With India’s Union Budget 2026 approaching, business leaders are moving past big promises and focusing on fixes that work. Sweeping overhauls and flashy announcements are not the priority; clarity, consistency, and policies that deliver on the ground are.
Retail sits high on that wish list. Executives argue that a unified national retail policy would remove layers of overlapping rules that slow expansion and raise costs. Given that retail contributes nearly 10% to India’s GDP and serves a population of 1.5 billion, even small regulatory improvements could have an outsized impact.
Scaling retail and power with AI
Many see tax incentives and support for AI-driven tools, including loyalty systems, supply chain tracking, and anti-counterfeiting measures, as ways to help both legacy brands and younger companies grow faster and smarter.
Energy leaders are watching the budget just as closely. India added almost 50 gigawatts of renewable capacity in 2025, pushing non-fossil fuel capacity to around 262–263 gigawatts. The next step, they say, is stronger backing for hybrid power projects, energy storage, green hydrogen, and domestic manufacturing, alongside deeper investment in electric mobility and next-generation batteries.
Technology voices continue to frame artificial intelligence as a broad economic tool rather than a niche product. Their focus remains on R&D funding, digital infrastructure, ethical safeguards, and workforce training, especially for small and mid-sized businesses that risk being left behind.
What capital, housing, and climate need next
Other sectors are adding their own pressure points. Capital market experts want reforms that attract foreign issuers. Real estate players are calling for faster approvals, digital compliance, and lower hidden costs to ease housing affordability.
Education and healthcare leaders are pushing for research funding and AI-enabled clinical trials, while climate specialists highlight the need for proactive insurance against extreme weather. Even digital assets feature prominently, with calls for clear crypto rules and more balanced taxation.
