As India prepares for the Union Budget 2026, industries across sectors are urging for specific policy support to enhance growth, promote innovation, and build resilience. From healthcare to technology, electric mobility, and compliance, experts believe the budget could serve as a catalyst for India’s next phase of economic growth.
Mental health and preventive care in focus
Abhineet Kumar, CEO & Founder of Rocket Health, emphasizes that unresolved mental health issues cost the nation billions in lost productivity. “India has a unique opportunity to establish a national mental health framework where AI-driven tools enhance early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support,” he stated, highlighting the importance for robust public-private partnerships in mental health services.
From the FMCG and nutrition viewpoint, S V V Dora Reddy, co-founder of Abhi Eggs, considers Budget 2026 a valuable opportunity to enhance India’s preventive health sector. “Incentives for antibiotic-free farming, improved access to quality testing, and rationalization of GST for nutritionally fortified staples can make healthier options more accessible, especially in non-metro and rural areas,” he noted.
Tech and innovation: Evolving from consumer to creator
Raviteja Chivukula, CEO of Perceptyne Robots, underscores the need to transition India from a technology consumer to a technology producer. “Sectors with high capital expenditures such as robotics, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and AI require targeted capital supports and enhanced corporate R&D incentives to facilitate scale-ups,” he stated.
Also read: Budget 2026 Expectations: Experts advocate for execution-focused reforms across finance, healthcare, renewable energy, and technology
Echoing this sentiment, Akshay Chhabra, CMD of 1Point1 Solutions, called for industrial-scale AI integration, data center development, and strategies that encourage private investment. “AI is now essential; it fuels productivity, decision-making, and global competitiveness,” he stated.
Supply chains and electric mobility
Smitha Shetty, APAC Regional Director at Achilles Information, indicated that Budget 2026 could enhance India’s supply chains by minimizing reliance on specific regions, optimizing logistics, and supporting MSMEs in joining global value chains. “Challenges from climate change and rising sustainability demands are prompting industries to reevaluate their supply chains,” she remarked.
In electric mobility, Abhinav Kalia, CEO of ARC Electric, emphasized the importance of practical, demand-based incentives for corporate EV adoption. “Increased incentives for charging infrastructure, tax deductions, and GST rationalization for EVs will speed the transition to cleaner transport,” he noted.
Hospitality and tourism: Growth through support
Harshal Dilwali, CEO of Clarissa Group, noted the difficulties faced by mid-sized and emerging hospitality brands, mentioning soaring operational expenses and compliance challenges. He hopes Budget 2026 will provide GST rationalization, improved access to financing, and incentives for renovation and capacity building. “Support for skill development and tourism infrastructure will help distribute travel demand beyond metropolitan areas and foster regional growth,” he stated.
Digital transformation and education
Sudhir Kothari, CEO of Embee Software, regards Budget 2026 as a crucial step towards advancing India’s digital-first strategy. “Support for public digital infrastructure, cloud adoption, cybersecurity, and AI-led modernization will empower IT firms to drive significant digital transformation across industries,” he remarked.
Regarding education, Ashwini Sharma of JK Lakshmipat University emphasized the necessity for reforming higher education, promoting interdisciplinary studies, and industry-aligned skill enhancement. “Promoting digital learning and research in emerging technologies will cultivate a competitive talent pool,” Sharma expressed.
Compliance and payroll reforms
Pratik Vaidya of Karma Management Global Consulting Solutions stated that the budget should streamline compliance for MSMEs. “Establishing a national digital compliance system, risk-based inspections, and improved API integration between HRMS and government databases will help reduce disputes, enhance social security availability, and instill greater confidence among employers and employees,” he added.
The road aheadExperts across various sectors concur that Budget 2026 has the potential to pave the way for India’s next growth phase—leveraging fiscal incentives, regulatory transparency, and digital empowerment. From health and nutrition to AI, electric mobility, and workforce enhancements, appropriate policies could position India as a robust, more resilient, and innovation-driven economy.
