Category Archives: News

India–US Trade Deal Signals Strategic Reset: Nachiketa Sawrikar

By:- Mr. Nachiketa Sawrikar, Fund Manager, Artha Bharat Global Multiplier Fund

The India–US relationship, which many expected to strengthen during President Trump’s second term, reached a notable low point in June. For the global economy, strained ties between the world’s two largest democracies were far from encouraging. Against this backdrop, the new India–US trade agreement—reducing the average tariff rate to around 18% from the earlier punitive level of nearly 50%—marks a meaningful reset in bilateral economic relations.

For India, lower tariffs significantly enhance access to the US market for labour-intensive exports such as textiles, engineering goods and pharmaceuticals, supporting employment, manufacturing scale and export competitiveness. The revised tariff level places India broadly in line with ASEAN peers and represents the most favourable outcome realistically achievable under current global trade dynamics. For the US, the agreement opens avenues to expand exports of energy, agricultural products and advanced technologies, while reinforcing supply-chain diversification away from over-concentrated geographies.

Beyond tariffs, the deal signals a renewal of strategic trust. Trade policy is now better aligned with shared priorities including resilient supply chains, clean-energy collaboration, and technology partnerships in areas such as semiconductors and defence manufacturing. Indian consumers also stand to benefit as high-value US and EU products become more affordable, supporting domestic demand and purchasing power.

With the rupee having weakened by nearly 5% over the past six months, improved trade flows and renewed foreign investor interest could aid a partial currency recovery. As India’s relative attractiveness improves versus ASEAN markets, a reversal of recent FII outflows could further strengthen Indian equity markets. Overall, the agreement represents a balanced, win-win outcome for both economies.

Jayant Chaudhary Hails Union Budget 2026–27 as Yuva Shakti–Driven Growth Blueprint

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India

The Union Budget 2026–27 presents a confident roadmap for India’s next phase of growth. I congratulate Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for his visionary leadership and thank Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman ji for a Budget that balances ambition with inclusion, and reforms with responsibility.

This is a truly Yuva Shakti–driven Budget, anchored in the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. By prioritising productivity, competitiveness and cutting-edge technologies, including AI, it lays a strong foundation for Viksit Bharat through sustained structural reforms and people-centric growth. It reinforces India’s steady economic trajectory through fiscal discipline, sustained growth and strategic investments in future-ready capacities.

A strong push to manufacturing, MSMEs and services stands out as a key growth engine. Investments across biopharma, semiconductors, electronics, textiles (SAMARTH 2.0), chemicals, capital goods and sports manufacturing will deepen domestic value chains and position India as a trusted global production hub. The three-pronged MSME framework, ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, TReDS-based liquidity, and professional support through “Corporate Mitras”, will empower entrepreneurs to scale and compete.

Initiatives such as AI-backed Bharat Vistaar to integrate agri-stack, creation of SheMarts, Biopharma SHAKTI, ISM 2.0, rejuvenation of industrial clusters, creation of champion MSMEs through equity support, and the 10-year Khelo India Mission reflect a future-ready approach that integrates technology, health, agriculture and human capital.

A defining feature of this Budget is its decisive commitment to skill development and human capital. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has received a 62% increase in allocation, with the budget rising from ₹6,100 crore to ₹9,885.80 crore, affirming the Government’s resolve to place skills at the centre of economic transformation. From NSQF-aligned programmes and caregiver training to modernised textile skilling, sports ecosystems and industry-linked pathways, this Budget creates a seamless bridge from education to employment and entrepreneurship, preparing youth to lead in manufacturing, services, technology and the care economy.

The renewed emphasis on the services sector, including healthcare, medical value tourism, AVGC, design, IT and hospitality, recognises that India’s growth will be powered as much by skills and services as by infrastructure. Continued public capital expenditure will crowd in private investment and expand opportunities across Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

I especially welcome the strong focus on agriculture and allied sectors, particularly for states like Uttar Pradesh, —supporting high-value farming, fisheries, animal husbandry, FPOs and agri-startups. These measures will strengthen farmer incomes while opening new avenues for rural youth and women-led enterprises. Integrating skilling with agriculture and rural entrepreneurship will help move our villages from subsistence to sustainability.

The Budget also advances social inclusion through targeted support for women, Divyangjans, education, healthcare and social justice. Empowering women through hostels, skilling and entrepreneurship, alongside focused interventions for persons with disabilities, reflects our commitment to ensuring that every citizen participates meaningfully in India’s growth story.

