Union Budget 2026 LIVE: Top Industry Reactions & Expert Takeaways

Union Budget 2026 LIVE: Industry experts and top economists share their first reactions as the budget unfolds. Stay tuned for real-time insights and sector-wise analysis from India's leading corporate voices.

[12:35 PM IST] – Renault India: "Budget Boosts Localisation & Sustainable Mobility"

Mr. Stéphane Deblaise (CEO, Renault Group India) on Manufacturing and Semiconductors:

Semiconductor Mission 2.0: Semiconductor equipment aur full-stack Indian IP par focus industry ki zaruraton ke hisaab se sahi kadam hai.
Localization: Rare earth magnets aur lithium-ion cells par customs duty exemptions se EV aur sustainable mobility ko badhava milega.
Infra Support: ₹12.2 lakh crore ka capex aur naye logistics corridors se logistics cost kam hogi aur growth ko momentum milega.
Policy Continuity: Budget 'Viksit Bharat' ke lakshya ko dhyaan mein rakhte hue manufacturing-led growth ko mazboot karta hai.
The Verdict: Critical imports par nirbharata (dependency) kam karne ki koshish automotive sector ke liye positive hai.

[12:20 PM IST] – Genus Power: "Massive ₹12.2 Lakh Crore Capex to Drive Energy Infrastructure"

Mr. Jitendra Kumar Agarwal (Joint Managing Director, Genus Power Infrastructures Limited) on Grid Resilience:

Infrastructure Push: ₹12.2 lakh crore ka public capex outlay energy aur infra sectors ko long-term growth ki visibility deta hai.
Battery Storage: Capital goods par Customs Duty exemption se Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) saste honge, jo grid stability ke liye zaruri hain.
Energy Transition: Solar manufacturing aur ₹20,000-crore Carbon Capture commitment se India ki energy diversification mazboot hogi.
Technology Focus: India ke industrial base ko anchor karne ke liye reliable aur technology-enabled power systems par zor diya gaya hai.
The Verdict: Fiscal discipline aur bade capex ka combo energy transition ko fast-track karega.

[12:00 PM IST] – Ester Industries: "Focus on Advanced Materials and Decarbonization"

Mr. Arvind Singhania (Chairman & CEO, Ester Industries Limited) on Textiles and Carbon Capture:

Textile Boost: SAMARTH 2.0 aur technology modernization se Man-made fibres aur export-oriented segments ko badi taqat milegi.
Sustainability: Chemicals aur refineries ke liye ₹20,000 crore ka Carbon Capture allocation ek pragmatic aur bada kadam hai.
Global Competitiveness: Policy direction se specialty materials players ke liye global supply chains mein jagah banana asaan hoga.
Innovation: Budget scale se zyada sophistication (modern technology) aur innovation par focus kar raha hai.
The Verdict: Sustainability aur industrial growth ka saath chalna Indian manufacturers ko global trade mein aage rakhega.

[11:45 AM IST] – Wipro: "AI to be the Force Multiplier for India’s Growth"

Ms. Aparna Iyer (CFO, Wipro Limited) on IT Services and Data Centers:

AI Powerhouse: Government ka vision India ko ek AI-powered economic superpower banane ka hai, jo IT sector ke liye bada boost hai.
Data Center Hub: Foreign customers ko di jane wali data center services par long-term tax exemption se India ek global hub banega.
Tax Ease: IT aur R&D services ko ek bucket mein lana aur Safe Harbor ki limit badhana tax compliance ke kharche ko kam karega.
Fiscal Discipline: Volatile environment ke bawajood fiscal deficit target meet karna ek bada kadam hai.
The Verdict: AI par focus aur "Ease of doing business" reforms IT enterprises ki growth momentum ko sustain karenge.

[11:30 AM IST] – Vedanta Ltd: "A Growth-Oriented Budget Focusing on Mineral Security"

Mr. Anil Agarwal (Chairman, Vedanta Ltd) on Manufacturing and Mineral Reforms:

Mineral Security: Rare Earths Corridors in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, and Kerala will boost growth, employment, and R&D.
Tax Benefits: Import duty exemption on capital goods for critical minerals processing is a timely and strategic move.
SEZ Flexibility: Allowing SEZs to sell in the domestic market is a game-changer for Indian industries.
Social Impact: Focus on creating opportunities for Youth and Women to ensure financial independence.
The Verdict: A steady-handed budget that steers the economy well during uncertain global times.

[11:15 AM IST] – Solex Energy: "Budget Positions Manufacturing at the Heart of Energy Transition"

Dr. Chetan Shah (Chairman & Managing Director, Solex Energy Limited) on Clean Energy & Manufacturing:

Policy Certainty: Customs duty exemptions for batteries, energy storage, and critical minerals will boost domestic manufacturing.
Energy Security: Integration of Solar with Storage recognizes the deep link between clean energy and industrial competitiveness.
Global Hub: Support for R&D and advanced manufacturing reinforces the ‘Make in India for the World’ vision.
The Verdict: Long-term policy stability will transform India into a trusted global manufacturing hub for clean technologies.

[10:55 AM IST] – RBL Bank: "A Realistic Budget with Focus on Stability"

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Ms. Anitha Rangan (Chief Economist, RBL Bank) shares her expert take:

Fiscal Target: Deficit target of 4.3% for FY27 is a very positive and achievable signal.
Key Focus: Continuity in reforms for Manufacturing, Rural, and Youth.
Market View: STT hike is a short-term dampener for Equities, but growth focus will help recovery.
Debt Market: Gross borrowing is in line with expectations, though bank absorption remains key.