The Union Budget 2026–27 lays out a broad-based growth strategy anchored in higher public investment and targeted sectoral interventions, with public capital expenditure raised from ₹11.2 lakh crore to ₹12.2 lakh crore and the launch of an Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund to crowd in private investment. The government announced major infrastructure initiatives including new freight corridors, seven high-speed rail corridors, expanded national waterways, and schemes to boost construction equipment and container manufacturing, alongside focused urban development through City Economic Regions with ₹5,000 crore allocated per region over five years.
"The proposal to allow depositories to centrally accept and share Form 15G and 15H represents a significant step forward in simplifying the investment journey of taxpayers and strengthening India's digital financial ecosystem. For businesses, this change reduces operational friction, ensures seamless tax compliance, and instils greater confidence among investors in corporate bonds and other debt instruments. By removing the need for multiple submissions to individual issuers, it makes investing more convenient, encourages wider participation, and enhances the overall efficiency of capital markets. In a broader sense, such measures accelerate the flow of capital, supporting economic growth and the development of a robust, investor-friendly debt market in India.
From a macro lens, the Govt also emphasized on artificial intelligence being the strategic enabler for the services economy. Targeted assessment of how emerging technologies are reshaping jobs and skill requirements, combined with focused upskilling and reskilling of young professionals in AI and advanced technologies, will help future-proof the workforce. AI-enabled platforms that intelligently match youth with jobs, training, and enterprise opportunities can significantly improve employability outcomes, while efforts to make informal work visible and verifiable will enhance upward mobility. Together, these measures empower India's youth to become active contributors to a globally competitive, technology-led services economy." - Akshay Mehrotra, MD & Group CEO, Fibe.
Aman Moudgil, Director, Gilco Global
"The Union Budget 2026–27, presented today by Nirmala Sitharaman, reinforces the government's long-term commitment to infrastructure-led economic growth. The increase in public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore sends a strong signal of continuity and execution focus, especially for sectors dependent on sustained investment cycles.
This level of spending has a cascading impact across urban infrastructure, real estate, transportation, healthcare, and industrial development. As India's cities grow denser and buildings become taller and more complex, infrastructure is no longer limited to roads and bridges alone - building systems that enable safe and efficient movement of people and goods are equally critical to asset performance and user experience.
Encouragingly, the budget also addresses structural challenges by improving project viability through de-risking mechanisms and by strengthening logistics and connectivity networks. These measures enhance private sector confidence, accelerate on-ground execution, and improve the overall economics of infrastructure projects.
From an industry standpoint, the budget aligns well with pre-budget expectations of sustained public spending acting as a catalyst for private investment. It creates long-term opportunities for allied sectors, skilled employment, local manufacturing, and technology-driven services that support India's evolving built environment. Overall, the budget provides clarity, stability, and momentum to sectors that thrive on disciplined execution and long-term planning."
Raymond Andrews,Co-founder, Biryani Blues
"The Union Budget 2026 further emphasizes the government's commitment to a stronger consumer economy, which is imperative for sectors like food and dining that are demand driven. With the improvement in disposable incomes and the positive sentiment in consumption, the organized restaurant brands are expected to benefit."
“The Union Budget 2026 provides a strong and consistent policy framework for India’s emergence has a global powerhouse under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The sustained push on infrastructure, higher capital expenditure, and reforms aimed at easing business conditions will help in attracting private investment and strengthening supply-chain resilience. We welcome the focus on clean energy solutions, MSME growth, and technology-led inclusion - benefiting farmers, women in STEM, youth, and the differently abled. The focus on scaling manufacturing in strategic sectors, building domestic value chains for critical minerals and rare earths, and expanding semiconductor and advanced technology capabilities will be vital for the future of EVs, electronics, and next-generation mobility.”
- Mr. Sudarshan Venu, Chairman and Managing Director, TVS Motor Company.
