union Budget is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the country's technology and AI trajectory. Beyond digital services, the focus must now shift to deep-tech innovation, AI-led transformation, and indigenous technology development. Enhanced incentives for AI research, innovation funding, and industry–academia collaboration will be crucial to accelerate adoption across sectors such as healthcare, urban infrastructure, manufacturing, and public safety.
Equally important is strengthening domestic electronics and semiconductor ecosystems by rationalising duties on critical components while encouraging local manufacturing. Skilling and reskilling initiatives in AI, data science, and cybersecurity will be key to building a future-ready workforce."
Abdulkader Bengali, MD, Hansgrohe India said, "As India prepares for Budget 2026‑27, the macroeconomic outlook remains resilient, with strong growth fundamentals and rising aspirations across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. A growing middle class is increasingly seeking luxury residential and hospitality experiences- spaces that are not only premium and well‑designed but also efficient and sustainable, reflecting evolving lifestyles and global exposure.
This shift calls for policy frameworks that strengthen infrastructure, urban planning, and housing ecosystems, ensuring access to high‑quality living while maintaining affordability and long‑term value. Encouraging responsible construction practices, skill development, and quality‑led execution can elevate standards across both luxury residential and hospitality segments.
With consistent policy support, a sharper focus on durability, sustainability, and user experience will enhance India's living environments and hospitality offerings, driving inclusive growth while reinforcing the country's building ecosystem for the future."
Quote by Mr Sudhir Kunder, CBO of DE-CIX, India said, As digital consumption accelerates, interconnection must be recognised as a strategic pillar of national digital infrastructure, powering innovation across AI, cloud, fintech, and India's rapidly expanding data centre ecosystem
As India moves decisively toward becoming a global digital hub, Budget 2026 must prioritise policies that strengthen the foundational layers of digital infrastructure, especially interconnection and data exchange ecosystems. We expect targeted incentives for neutral Interconnection Platform, Edge Data Centres, and Cloud Platforms that reduce latency, improve resilience, and lower network costs for SMEs, SMBs, Enterprises and ISPs alike.
Policy clarity regarding data localisation, cross-border data flows, and power and right-of-way reforms will be crucial to accelerating investments in next-generation digital infrastructure. Additionally, a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) approach to expanding interconnection in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities can accelerate digital inclusion. With the industry growing at 25% CAGR and projected to reach 32% CAGR by FY26, neutral interconnection platforms will play a crucial role in accelerating this growth.
A future-ready Budget should recognise interconnection as a strategic enabler of AI, cloud, fintech, smart cities, and digital public infrastructure, ensuring India remains competitive, scalable, and digitally sovereign in the global economy.
Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University said, “With the Indian higher education system re-positioning itself in sync with NEP 2020, we anticipate an increased allocation of funds in Union Budget 2026 to make universities centres of advanced research and innovation. This should translate to increased investment in emerging areas to foster holistic development and to facilitate better synergy between industry and academia.”
“The GST rationalisation measures introduced in 2025 were a welcome step, moving India toward a simpler rate structure while easing tax burdens for both businesses and consumers. As we look ahead to the upcoming Budget, continued focus on infrastructure and housing-led growth, along with support for sustainable and energy-efficient manufacturing, will further strengthen the building products sector. Calibrated efforts to reduce construction costs and stronger skilling and employment support for the manufacturing workforce will also help make quality solutions more accessible across the country.”- Mr. Nirupam Sahay, Chief Executive Officer, Bath & Tiles Business, Hindware Limited.