Sports receives a strategic boost as well, recognising its potential for manufacturing, innovation and youth engagement, while aligning with Uttar Pradesh’s emerging role in sports goods clusters and talent development, and strengthening India’s preparations as we move forward with our bid to host the Olympic Games in 2036. We recently launched SportsEdge Meerut in alignment with this vision—an initiative aimed at building a world-class sports goods manufacturing cluster by integrating skilling, innovation and MSME support, and I am confident it will add significant value by creating jobs, strengthening local enterprises and nurturing sporting talent.

Taken together, Budget 2026–27 is not just a financial statement, it is a national mission document. It strengthens economic foundations, unlocks enterprise, empowers farmers and MSMEs, and invests deeply in skills.

Sharan Bansal Hails Union Budget 2026 for Capital-Led Growth and Infrastructure Boost

Mr. Sharan Bansal, Director, Skipper Limited

“The Union Budget 2026 gives renewed focus on the government having capital-led growth and developing long-term national infrastructure. The Budget raises capital expenditure to ₹12.2 trillion for FY2026-27, up from ₹11.2 trillion in the previous year, reinforcing infrastructure investment as a key growth driver. The unambiguous difference between revenue spending and capital expenditure, as well as long-term commitments to the development of assets, gives infrastructure developers and manufacturers long-term visibility.

The Budget focuses on the capital formation, monitoring of outcomes and medium-term fiscal planning, which provides a stable policy environment in the energy transition in India. The fiscal deficit is targeted at 4.3 % of GDP for FY2026-27, underscoring continued fiscal stability alongside investment push. The emphasis to productive capital spending and accountability will facilitate grid modernisation, a field that is well aligned with the ability of Skipper to supply power equipment, grid enabling systems and advanced engineering solutions.”

Label Shivani Nirupam’s Shivani Nirupam Applauds Union Budget 2026–27 Boost for Textile Growth and Exports

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Partners with BusinessLive Trade Fairs to Expand Media Expo

Mumbai, Maharashtra, Feb 02: Under this collaboration  between Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India and BusinessLive Trade  Fairs, Sign India Expo will evolve into Media Expo marking the launch of  Media Expo Kochi and Media Expo Hyderabad while Sign India Expo  Chennai transitions under the existing Media Expo Chennai banner. This  move significantly expands the overall Media Expo footprint, increasing  its presence from three cities to a total of five cities: Chennai,  Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai and New Delhi.

Media Expo, which has delivered 56 successful editions across Mumbai, New Delhi and  Chennai, will now become the primary exhibition platform in the three southern markets of  Kochi, Hyderabad and Chennai, transitioning from the long-established Sign India Expo.  This move will ensure focused regional engagement while offering the industry consistent  and unified platforms across these South Indian markets. The collaboration will be  implemented beginning with Media Expo Chennai, scheduled for later this year at Chennai  Trade Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.  

Sign India Expo is backed by a legacy of 70+ editions across India with a particularly deep  presence in the Southern markets like Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi and Hyderabad. This  collaboration brings together two of the most recognised exhibition brands from the industry  to create a unified and impactful industry trade fair platform. 

This partnership will leverage the region’s strong business potential and create a broader and  wider exhibition platform. The combination of their expertise, the organisers aim to expand  exhibitor participation and enhance the overall product showcase across the product  segments like: printing, signage, digital signage, advertising solutions for out-of-home (OOH) 

and digital out-of-home (DOOH), retail displays and branding solutions, large-format and industrial printing, fabrication equipment and materials, POP-POSM, LED screens, printing  equipment, sign substrates, inks, advanced 3D and laser printing solutions and much more. 

By leveraging BusinessLive Trade Fairs established presence in South Indian markets, this  alliance enables Media Expo to strengthen its positioning as a central platform for the printing,  signage, branding and advertising solutions segment. For the industry, this partnership will  deliver increased opportunities by strengthening participation and market reach through the  platform, bringing together exhibitors, visitors, associations and professionals from across the  printing, signage, branding and OOH-DOOH ecosystem. By consolidating participation and 

aligning market engagement, this pivotal step will strongly drive buyer-seller connections  across South India’s key commercial hubs. 