"This Budget makes one thing clear: scale matters. With ₹10,000 crore for SME growth and renewed focus on strategic sectors like manufacturing, biopharma, and semiconductors, the emphasis is on execution, fundamentals, and sustainable growth. For AI-first and deep-tech startups, it's fertile ground to build in India and scale globally. For investors, the signal is simple: back teams that can convert demand into durable, scalable businesses. Policy has set the tone; the ecosystem must now deliver." - Ajay Jain, Founder & Managing Partner, Silverneedle Ventures.
Mr. Dikshu C. Kukreja, Infrastructure Expert and Urban Town Planner-
"The jump in public capital expenditure from ₹2 lakh crore in 2014-15 to ₹11.2 lakh crore in Budget 2025- 26, with a proposed increase to ₹12.2 lakh crore in FY 2026-27, reflects the government's long-term commitment to infrastructure-led growth. This scale of investment will significantly reduce logistics costs, bring in private capital, and accelerate the economic development of urban precincts across India.
Infrastructure development requires patient capital and risk confidence. The proposed Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund, alongside asset monetization tools like REITs and InvITs, directly addresses construction-phase risks and will unlock large-scale private investment into roads, urban infrastructure, and real estate-linked assets."
Mr. Pravesh Dudani, Founder and Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University:
"The Union Budget 2026 makes it clear that skilling and skilled professionals sit at the core of the government's Sankalp and Kartavya. Whether it is healthcare, creative industries, hospitality, MSMEs, or emerging sectors such as inland waterways and biopharma, the Budget recognizes that infrastructure alone cannot deliver inclusive growth- people with employable skills do. What is particularly encouraging is the clear shift from building campuses to building outcomes. The emphasis on NSQF-aligned education, the expansion of allied health disciplines, and structured pathways for para-professionals signal a move toward job-linked capability creation rather than degree inflation. The Union Budget gives a significant boost to healthcare skilling as a national capacity- not a peripheral program- with plans to train 1.5 lakh caregivers in yoga and Ayurveda services, introduce ten new allied health disciplines to skill one lakh professionals, and establish three new Ayurveda institutes. The addition of three pharmaceutical education institutes and a network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial centres further underlines a long-term commitment to building skilled talent across wellness, healthcare delivery, and research ecosystems. The Kartavyas articulated by the Finance Minister- enhancing productivity, fulfilling aspirations, and ensuring equitable access- can only be realised if skills are embedded within mainstream higher education. Skill universities and public-private partnerships are critical to translating these announcements into scale, relevance, and dignity of work. Budget 2026 strengthens the foundation for an education system that leads not just to certificates, but to livelihoods and long-term workforce resilience."
Mr. Kuldip Sarma, Co-Founder and Pro-Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University:
"Budget 2026 signals a decisive move toward workforce-centric education aligned with the government's three Kartavyas — enhancing productivity, fulfilling aspirations, and ensuring equitable access to opportunity. The focus on Corporate Mitras in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, para-professional pathways, allied health education, hospitality training, creative technologies, and sector-specific institutions reflects a recognition that India's growth will be driven by skilled professionals across services, healthcare, MSMEs, and regional economies. The emphasis on NSQF-aligned programmes, apprenticeships, and short modular courses addresses a long-standing gap between degrees and workplace readiness. Equally important is the Budget's acknowledgement of emerging anxieties around AI and automation. Initiatives such as Creator Labs at IITs, AVGC content labs across schools and colleges, and Centres of Excellence in AI and sectoral skilling point toward preparing learners not just for jobs, but for employability and continuous change. Skill universities integrating skills and higher education, working closely with industry and government, can play a catalytic role in effectively converting education expenditure into employability, resilience, and meaningful participation in India's growth story."
