Tech asks from Budget

Here's what tech leaders want from Budget 2026 to boost manufacturing, AI, and supply chains

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On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-2027 in Parliament. Alongside other sectors, the technology and consumer electronics sectors are also buzzing with anticipation. This budget arrives amid robust economic growth, with India on track to becoming the world's fourth-largest economy, driven by manufacturing and digital innovation.

Industry leaders from companies like Panasonic, Lava, Mobisoft, Ambrane India, Kellton Technologies, and Ai+ have highlighted key expectations, including stronger support for domestic manufacturing, rationalisation of duties on components, simplified compliance for startups, incentives for AI and R&D, and measures to reduce import reliance - particularly from China. These calls aim to enhance India's global competitiveness, stimulate consumer demand, and build resilient supply chains.

The budget's implications extend beyond boardrooms. Policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and the general public — especially those in the burgeoning middle class relying on affordable tech gadgets — will closely watch for policies that could lower device costs, ease business operations, and fuel job creation in a sector that employs millions. Broader expectations from the tech industry also include investments in digital infrastructure, skill development for AI talent, and green tech incentives to align with sustainability goals, as India pushes toward its $5 trillion economy target by 2027.

Manufacturing-led growth