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe  Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, said:

“South India continues to be one of the most dynamic and  opportunity driven regions for the printing and signage industry. This collaboration with  BusinessLive Trade Fairs allows us to expand Media Expo’s footprint while offering the  industry a stronger, more centralised platform that supports long-term growth and meaningful  engagement.” 

Likewise, Mr Siva Prasad Palnati, Director, BusinessLive Trade Fairs, added:

“Sign India  Expo has built a strong and trusted presence across South India over the years. Partnering  with Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs enables us to elevate that legacy by combining regional  strength with global exhibition expertise, creating region-specific platforms with Media Expo  brand that will serve the industry and its evolving needs better.” 

The growth outlook is underscored by industry estimates, with India’s printing and signage  market projected to grow from USD 1,074.5 million in 2025 to USD 3,494.3 million by 2034  as per IMARC Group, while the OOH and DOOH market is expected to expand from USD  519.93 million in 2025 to USD 656.13 million by 2030 according to Mordor Intelligence. 

Complementary strengths, deep market understanding and being established exhibition  brands, the partnership between Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India and BusinessLive Trade  Fairs marks a strategic move towards building a more cohesive and future-ready printing and  signage industry ecosystem in South India. 

Industry Leaders Applaud Union Budget 2026’s Growth, MSME, Skilling & Innovation Push

Industry Leaders Welcome Union Budget 2026, Highlight Focus on Growth, MSMEs, Skilling, Healthcare and Innovation

New Delhi, Feb 2: Industry leaders across healthcare, MSMEs, education, manufacturing, mobility, financial services, and creative industries have broadly welcomed the Union Budget 2026, calling it a balanced and forward-looking roadmap that reinforces India’s long-term growth ambitions while maintaining fiscal discipline.

The Budget’s emphasis on capital-led growth, MSME financing, skilling, healthcare infrastructure, green mobility, and innovation-driven development has been widely acknowledged as a strong signal of policy continuity and confidence.

Strengthening Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Livelihoods

Mr. Sasikumar Kallanai, Co-founder & CEO, TenderCuts, noted that the Budget’s focus on agriculture and allied sectors such as fisheries and animal husbandry will strengthen India’s protein ecosystem. Measures supporting Fish FPOs, women-led groups, veterinary infrastructure, and AI-led AgriStack integration are expected to improve traceability, supply consistency, and income stability for producers.

Consumer Confidence and Discretionary Spending

Mr. Paul Alukkas, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas, said the Budget reinforces confidence by targeting ~7% growth while continuing fiscal consolidation. Rationalisation of TDS and lower TCS on overseas education expenses are expected to improve disposable incomes, supporting discretionary spending, especially in tier-2, tier-3, and rural markets.

Green Mobility and Manufacturing Push

Mr. Nemin Vora, CEO, Odysse Electric, welcomed the government’s focus on local EV component manufacturing and middle-class purchasing power. Enhanced MSME credit guarantees and green mobility incentives were seen as critical enablers of India’s Atmanirbhar mobility ecosystem.

Financial Inclusion and MSME Credit

Mr. Vivek Singh, CEO, Home Credit India, highlighted the ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and ₹2,000 crore micro-enterprise risk capital top-up as vital steps to strengthen community-level financing, job creation, and sustained consumption. Infrastructure spending and MSME compliance support through Corporate Mitras are expected to improve borrower resilience.

Manufacturing, Housing and Infrastructure Growth

Mr. Manoj Tulsian, CEO & Joint MD, Greenply Industries, said continued public capex and infrastructure focus will boost housing demand in non-metro regions, benefiting organized manufacturers and skilled workers. He also welcomed reforms that simplify compliance and strengthen MSME clusters.

Cooperative and Digital Economy Reforms

Shri Prabhat Chaturvedi, CEO, NUCFDC, termed the Budget a continuation of India’s long-term development vision. Cooperative-focused tax measures, MSME funding support, and the proposed high-level banking committee were described as important steps toward safer, more inclusive credit expansion and global competitiveness.

Mental Health and Neurodevelopmental Care

Mr. Jaishankar Natarajan, CEO & Director, India Autism Center, welcomed the announcement of a second NIMHANS, calling it a meaningful shift toward expanding mental health and neuroscience infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of skilled caregiving alongside institutional capacity.

Infrastructure and Energy Transition

Mr. Sharan Bansal, Director, Skipper Limited, said the increase in capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore reinforces infrastructure-led growth and provides long-term visibility for manufacturers in power and grid systems, while maintaining fiscal stability.