Ms. Arti Dawar, CEO, Shiv Nadar School
"The Union Budget recognises young people as India's most valuable asset and places education at the heart of the nation's growth story, reflecting a Yuva Shakti–driven vision. The focus on the Education-to-Employment Standing Committee, AVGC labs (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics Labs), and skilling pathways reflects a strong commitment to preparing students for future-ready careers. The proposed strengthening of scientific infrastructure, research capabilities, and AI-led capacity building will further inspire young learners, particularly in STEM disciplines. By aligning education with emerging technologies, creative industries, and inclusive skill development, the Budget ensures that learning remains relevant in a rapidly evolving world. At Shiv Nadar School, we see this as a timely step towards nurturing confident, capable, and globally competitive learners for a Viksit Bharat."
Sridhar Gadhi, Founder & Managing Director, ParadigmIT
" The 2026 Budget signals India's shift from e-Governance to intelligent Governance - where productivity, service delivery and policy execution are powered by intelligence, not just systems. A sovereign, domain-trained AI platform in governance, education, agriculture and public services will become the enabler to for governments to operate at population scale. By explicitly calling "AI a force multiplier for better governance", the Budget elevates it to a strategic national priority. Continued support for the India AI Mission alongside other frontier missions signals long-term institutional commitment. This is about building Sovereign domain-trained AI capability in core areas like governance, education, critical infrastructure, public services, education and agriculture. "
Mr. Shri Mahavir Goel, Chairman, Venkateshwar International School
"The Budget adopts a system-level approach to strengthening the education sector. It prioritises stronger school foundations through improved digital access, regional-language learning, and greater exposure to science and innovation. In higher education, the focus shifts towards advanced research, artificial intelligence, medical and professional training, and closer engagement with industry. By bringing schools, colleges and careers into closer alignment, the Budget positions education as a practical, outcome-driven system equipped to support India's evolving economic and workforce needs."
Dr. Vishwanathan Iyer (Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai)
The Budget's approach to startups reflects policy maturity rather than neglect. Instead of expanding tax incentives, the focus shifts to scale, exports, and financing infrastructure. The removal of the ₹10 lakh per consignment cap on courier exports directly benefits D2C startups and small exporters accessing global markets. The ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and enhanced TReDS ecosystem address capital constraints faced by scale-stage firms, not just early experimentation. Given that MSMEs contribute over 40 percent of employment, this shift improves capital efficiency and survival rates. While early-stage sentiment may remain subdued, the Budget strengthens the foundations for sustainable entrepreneurship.
Expert Quote for Use - 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."
Mr. Pankaj Chandna, Co-Founder, Vaidam Health (Medical Tourism)
"India's intent is clear: Union Budget 2026 is pushing medical value tourism from a "hospital visit" into a full-stack, globally benchmarked care experience. The five regional medical value tourism hubs can standardise patient journeys across diagnostics, treatment, post-care and rehabilitation, while easing pressure on metros by building credible capacity in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. What stands out this year is the emphasis on technology as a growth lever, especially AI-enabled diagnostics, clinical decision support, patient coordination, and faster turnaround on care pathways, all of which directly improve international patient confidence and outcomes. The parallel focus on strengthening allied health institutions and expanding training capacity is equally important, because world-class infrastructure only works when the workforce is future-ready. Overall, Budget 2026 signals a shift toward scalable, data-driven, quality-led healthcare delivery, strengthening India's position as a trusted global destination for complex treatments and continuity of care", says Pankaj Chandna, Co-Founder, Vaidam Health.
Ms. Sonam Garg Sharma, Founder, Medical Linkers (Medical Tourism)
"The 2026 Budget's emphasis on integrated healthcare systems is a timely and strategic push that strengthens a direction India is already leading in. As a country, we are increasingly recognised for combining clinical excellence with value-driven care, and healthcare hubs that integrate advanced diagnostics, post-treatment rehabilitation, and AYUSH-led wellness therapies such as yoga and Ayurveda can take that advantage further by offering a truly end-to-end patient journey. This also adds meaningful momentum to India's medical value tourism story, where outcomes, experience, and continuity of care matter as much as affordability. We welcome the proposals to upgrade allied health institutions, expand training capacity, and strengthen geriatric and allied healthcare infrastructure, which will deepen last-mile capability and create large-scale employment, especially across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities," said Sonam Garg Sharma, Founder and CEO, Medical Linkers.
