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Global experts welcomed the Union Budget 2026, describing it as a long-term, stability-focused roadmap that strengthens India’s attractiveness as an investment destination amid global uncertainty.
A key highlight of the budget was the strong push toward semiconductors, electronics manufacturing and data centres. Measures such as a new semiconductor mission, extended tax holidays and incentives for foreign cloud companies were seen as steps that could help build a full manufacturing ecosystem in India.
Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, said the budget prioritises long-term resilience and self-reliance. “This is a foundation budget, which I mean is it focuses on building a long term, a self reliant India,” he said, adding that India continues to stand out as a stable growth market for US companies.
Experts also pointed to the focus on labour-intensive exports such as textiles, footwear and leather. Lower customs duties on input materials and upcoming support schemes were seen as important for job creation and export competitiveness. Richard Rossow, Senior Adviser at CSIS said the Budget reflects confidence in India’s ability to grow exports rather than retreat from global trade, especially in sectors where India has a natural advantage.
Read Here | Budget 2026: No capital gains exemption on Sovereign Gold Bonds bought from secondary market
From a ratings perspective, Moody’s noted that India’s fiscal metrics remain largely unchanged, with elevated debt and a wide fiscal deficit. However, Christian de Guzman said the renewed focus on lower value-added manufacturing could help sustain domestic-led growth by creating employment at scale.
The budget also delivered a major boost to GIFT City by extending tax holidays to 20 years and offering clarity on post-holiday taxation. Dipesh Shah, Executive Director of IFSCA said these steps improve certainty for foreign investors. “These are the two most important concern of a foreign institutions coming into gift,” he said.
For full interview, watch accompanying video
Read Here | Budget 2026: Finance Minister announces changes to share buyback taxation
A key highlight of the budget was the strong push toward semiconductors, electronics manufacturing and data centres. Measures such as a new semiconductor mission, extended tax holidays and incentives for foreign cloud companies were seen as steps that could help build a full manufacturing ecosystem in India.
Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, said the budget prioritises long-term resilience and self-reliance. “This is a foundation budget, which I mean is it focuses on building a long term, a self reliant India,” he said, adding that India continues to stand out as a stable growth market for US companies.
Experts also pointed to the focus on labour-intensive exports such as textiles, footwear and leather. Lower customs duties on input materials and upcoming support schemes were seen as important for job creation and export competitiveness. Richard Rossow, Senior Adviser at CSIS said the Budget reflects confidence in India’s ability to grow exports rather than retreat from global trade, especially in sectors where India has a natural advantage.
Read Here | Budget 2026: No capital gains exemption on Sovereign Gold Bonds bought from secondary market
From a ratings perspective, Moody’s noted that India’s fiscal metrics remain largely unchanged, with elevated debt and a wide fiscal deficit. However, Christian de Guzman said the renewed focus on lower value-added manufacturing could help sustain domestic-led growth by creating employment at scale.
The budget also delivered a major boost to GIFT City by extending tax holidays to 20 years and offering clarity on post-holiday taxation. Dipesh Shah, Executive Director of IFSCA said these steps improve certainty for foreign investors. “These are the two most important concern of a foreign institutions coming into gift,” he said.
For full interview, watch accompanying video
Read Here | Budget 2026: Finance Minister announces changes to share buyback taxation