Research, Innovation and Education

Mr. Vikram Aditya Sahoo, Director – Research & Innovation, SAI International Education Group, welcomed enhanced funding for research infrastructure, biopharma clinical trials, AYUSH research, and carbon capture technologies, calling them transformative for education and innovation-led growth.

Entrepreneurship and MSME Ecosystem

Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, said the recognition of MSMEs as ‘Champion Enterprises’ and support for women-led initiatives such as SHE-Marts will enable sustainable enterprise ownership and job creation.

Biopharma and Healthcare Manufacturing

Dr. K. Anand Kumar, MD, Indian Immunologicals Ltd, described the ₹10,000 crore BioPharma SHAKTI initiative as a defining moment that can elevate India from a volume-driven vaccine supplier to an innovation-led global biopharma hub.

MSME Growth Beyond Metros

Dr. Irfan Khan, Chairman, EBG Group, highlighted reforms in TReDS, invoice discounting, and compliance support as critical for manufacturers in tier-2 and tier-3 towns, enabling decentralised and sustainable industrial growth.

Skilling, AI and Youth Empowerment

Mr. Rahul Attuluri, CEO & Co-Founder, NxtWave, and Mr. Karun Tadepalli, Co-Founder & CEO, byteXL, described the Budget as “Yuva Shakti–driven,” applauding its focus on AI, employability, education-to-employment pathways, and digital infrastructure.

Creative Economy and AVGC Sector

Mr. Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & CEO, Green Gold Animation, said the AVGC Content Creator Labs initiative will build a strong talent pipeline, boost regional creators, and position India as a global hub for animation and gaming.

Grassroots Finance and Rural Growth

Mr. Murty LVLN, CEO, Dvara KGFS, said the Budget reinforces the importance of strengthening rural incomes and last-mile finance through AgriStack, infrastructure investments, and MSME credit reforms.

Banking and Debt Market Reforms

Mr. Chandan Churiwal, CEO & Whole-Time Director, Assets Care & Reconstruction Enterprise Ltd. (ACRE), described the Budget as mature and fiscally prudent, noting that maintaining the fiscal deficit at 4.3% while introducing sectoral reforms and proposing a high-level banking review committee will strengthen debt markets and accelerate consolidation.

Budget 2026 Boosts EV Production, MSME Support, and Green Mobility: FADA

Mr. C.S. Vigneshwar, President, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA)

“The Union Budget 2026-27 presents a robust roadmap for the various sectors transition toward a sustainable and technologically advanced future. We particularly welcome the governments commitment to the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem by extending basic customs duty exemptions for capital goods used in manufacturing Lithium-Ion Cells,. This, combined with the establishment of Rare Earth Corridors in mineral-rich states to support permanent magnet manufacturing, will significantly bolster domestic EV production and affordability.

The push for green mobility is further strengthened by the provision of 4,000 e-buses for the North-East and Purvodaya regions, and the exclusion of biogas value from Central Excise duty on blended CNG,. These measures, alongside the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, will help stabilize the supply chain for modern vehicles.

For our dealer community, many of whom are MSMEs, the ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and the mandating of TReDS for settlement are pivotal steps toward improving liquidity and growth,. Additionally, the Income Tax exemption for interest awarded by Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACT) is a welcome relief for individual vehicle owners and victims,. Overall, this budget balances industrial scaling with consumer-centric tax reforms.”

Budget 2026–27 Drives Proactive Skilling and SME Growth via E2E Framework, Says Nikhil Barshikar

Nikhil Barshikar, Founder & CEO of Imarticus Learning and Chairman of the Advisory Council at Imarticus School of Finance & Business

“The Union Budget 2026–27 marks a shift from reactive skilling to proactive human capital development through the new ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ (E2E) framework.

A key feature is the institutionalisation of a ‘Corporate Mitra’ cadre—accredited para-professionals trained via short-term, modular courses designed by premier bodies like ICAI, ICSI, and ICMAI. By deploying these specialists in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the government addresses the ‘compliance-capability gap’ that often limits MSME growth.

This initiative is not just an educational reform; it is a strategic economic move. By linking equity support through the ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund with targeted professional guidance, it ensures the workforce remains resilient to AI-driven disruptions while positioning India to capture 10% of the global services market by 2047.”