"Union Budget 2026 sends a powerful message that healthcare is no longer just a social obligation, but a national growth engine. The focus on strengthening district hospitals, expanding trauma and emergency care centres, and building a skilled caregiver ecosystem will significantly improve access to quality healthcare across India, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities. The emphasis on allied health professionals, medical value tourism and technology-driven healthcare delivery aligns perfectly with India's vision of a Viksit Bharat one where quality healthcare is accessible, affordable and globally competitive. For hospitals and practitioners, this Budget creates the right ecosystem to invest in modern infrastructure, advanced treatment, and patient-centric care. As an ophthalmologist, I also see this as an opportunity to expand preventive eye care, early diagnosis and advanced vision treatments, ensuring that millions of Indians can lead healthier, more productive lives", says Dr Sharoon Shitole, Consultant Ophthalmologist & Managing Director, Vencer Hospital, Pune.
"I welcome the government's recognition of the critical role that Applied Psychology and Behavioural Health professionals play in India's healthcare ecosystem. This acknowledgement is both timely and necessary. At Walnut Clinics, we work extensively with children on the autism spectrum and those with neurodevelopmental and behavioural challenges. One of our biggest constraints has been the limited availability of well-trained Allied Health Professionals. As a result, we invest heavily in in-house training and capacity building to ensure quality care for our patients. The government's initiative to upgrade existing AHP institutions and establish new ones is a significant step towards bridging this gap. It also reflects a deeper understanding of India's evolving disease burden, which is increasingly shifting towards lifestyle-related conditions, autoimmune disorders, and genetic and neurodevelopmental conditions. These challenges require a multidisciplinary approach, where applied psychologists, behavioural health specialists, and other AHPs are integral to long-term outcomes. I applaud the government's insight into the changing nature of health and healthcare in our country and its commitment to strengthening the Allied Health workforce to meet future needs", says Dr. Chanchal Agrawal , Founder and clinical Director, Walnut clinic Pune.
As a watershed moment for India's growth story, Union Budget 2026 will be a leap from simply being digitally adopted to actually creating deep tech and robust industrial capabilities. The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman explained that the budget has a multipronged strategy to promote growth: "Intelligence-First" digital infrastructure; a Decentralised approach for Startups; and Structural Efficiency for Manufacturing.
In addition to placing high priority on operationalising the Anusandhan National Research Fund, the budget expressly states the intent to create domestic Intellectual Property by launching new Capacity Building AI Missions. Further, the budget builds on the current scaling of the GENESIS program, and the announcement of the ₹10,000 Crore SME Growth Fund provides an architectural framework to democratise innovation, thereby creating an ecosystem that supports the next level of unicorn companies in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities (Bharat).
Founders from the AI, Consumer Tech, and Renewable Manufacturing sectors support these initiatives because they believe the combination of "patient capital" for R&D, paired with infrastructure boosts, will drive the next phase of the Economy.
AI & Deep Tech: Deepening Indigenous Capabilities
The Government is supportive of new technology and is leveraging AI to drive national progress rather than simply treating it as another tool. The intent behind linking funding for building high-tech capacity to the Budget is to create a future-focused ecosystem ready to adapt as technology continues to evolve. Mr. Vipul Prakash, Founder and CEO of FireAI, has commented on the strategic impact of this shift.
"We applaud the Government's Intelligence-First vision in the Union Budget 2026. The specific allocation for Capacity Building AI Missions and the operationalization of the Anusandhan National Research Fund are landmark steps. They signal a shift from simply adopting technology to deepening our indigenous R&D capabilities.
For the Indian tech ecosystem, the commitment to emerging technologies as a driver of inclusive growth is encouraging. When combined with the ₹10,000 Crore SME Growth Fund, this Budget creates a powerful flywheel. The Research and Development and Innovation Fund will build the tech, and the Capacity Building Missions will ensure our workforce is ready to use it. At FireAI, we are ready to support this vision by helping these newly empowered businesses turn data into their strongest asset."
