What are the key demands of over 70 CEOs for Budget 2026?

Over 70 CEOs and business leaders expect Budget 2026 to focus on reforms, strong capital expenditure, manufacturing competitiveness, exports, energy security, and job creation.

What specific policy support do manufacturing and innovation sectors need?

Manufacturing and innovation sectors require policy support to incentivize more investment in research and development, with a long-term goal of reaching 3% of GDP, and tax certainty is critical for global capability centers.

What are the energy sector expectations for Budget 2026?

The energy sector expects India to move faster towards clean and electric energy sources, focusing on round-the-clock power and long-term energy security, targeting 1,000 GW of power capacity by 2032.

Home / Business and Economy / CEOs Urge Reforms for India's Budget 2026 Growth

CEOs Urge Reforms for India's Budget 2026 Growth

31 Jan

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Summary

Over 70 CEOs demand reforms, strong capex, and manufacturing competitiveness.
Focus on exports, energy security, and job creation is critical.
Calls for enhanced PLI schemes and competitive production costs.

CEOs Urge Reforms for India's Budget 2026 Growth

Over 70 CEOs and business leaders have outlined their expectations for Budget 2026, emphasizing the urgent need for continued reforms and strong capital expenditure. Discussions at the CNBC-TV18-CII Budget Barometer highlighted a consensus on improving manufacturing competitiveness and boosting exports. Leaders called for ambitious disinvestment targets and enhanced production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes.

Experts also stressed the importance of government capex, potentially reaching ₹14 lakh crore, to support infrastructure projects like high-speed rail. Improving logistics, energy costs, and facilitating trade through free trade agreements (FTAs) are crucial for making Indian exports more competitive. Calls were also made to incentivize research and development, aiming for 3% of GDP.

Concerns about unfairly priced imports, particularly in the steel sector, were addressed, with an emphasis on fair competition rather than protectionism. Stable policies and a predictable tax environment are essential for attracting long-term investors. The need for simpler tax structures and relaxed capital gains rules was also noted.