Union Budget 2026 Charts Credible Path To Enhance Competitiveness & Investment: Industry

The Union Budget 2026-27 offers a credible and well-structured roadmap to strengthen India’s competitiveness, industry leaders said on Sunday.

They noted that the government balanced fiscal discipline with structural reforms while taking targeted steps to encourage private investment.

Industry bodies said the Budget reinforces confidence in India’s economic outlook at a time when global growth remains uneven.

Investors, they added, are seeking policy stability and long-term clarity, which the Budget clearly provides.

Confederation of Indian Industry President Rajiv Memani said the proposals reaffirm trust in India’s growth trajectory despite persistent global uncertainty.

He said the Budget places strong emphasis on manufacturing and technology, which will help India build domestic capabilities in sectors critical to future global competition.

Memani also highlighted measures aimed at small businesses. He said initiatives such as the SME Growth Fund, expansion of TReDS-based financing, and stronger integration of MSMEs with government procurement platforms will ease credit access.

These steps, he added, will support formalisation and help smaller firms scale in a sustainable manner.

Leaders from the Essar Group echoed similar views. They said the government sent a positive signal at a time when geopolitical tensions and shifting trade patterns are reshaping the global economy.

Dhanpat Nahata, Managing Partner at Essar Capital, said the Budget strengthens India’s economic foundations where it matters most.

He pointed to steps that deepen corporate bond markets, attract long-term global capital and initiate banking-sector reforms.

These measures, he said, will reinforce financial stability and support investment-led growth.

Srinivasan Vaidyanathan, Operating Partner at Essar, said the Budget underscores India’s steady, reform-driven approach amid global fragmentation and supply-chain realignment.

He highlighted the increase in public capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore.

He said the focus on freight corridors, waterways and logistics infrastructure will accelerate execution across energy and transport networks.

Ashish Rajgarhia, Executive Director at Essar Ports, said the Budget keeps infrastructure and trade logistics at the core of India’s growth strategy.

He welcomed plans to expand Dedicated Freight Corridors, operationalise National Waterways and promote coastal cargo movement.

Rajgarhia also praised the emphasis on inland waterways, skill development and ship-repair facilities in cities such as Patna and Varanasi.

He said these initiatives will create jobs, cut congestion and emissions, and support India’s long-term goal of expanding inland and coastal shipping by 2047.

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