Startup Ecosystem: Bridging the Gap Between India and Bharat
Recognising that innovation is no longer confined to metros, the FM announced expanded access to funding to support founders in non-metro regions. Mr. Ravi Mittal, Founder & CEO of QuackQuack and Rebounce, believes this will be a catalyst for grassroots innovation.
"The Budget's strong push towards decentralising India's startup ecosystem is both timely and transformative. As a platform witnessing massive growth from non-metro India, we welcome the scaled-up GENESIS programme and the expanded Fund of Funds. This directly addresses the biggest hurdle for founders outside the big metros: Access to Capital.
For a digital-first business, the Ease of Doing Business is just as important as funding. The Budget's focus on simplifying compliance for digital startups and the continued investment in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) will be the real catalyst. It lowers the barrier to entry, allowing entrepreneurs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to focus on building a product rather than paperwork. This essentially bridges the gap between India and Bharat, ensuring that the next wave of tech innovation is inclusive, widespread, and grassroots-led."
Renewable Energy & Manufacturing: Strengthening the Supply Chain
The Budget also emphasized the importance of energy transition and domestic manufacturing as pillars of a self-reliant economy. With the historic hike in Capital Expenditure and the rationalization of duties on solar inputs, the Government has strengthened the backbone of the renewable sector. Mr. Mayank Garg, CEO of Aroma Solar Energy, highlighted how these structural changes will boost global competitiveness.
"The Union Budget 2026 is a massive boost for domestic solar manufacturers, addressing both structural efficiency and cost competitiveness. The historic increase in Capital Expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore provides the robust infrastructure backbone essential for industrial growth.
We are particularly encouraged by the revision of duties on solar cells and solar allied products. This move to rationalise the duty structure is a decisive step to correct inverted duties, significantly lowering our input costs and boosting domestic value addition. When combined with the new Economic and Freight Corridors, which will reduce our logistics costs for moving heavy glass and modules, the Government has effectively removed the two biggest bottlenecks for the industry. This ecosystem paves the way for Make in India solar brands to not just serve the domestic market, but compete globally."
Chaitanya Sarawate, Managing Director, Wipro GE Healthcare and President & CEO, GE HealthCare South Asia
In line with the Viksit Bharat vision, the Union Budget 2026 takes a balanced approach to strengthening both supply and demand. It clearly signals intent to deepen India's pharma and medtech manufacturing ecosystem through greater manufacturing depth, infrastructure expansion, regulatory maturity, and technology readiness.
On the demand side, the focus on a comprehensive care ecosystem—covering cancer, rare diseases, geriatrics, mental health, and allied care—is timely. The proposal for five regional medical value travel hubs integrating care, education, and research can strengthen domestic delivery while positioning India as a credible global destination for medical-value care.
Initiatives such as Biopharma Shakti, alongside emphasis on precision diagnostics, AI-led innovation, regional care delivery, and local manufacturing, are positive steps. Sustained execution to build scalable domestic capabilities will be key to delivering affordable, high-quality healthcare and enhancing India's global standing.
Nilesh Aggarwal, Founder Medtalks
"The Union Budget 2026–27 signals a clear intent to strengthen India's clinical research and life sciences ecosystem. The focus on clinical trials, regulatory capacity, and biologics reflects a shift towards making India as a globally credible research destination, not just a cost-efficient one.
As this ecosystem evolves, evidence generation cannot remain limited to trials alone. Indian medical journals, continuous medical education, and real-world data will be equally important in translating research into everyday clinical practice especially in a country as diverse as India.
There is also a need to strengthen India's own platforms for scientific publishing, doctor education, and patient awareness so that India-specific evidence is generated, interpreted, and disseminated locally.
At the IJCP Group, we have been working across these areas for several years, spanning research, medical publishing, education, and patient engagement, and see this Budget as an important step towards building a more integrated, evidence-driven healthcare ecosystem."
