1, Feb 2026
Budget 2026 Drives Inclusive Growth and Financial Wellbeing: Thomas John Muthoot
Thomas John Muthoot, Managing Director, Muthoot FinCorp Ltd
“Budget 2026–27 is part of a longer reform journey under the leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi where successive budgets have shifted India from stimulus driven spending to reforms over rhetoric.
By combining fiscal discipline, manufacturing strength, a bold services mission, digital public infrastructure, infrastructure led growth, skilling and simpler tax processes, the Budget advances the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of a resilient and self-reliant India, while directly strengthening the financial wellbeing, opportunity and dignity of the common man and making growth truly inclusive and a force for good.
For Muthoot FinCorp Ltd., this policy direction is constructive and aligned with our purpose of transforming the life of the common man by improving financial wellbeing and being a force for good.”
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- By Neel Achary
1, Feb 2026
Budget 2026: Boost for Digital Payments, MSMEs, and Export Growth
Anup Agarwal, Co-founder, Kiwi
The ₹2,000 crore incentive allocation for UPI and RuPay in Budget 2026 reinforces the importance of a sustainable digital payments ecosystem. As UPI continues to scale across transactions and use cases, the role of NPCI in maintaining interoperability, reliability, and low-cost access remains central. Sustained incentives are critical to preserving this affordability while enabling responsible innovation across the ecosystem. At Kiwi, we see this as a strong foundation for layering transparent and responsible credit on top of trusted payment rails to improve access and affordability for everyday consumption.
Vikas Tarachandani, Co-founder, SURE
“The Budget reinforces confidence in India’s financial ecosystem by prioritising stability, reform continuity and sector preparedness for long-term growth. The focus on improving credit quality and expanding financial inclusion strengthens the foundation for more disciplined borrowing and efficient capital allocation.”
Sundeep Mohindru, Founder & Promoter, M1xchange
“The Budget’s decisive push to create CHAMPION SMEs by giving equity support and by anchoring liquidity access through the TReDS ecosystem marks a structural shift in how working capital flows to MSMEs. By positioning TReDS as the settlement platform for liquidity support for MSMEs for their supplies to CPSEs, the government encourages wider participation in invoice discounting. This re-establishes the value add TReDS is making towards solving the delayed payment challenge for MSMEs. Credit guarantee support on Invoice discounting on TReDS and the integration of GeM with TReDS will enable quicker and more affordable financing for suppliers. Treating TReDS receivables as asset backed securities will deepen liquidity multifold and enhance the secondary market expansion for invoices discounted . Equally critical is the creation of corporate mitras through professional institutions, which will strengthen affordable compliance support in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. Together, these measures reinforce MSMEs as India’s engine of growth.”
Pushkar Mukewar, Founder and CEO, Drip Capital
“The Budget’s measures to support seafood exports, including increased duty-free input limits, extended export timelines, and duty-free fish catch in the EEZ and on the High Seas, will significantly ease cost and working-capital pressures for Indian exporters. These steps create new avenues to scale operations, manage cash flows more predictably, and fully harness the economic value of marine resources.”
1, Feb 2026
Budget 2026: Infrastructure and Logistics Boost to Strengthen India’s Trade Competitiveness
Mr. Girish Aggarwal, Managing Director, APM Terminals Pipavav
“Budget 2026 reassures the government’s continued focus on infrastructure-led growth and the importance of logistics as a key enabler of India’s trade competitiveness. At a time of global uncertainty, the record public capital expenditure of INR12.2 lakh crore and the emphasis on integrated connectivity through freight corridors, coastal shipping, inland waterways, and port-led development provide a stable and confidence-building signal for the sector.
Focused initiatives such as the Dankuni–Surat Dedicated Freight Corridor and the operationalisation of new national waterways strengthen multimodal connectivity, while investments in ship-repair ecosystems and high-speed rail corridors reflect a forward-looking approach to long-term infrastructure development.
The Finance Minister’s emphasis on keeping the ‘Reform Express’ firmly on track is clearly visible in these initiatives, as well as in the INR10,000 crore allocation for container manufacturing and the focus on sustainable cargo movement. From an industry perspective, these measures will significantly improve connectivity, reduce transit times, lower logistics costs, and enable Indian ports to operate with greater efficiency, reliability, and scale. The Budget’s focus on digitised, integrated customs processes and faster cargo clearances is a meaningful step towards improving ease of doing business. The expansion of AI-enabled, non-intrusive scanning across major ports will directly support faster cargo movement and lower transaction friction, translating into improved reliability and efficiency across the logistics chain for ports and trade.