Budget 2026 Empowers MSMEs with Growth Fund, Industry Clusters, and Credit Reforms

By:- Mr. Rohit Mahajan, Founder and Managing Partner, plutos ONE

The Union Budget 2026 is a decisive step in India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat, with a strong, execution-led focus on SMEs, MSMEs, skill development, and travel-driven demand creation. The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has clearly shifted the narrative from short-term relief to long-term competitiveness and scale. The announcement of a ₹10,000 crore MSME Growth Fund is a landmark move, aimed at building tariff-resilient, export-ready enterprises rather than subsidy-dependent businesses. This will enable high-potential MSMEs to invest in technology, productivity enhancement, and global market access—key pillars for India’s manufacturing and export ambitions.

Equally transformative is the integration of GeM with TReDS and the move to make TReDS receivables tradable through asset-backed securities. This structural reform directly addresses the long-standing working capital challenges of MSMEs by converting invoices and receivables into bankable, market-linked assets, thereby lowering the cost of capital and improving liquidity.

In this context, Plutos ONE is actively working with Bharat Connect to enable Bharat Connect for Business, focused on invoice-based lending solutions for MSMEs and SMEs. By leveraging digital rails and receivables-based financing, such initiatives align seamlessly with the Budget’s vision of formalisation, credit deepening, and sustainable growth. Overall, Budget 2026 lays a strong foundation for self-reliance, exports, and inclusive economic expansion.

By:- Mr. Mukesh Pandey, Director of Rupyaa Paisa

The proposal to revive 2,000 industry clusters alongside the creation of a ₹10,000 crore MSME growth fund is a strong signal of the government’s intent to strengthen India’s entrepreneurial backbone. Industry clusters play a critical role in improving productivity, enabling shared infrastructure, and fostering local employment, while dedicated growth capital can help MSMEs scale operations and adopt technology. This combined approach addresses both structural and financial challenges faced by small businesses. If implemented effectively, the initiative can enhance competitiveness, formalisation, and credit access for MSMEs, while driving sustainable economic growth and supporting India’s broader manufacturing and employment objectives.

Industry Leaders Hail Budget 2026 for Boosting Digital, Talent, Aviation, Learning, and Insurance Growth

Mr. Hemant Tiwari, Managing Director – India & SAARC, Hitachi Vantara

“The Union Budget 2026–27 is a significant step in strengthening India’s digital and data infrastructure. By providing long-term incentives and a clear safe harbour framework for data centres and cloud services, the government is fostering global investment, technological innovation, and the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI. Supporting infrastructure development in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities positions India to become a global hub for data, cloud, and IT services, creating new opportunities for talent and sustainable economic growth.”

Srinivas Nandigam, Managing Director – Global Capability Centre, Advance Auto Parts India

“The Budget reinforces India’s commitment to building a future-ready talent ecosystem. Clear taxation policies for skilled global professionals, combined with a focus on emerging technologies and AI, will enable aligned talent development and deeper expertise. These measures strengthen India’s ability to nurture high-quality talent and advance its role as a global services leader on the path to 2047.”

Mr. Subhakar Pappula, Founder & CEO, Flamingo Aerospace

“Union Budget 2026–27 is a timely intervention for India’s civil aviation sector. Exemption of customs duties on aviation components and raw materials will enhance domestic manufacturing, MRO capabilities, and global competitiveness. These measures will accelerate aircraft production, expand infrastructure, create skilled employment, and advance India’s emergence as a regional aerospace hub, supporting the goals of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

Deepak Verma, CEO, EnglishHelper

“The Budget marks a pivotal step in shaping a future-ready learning ecosystem. By integrating skilling initiatives and emerging technologies like AI, it strengthens workforce employability and global competitiveness. Emphasis on tech fluency, language skills, and adaptive learning ensures India’s human capital thrives in an AI-driven world.”

Parimal Heda, Chief Investment Officer, Go Digit General Insurance

“Budget 2026 balances growth, inclusion, and institutional reform while giving the insurance sector confidence to invest in reach, resilience, and product innovation. Measures across motor, health, travel, marine, cargo, and credit insurance—alongside incentives for EV and lithium-ion value chains—improve efficiency, reduce costs, and expand coverage. Coupled with structural reforms, record capital expenditure, and reduced debt-to-GDP targets, this Budget provides a strong platform for sustainable, long-term growth.”