Arjun Anjaria, Founder & CEO, Unbox Health
"The Budget reinforces the growing recognition that food safety and nutrition are central to long-term public health and economic productivity. As packaged foods and supplements become a larger part of everyday diets, consumers need clearer, more reliable information to make safe choices. Stronger labelling standards, wider access to accredited testing and consistent enforcement can help ensure that label claims reflect product reality. Platforms like Unbox Health complement this effort by independently testing products and publishing lab-backed ratings, helping consumers navigate complexity while encouraging brands to meet higher standards of transparency and compliance."
Divya Balaji Kamerkar, CEO & Co-founder, Pinky Promise.
"The Union Budget 2026–27 positions AI and digital systems as force multipliers in healthcare delivery, with a welcome push towards technology-enabled access, research-backed care, and expanded mental and allied health services. For women's health, this is a pivotal moment. AI-driven triaging, chat-first consultations, and longitudinal digital care pathways can directly tackle the everyday barriers of stigma, delayed diagnosis, and limited access to qualified gynaecologists that so many young women face. As a founder working at the intersection of women's health and technology, I see this Budget as an opportunity to mainstream clinically governed, privacy-first digital models like Pinky Promise, so that accurate information and timely, stigma-free reproductive healthcare become a standard part of every woman's journey in India, not the exception."
Parth Amin, CEO & Co-Founder, Decode Age
"The Union Budget 2026-27 is a definitive signal that India is ready to lead the longevity revolution. For years, we have argued that the future of healthcare lies in targeting the biological roots of aging rather than just managing end-stage disease. With the launch of the Biopharma SHAKTI scheme, the government has provided the missing piece of the puzzle: a massive ₹10,000 crore commitment to the science of biologics and precision medicine.
This budget effectively ends the era of 'sick-care' and marks the beginning of a data-led, preventive era. By prioritizing advanced research infrastructure and clinical networks, the government is creating the exact ecosystem needed for companies like Decode Age to scale life-extending innovations. We are no longer just talking about longevity. We are building a future where every Indian can expect more years of peak health and productivity. The mandate is clear: it is time to shift the focus from merely surviving to truly thriving."
Divyajot Ahluwalia, Director at wTvision Solution Pvt. Ltd.:
"The most consequential aspect of this Budget for the sports sector is its emphasis on continuity and system-building rather than isolated interventions. A decade-long roadmap through the Khelo India Mission acknowledges a long-standing reality that athlete development, infrastructure creation and industry growth cannot be achieved within short policy cycles. Equally significant is the recognition of sport as an economic sector, particularly through the focus on domestic manufacturing of sports equipment and an emphasis on structured leagues, competitions and sporting events. Well-organised and high quality broadcast competitions play a central role in building fandom, which is often the starting point for participation leading to a bigger shift.
With the right ecosystem in place, combining athlete development, competition structures and broadcast-led reach, these efforts have the potential to deliver the outcomes our government is aiming for. This is a direction that strengthens the sports system as a whole, and one that we stand firmly behind, committed in spirit and action, to help Indian sport grow in depth, relevance and scale, to a position of undisputed leadership."
Mr. Chandra Shekhar Batra, Co-Founder, OneVeda - a nutraceutical wellness brand rooted in Ayurveda and modern nutritional science.
"As founders building a wellness startup brand, Budget 2026 directly addresses two of our biggest needs — patient capital and a stronger science ecosystem. The ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and the ₹2,000 crore top-up to the Self-Reliant India Fund recognise that nutraceutical startups need long-term equity support to invest in research, quality validation, consumer education, and long-term impact over short-term growth. At the same time, the ₹10,000 crore Biopharma SHAKTI initiative acknowledges India's rising burden of lifestyle diseases and reinforces the role of preventive and science-backed wellness solutions alongside modern healthcare. Together, these measures make it easier for brands like OneVeda to scale responsibly while staying rooted in efficacy and trust."
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."