At APM Terminals Pipavav, we see this as an opportunity to continue working closely with the government and stakeholders to support India’s evolving logistics and maritime ecosystem and contribute to India’s long-term economic growth.”
1, Feb 2026
Budget 2026–27: India Poised to Lead as AI Drives Economic Growth, Says 1Point1 Solutions CMD
By:- Akshay Chhabra, CMD, 1Point1 Solutions Limited.
The Union Budget 2026–27 signals that India is moving beyond AI adoption to making AI a core engine of economic growth. A key highlight is the recognition of data centres as critical national infrastructure—a timely move that underscores the foundational role of digital infrastructure in an AI-led economy.
The proposed tax holiday until 2047 for global cloud service providers operating data centres in India sends a strong signal to long-term investors and hyperscalers. It encourages sustained capital commitment, accelerates large-scale infrastructure build-out, and strengthens India’s position in the global cloud, AI, and digital services value chain.
For AI-first services companies like 1Point1 Solutions, with operations across global markets and expertise in technology-led BPM and CX transformation, these measures create a powerful enabling environment. Incentives for cloud and hyperscale providers not only expand infrastructure capacity but also enhance institutional capability, talent readiness, and ecosystem maturity.
Together, these steps reinforce India’s readiness to lead responsibly in a digital- and intelligence-driven global economy. For companies with deep AI integration and global operations, this Budget highlights a clear reality: AI is no longer a future roadmap it is today’s operating reality, and India is ready to lead from the front.
1, Feb 2026
Budget 2026: Healthcare Industry Welcomes Focus on Research, Trauma Care, and AYUSH-Integrated Medical Hubs
New Delhi, Feb 01: The Union Budget 2026 has been widely welcomed by India’s healthcare industry for its strategic emphasis on long-term preparedness, research, emergency care, and integrated healthcare systems. Industry leaders highlight that the measures announced in the Budget position India as a global hub for advanced, affordable, and holistic healthcare.
Dr. (Prof.) Purshotam Lal, Chairman, Metro Group of Hospitals, said,
“The ₹10,000 crore commitment to establish a national Biopharma Hub and strengthen non-communicable disease control is both timely and visionary. The proposal to set up trauma centres in every district hospital will enhance emergency response, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. The creation of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites bridges the gap between innovation and patient access, while regulatory strengthening enhances India’s credibility in global healthcare.”
Echoing this view, Mr. Abhishek Kapoor, CEO, Regency Healthcare, stated,
“Budget 2026 builds a framework for a more balanced healthcare ecosystem by investing in district-level infrastructure, expanding clinical research networks, and addressing the shortage of allied healthcare professionals. This integrated approach ensures that advanced care and innovation are accessible beyond major urban centres, improving patient outcomes and trust in both public and private healthcare systems.”
Dr. Sharan Shivaraj Patil, Chairman, SPARSH Group of Hospitals, added,
“The establishment of five new Medical Hubs integrated with AYUSH centres marks a major boost for medical tourism and the ‘Heal in India’ initiative. By linking infrastructure, research, and system-wide capacity building, the Budget strengthens India’s position as a global destination for high-quality, affordable treatment.”
Dr. Alok Khullar, Group CEO, RJ Corp Healthcare, commented,
“Budget 2026 demonstrates a strategic vision for healthcare as a driver of economic growth. Expanding clinical trial networks and streamlining regulatory processes will accelerate innovation, improve patient access to advanced therapies, and strengthen India’s global healthcare credibility.”
Mr. Baldev Raj, Founder & CEO, Prius Healthcare, and Vice Chairman, Public Relations Council of India (Delhi Chapter), said,
“The integration of AYUSH centres within five Medical Hubs signals a new era where healthcare is not only a social sector but a pillar of economic growth and global competitiveness. The Budget ensures that infrastructure, skilled manpower, and innovation converge to build a trusted, world-class healthcare system that extends beyond metropolitan centres.”
Key Highlights Welcomed by Industry Leaders:
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₹10,000 crore for a national Biopharma Hub and non-communicable disease control
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Trauma centres in every district hospital to enhance emergency care
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1,000 accredited clinical trial sites to accelerate research and innovation
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Integration of AYUSH centres within five new Medical Hubs to boost medical tourism
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Emphasis on allied healthcare professionals and skill development
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Regulatory strengthening to improve compliance, safety, and global credibility
Collectively, these measures are expected to improve healthcare access in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, strengthen India’s research and medical tourism capabilities, and reinforce the country’s position as a global healthcare leader.