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Chimni, Founder of Ceuticoz – Science-Backed Cosmeceuticals-
"The government's decision to allocate ₹10,000 crore for pharmaceutical sector development demonstrates its commitment to establish an innovation-driven healthcare system along with dedicated development of cosmeceutical products. The cosmeceutical and dermatology-led FMCG segment will benefit from this investment because it enables research and development activities while providing access to premium active ingredients and bolstering local production capabilities. The improved pharmaceutical framework will drive faster product development while building customer trust and expanding retail distribution, which will establish India as a trustworthy center for advanced cosmeceuticals and scientifically proven wellness products."
Aniruddha Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Umiya Buildcon Ltd said:
"Budget 2026 reinforces that stability, predictability and execution clarity are central to sustainable growth in the real estate sector. The continued focus on infrastructure development, streamlined approvals and policy continuity directly supports faster project execution and improved cash flow visibility for developers. With renewed emphasis on affordable housing and infrastructure-led growth, alongside a sharper focus on Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, the sector is set to benefit from more balanced and scalable urban expansion.
Measures such as the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund and proactive asset monetisation are expected to ease financing constraints, improve access to capital and reduce risk for large-scale developments. The launch of SWAMIH Fund 2, a ₹15,000 crore blended finance facility to complete one lakh stalled housing units, is particularly significant in addressing legacy stress, unlocking stuck capital and restoring project viability, building on the outcomes of SWAMIH Fund 1. Continued tax incentives for home buyers, including the extension of nil annual value benefits to two self-occupied properties, should further support demand and sales momentum.
Taken together, these measures strengthen developer confidence, improve execution certainty and reinforce real estate's role as a key enabler of urban infrastructure, housing delivery and long-term economic growth."
Group Capt. C.S. Krishnadas, Chief Executive Officer, Umiya Buildcon said:
"The Union Budget 2026–27 marks a decisive shift from signalling intent to enabling execution in India's digital and telecom infrastructure journey. With overall capital expenditure raised to ₹12.2 lakh crore, an 8.8% increase year-on-year, the government has reaffirmed infrastructure—both physical and digital—as the foundation for a 'Viksit Bharat'. The continued prioritisation of telecom networks, broadband expansion, and data-led infrastructure provides long-term visibility and confidence for the sector.
The recognition of artificial intelligence as core digital infrastructure, alongside a sharper focus on data centres, cloud ecosystems, and next-generation networks, reflects a forward-looking approach to connectivity-led growth. Equally significant is the enhanced outlay of ₹40,000 crore under the Electronic Components Manufacturing Scheme, which signals a clear move toward deeper localisation and value creation beyond assembly, thereby strengthening India's telecom manufacturing supply chain. Sustained support for national connectivity programmes such as BharatNet, along with continued investments in the revival of public sector telecom operators including BSNL and MTNL, will accelerate rural broadband penetration and the modernisation of mission-critical networks.
As India crosses 400 million 5G users, the emphasis on increasing tower density, fibreisation, and R&D for 5G evolution and 6G technologies is timely and essential. Overall, the Budget provides policy continuity, scale, and strategic direction for telecom infrastructure, indigenous manufacturing, and secure networks. It creates an enabling environment for Indian companies to invest in future-ready technologies, strengthen public digital infrastructure, and support India's emergence as a global hub for telecom equipment manufacturing and exports"
“The 2026 Union Budget’s focus on strengthening the services sector as a core driver of growth, alongside measures that support AI skilling and education, is a positive step toward building a future-ready workforce. The proposal to assess how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping jobs and skills will be critical in aligning education with enterprise needs. From a technology standpoint, continued emphasis on digital infrastructure, including data centres and IT, will help enrich local capabilities and enable more secure, scalable, and compliant innovation. Moreover, the revised safe harbour margin of 15.5% brings much-needed clarity and stability, allowing global technology and services organisations to plan long-term investments with greater confidence.” -Mohammed Anzy S, Vice President & Managing Director, Guidewire India.