1, Feb 2026
Budget 2026 Charts a ‘New Urban India’, Powers Tier-2 and Tier-3 Growth: Santosh Agarwal
Santosh Agarwal, CFO & Executive Director, Alpha Corp Development Limited
“The Union Budget 2026 is a definitive blueprint for a ‘New Urban India.’ By scaling public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore, the government isn’t just building roads it’s building the future of our Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. This ₹5,000 crore annual commitment to emerging urban hubs is a masterstroke for balanced growth. For the real estate sector, this translates to more than just connectivity; it enhances ‘liveability’ as a core asset, turning rising cities into primary economic engines. We are moving away from metro-centricity toward a more inclusive, high-growth urban reality.”
1, Feb 2026
MSME Growth Fund and SRI Fund Boost Equity Support for Scaling Businesses
By:- Snhkumar Purohit, Chief Strategist, EVM India.e
Most MSMEs struggle because cash cycles are tight and balance sheets are stretched. Too much debt leaves little room to absorb shocks or invest in growth. The ₹10,000 crore MSME Growth Fund finally recognises this gap by bringing equity into the picture. The ₹2,000 crore addition to the Self-Reliant India Fund supports businesses that are ready to scale, not just start. This helps MSMEs move from managing liabilities to building capability. This addresses a real structural constraint on the ground.
1, Feb 2026
Experts Call for Pragmatic Digital Asset Reforms in Union Budget 2026
“With the Union Budget 2026, there is an opportunity to rationalize India’s digital asset framework through targeted, pragmatic refinements. The current 1% TDS and 30% flat tax, without loss set-off provisions, have constrained liquidity and pushed activity offshore. Reducing TDS to a workable range, allowing loss set-off within VDAs, and clarifying cost basis treatment, including transaction costs, would help keep activity onshore while maintaining compliance.
A pragmatic starting point would be to set clear rules for rupee-linked digital instruments, whether that means tokenized bank deposits issued under existing banking oversight or a regulated stablecoin model with strict requirements around reserves, disclosures, audits, redemption rights, and licensed issuers.
Countries across the Middle East, Singapore, and Japan are moving decisively on this front. India’s young, tech-savvy population and strong fintech ecosystem make it naturally positioned to lead, provided the right tax and policy signals are in place.”
“India’s strength has always been its ability to create outsized impact at unprecedented scale—often by scaling within chaos rather than waiting for perfect conditions. From universal suffrage to digital payments and physical infrastructure, the country has built systems that serve 1/5th of the world’s population and unlocked opportunity at a speed few nations have ever matched. This ability to operate, adapt, and compound within complexity is deeply embedded in India’s institutional DNA.
However, there is a natural ceiling to how far scale alone can take us. Over time, other economies matched and surpassed India by relying on rigid, rule-based structures designed for predictable environments. AI now changes that equation. Intent-driven, adaptive systems align far more closely with India’s strength of scaling within chaos than traditional software ever could. Union Budget 2026 can focus on sustained investment in AI research, compute, and deployment across government and industry, enabling India to once again turn its unique approach to scale into a durable global advantage.”
1, Feb 2026
Dubai emerges as wellness real estate hub as wealthy buyers seek quality of life
MENA region outpaces Europe as second-fastest-growing market in global wellness real estate boom
Dubai, UAE, Feb 1: Dubai has become the regional hub in a trend reshaping the luxury real estate market as wealthy global buyers make quality of life their main investment goal.
The global wellness real estate market, which has more than doubled since 2019, is projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2029, with the Middle East playing its own part in this transformation.
According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the MENA region is the second fastest-growing market worldwide, expanding at just over 22% annually, just behind Latin America–Caribbean (24%), and ahead of Europe (22.4%).
“Over the last few years, there has been a big change in the way luxury real estate is defined and valued,” says Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand. “No longer is it just driven by well-known names, size, or prestige. Today, buyers seek homes to improve their health and wellbeing.”
“They are now asking, ‘Is this home going to make me healthier? Will it help me sleep better, improve my mood, my family’s well-being? Will it connect me to nature, and give us all the quality of life we need?”
“This was our motivation in developing Keturah Reserve as the first community of its kind in the region where wellness science shapes every architectural decision.”
Interiors across the AED5.7 billion luxury Keturah Reserve development in Meydan feature natural materials and rich greenery to promote daily wellness. Bio-living features include sophisticated air and water purification systems, as well circadian lighting to improve sleep, mood, and energy levels.
Dubai’s luxury market is shifting from volume-driven growth to innovation-led development, with new projects addressing real lifestyle and health needs that challenge conventions, capture global attention, and reinforce the city’s reputation as a forward-thinking destination.
Most luxury buyers are long-term (5+ years) or medium-term (2-4 years) investors, though the distinction is increasingly based on purpose rather than timeframe, with two distinct profiles emerging.
“The lifestyle investor acquires a unit as a primary or secondary residence, considering it as a long-term sanctuary,” says Talal. “They are committed to holding for at least five years because they are investing in their family’s health and happiness, not merely capital appreciation.
“The strategic investor acknowledges the scarcity value of wellness-focused luxury assets, and recognizes that as the wellness real estate market grows annually in this region, early entrants will appreciate significantly. Generally, they hold for 3-5 years before exiting with substantial returns.”
Both categories of investors are quality-focused and prepared to pay a premium. They also seek assurances that the developer will deliver, that the asset will appreciate, and that they will have viable exit options.
As Dubai’s luxury real estate market continues to flourish, rather than worrying investors, they perceive it as evidence of the market’s vitality and Dubai’s standing as a global luxury destination.
1, Feb 2026
Budget 2026: Industry Looks for Policy Stability, Tax Relief and Growth-Driven Reforms
Chandigarh, Feb 01: As the Union Budget 2026–27 approaches, leaders across sectors have shared their perspectives on policy priorities that can accelerate India’s economic growth, strengthen global competitiveness, and support innovation-led development.
Accounting, Compliance, and Global Business Structuring
Mr. Satya Yeruva, Co-Founder & CEO, FinStackk, highlighted the importance of tax certainty and procedural simplification for startups and global businesses.
“Faster and fully automated GST refunds, clearer guidance on transfer pricing and foreign remittances, and rationalised compliance timelines would significantly ease the burden on businesses. Additional incentives for SaaS and fintech-led service providers, investment in digital public infrastructure for finance, and continued support for MSME formalisation will strengthen India as a preferred base for global entrepreneurship. A stable policy environment enables businesses to scale confidently while maintaining strong governance and financial transparency,” he said.
Digital Marketing and AI Adoption
Mr. Akhil Nair, Founder & CEO, BigTrunk Communications, emphasised the need for the Budget to align with modern marketing realities.
“Marketing is now a core driver of India’s digital economy, and policy support must enable AI-led innovation and advanced analytics. Allocations supporting AI/ML research for marketing, along with incentives for MSMEs to adopt MarTech tools like CRM, automation, and analytics, can accelerate ecosystem maturity. Simpler compliance and clearer taxation for digital service exports will help Indian agencies compete globally, while continued investment in Digital Public Infrastructure will strengthen omnichannel growth and export-readiness,” he said.
Food Processing and Frozen Foods
Mr. Ekansh Garg, Co-founder & CEO, Cravicious Foods, called for stronger policy support for value-added agriculture and food processing.
“With rising demand for hygienic, convenient, and ready-to-cook foods, the Budget should prioritise cold-chain infrastructure, modern processing facilities, and advanced freezing technologies. Incentives for in-house manufacturing, quality certification, and energy-efficient cold storage will help domestic brands scale sustainably and reduce wastage. Simplified compliance, GST rationalisation, and easier access to working capital will accelerate growth for bootstrapped manufacturers, positioning India as a global hub for high-quality frozen foods,” he said.
Gems and Jewellery
Mr. C Vinod Hayagriv, Managing Director & Director, C. Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers, stressed pragmatic reforms to restore sector momentum.
“A reduction in gold import duty to 3% would ease cost pressures and revive livelihoods across the value chain. Greater transparency through publication of gold bar numbers on customs portals and more flexible inventory management can help mitigate challenges from high metal prices and lower sales. These steps are critical to sustaining small and medium jewellery businesses in a challenging global environment,” he said.
Electronics and Original Design Manufacturing
Mr. Shishir Gupta, Co-founder & CEO, Oakter, urged the Budget to support India’s journey from assembly-led production to innovation-driven manufacturing.
“Priority areas should include design-linked incentives, deeper component localisation, easier access to working capital, and expansion of PLI support for ODM-led manufacturing. Incentives for batteries, power electronics, IoT hardware, and semiconductor supply chains, coupled with stable GST structures and faster input tax credits, will help Indian manufacturers move up the value chain, create IP-driven products, and emerge as trusted global suppliers,” he said.
Electric Mobility
Mr. Sameer Moidin, Founder & CEO, EVeium Smart Mobility, called for policies that scale domestic EV manufacturing.
“The Union Budget must focus on Make-in-India electric two-wheelers that are designed, manufactured, and scaled domestically. Incentives should support battery localisation, affordable financing, mass production, and robust charging infrastructure, making EVs practical for all users. This will strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and position India as a global EV leader,” he said.
Healthcare
As India’s healthcare sector evolves, industry leaders emphasised that the Budget should strategically support digital health, medical infrastructure, skill development, and research-led innovation to improve access, quality, and affordability for all citizens.
