Budget 2026 Reactions | Live Updates: Markets, Money and Industry Sentiment

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    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

    The Budget is expected to spell out the government’s priorities for the coming financial year, focusing on sustaining economic momentum, encouraging private investment and job creation, while maintaining fiscal discipline.Market participants will look for clarity on long-term capital gains taxation and whether the government avoids increasing transaction-related levies. Sector-wise allocations—especially for infrastructure, manufacturing and exports—will be under close scrutiny.India’s economy has shown resilience amid global challenges such as trade disruptions and higher US tariffs. Growth has been supported by strong public infrastructure spending and earlier tax measures that helped revive consumption.

    Ahead of the Budget, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the government’s focus on “reform, perform and transform”, stressing the need for long-term, sustainable solutions.This live blog will bring real-time updates, key announcements and reactions as the Budget is presented.Despite Budget Day falling on a Sunday, equity markets will remain open, with both NSE and BSE operating during normal trading hours. Investor expectations remain measured, with the emphasis on policy clarity rather than major fiscal giveaways. Key focus areas include FY27 capital expenditure, income tax policy, export competitiveness and the government’s strategy for foreign trade diversification.

    LIVE UPDATES

    February 04, 2026 06:18 PM IST
    The Union Budget sends a clear signal: India’s next phase of growth will be knowledge-led, technology-driven and deeply inclusive. For the IIT ecosystem, this is both an opportunity and a responsibility. Our faculty and alumni must step forward as the nation’s brain trust, shaping the AI discourse with evidence-based research that balances productivity with employment. The emphasis on clinical trial… Read More
    — Prabhat Kumar (IRS), Chairman, PanIIT
    February 04, 2026 03:14 PM IST
    Union Budget 2026 has put a strong emphasis on AI adoption, semiconductor manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. India\'s investment in AI and technology will significantly enhance our national tech stack, the same digital foundation that has enabled breakthrough innovations across sectors. Recykal has been a direct beneficiary of India\'s tech stack, leveraging it to build solutions like deposit refund schemes that… Read More
    — Abhay Deshpande, Founder & CEO, Recykal
    February 04, 2026 01:07 AM IST
    As India’s IT services industry and GCC ecosystem continue to scale, the upcoming Union Budget presents an opportunity to reinforce the fundamentals that enable consistent, high-quality delivery. Continued investment in secure, reliable digital and physical infrastructure will further strengthen India’s position as a preferred destination for global capability centers and long-term client programs. In parallel, clear policy direction on AI… Read More
    — Mr. Girish Hirde, Global Delivery Head, InfoVision
    February 04, 2026 01:06 AM IST
    When we look at where innovation is headed today, it is clear that most breakthroughs are being built on an AI backbone. There is a sharp and growing demand not just for skilled professionals, but for original ideas that can be translated into real economic value. It is encouraging to see the government recognise this shift and respond with a… Read More
    — Mr. Vikram Labhe, Founder & CEO, Melooha
    February 04, 2026 01:05 AM IST
    The Union Budget 2026–27 sends a clear signal that India’s next phase of infrastructure growth will be driven as much by data and precision as by physical assets. With record capital expenditure of ₹12.2 lakh crore and a strong focus on transport, urban development, water systems, and digital ecosystems, infrastructure planning and execution are set to become more technology-led and… Read More
    — Mr Amit Sharma, Founder & Whole Time Director
    February 04, 2026 01:04 AM IST
    Localising semiconductor manufacturing has been a persistent challenge for India. From LED chips to controllers, critical components remain heavily reliant on imports, creating both cost pressures and supply risks. Strengthening domestic production is essential to build a resilient manufacturing ecosystem and make advanced electronics more accessible to consumers. Achieving cost advantage requires scale, and the Union Budget’s India Semiconductor Mission… Read More
    — Mr. Kumarraju Rudraraju, Managing Director, Titan Intech Limited
    February 04, 2026 01:03 AM IST
    The Union Budget 2026-27 signals a decisive shift from policy design to a high-stakes execution phase for India’s workforce. While the budget maintains the significant tax relief and standard deductions established last year, its core strength today lies in the expansion of \'compliance infrastructure\'. We are particularly encouraged by the landmark ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and the introduction of… Read More
    — Girish Rowjee, Co-founder & CEO, greytHR
    February 04, 2026 01:02 AM IST
    As someone deeply engaged in the hospitality industry, I strongly welcome the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and the move to establish a National Institute of Hospitality. Hotels and F&B operations offer structured, task-oriented roles where Divyangjans can thrive with the right, customised training. At Astor Goa, we’ve seen how inclusive workplaces not only create dignified livelihoods but also enrich service culture.… Read More
    — Vaibhav Gupta, General Manager, The Astor Goa
    February 04, 2026 01:02 AM IST
    The announcement of SHE-Marts in Budget 2026 marks a decisive shift in how India thinks about women’s economic participation, from livelihood support to enterprise ownership. With over 9 crore women already part of SHG networks and a national target of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis, the intent is clear: women are no longer being prepared only to earn, but to own,… Read More
    — Arushi Verma, Co-founder, FITPASS
    February 04, 2026 01:01 AM IST
    The announcement of three new All India Institutes for Ayurveda in Union Budget 2026 is a strong and timely step towards institutionalising India’s traditional healthcare systems. This move will not only strengthen education, research, and clinical excellence in Ayurveda, but also help bridge the gap between classical wisdom and modern healthcare delivery. For the Ayurveda ecosystem, it signals long-term policy… Read More
    — Stuti Ashok Gupta, Co-founder, Amrutam
    February 04, 2026 01:00 AM IST
    It is really encouraging that the Union Budget has increased the safe harbour limit to Rs 2,000 crore. Making it an automatic, rule-based model will simplify the process, save time, and reduce effort for companies. This streamlines accounting, tax, and compliance and also gives IT companies confidence to grow their business in India and contribute more to the country’s IT… Read More
    — Mr. Girish Hirde, Global Delivery Head, InfoVision
    February 04, 2026 12:58 AM IST
    This Budget takes a decisive step towards strengthening India’s end-to-end trade and logistics ecosystem. The ₹10,000 crore allocation for domestic container manufacturing directly addresses a critical supply chain vulnerability, while digital customs, AI-enabled inspections and modern warehousing will materially reduce dwell time and improve cargo predictability. Expanded AEO benefits, including 30-day duty deferral, will unlock working capital for trade-intensive businesses,… Read More
    — Rizwan Soomar, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and India Subcontinent, DP World
    February 04, 2026 12:57 AM IST
    The expansion of the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to ₹40,000 crore is an encouraging move to strengthen India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem. For ECMS to deliver its intended impact, it will be important to ensure that the necessary infrastructural enablers are set up, along with timely and effective implementation. This will be key to translating the policy intent into outcomes.
    — Mr. Sanjeev Agarwal, Executive Director & Chief Manufacturing Officer, Lava International Limited
    February 04, 2026 12:56 AM IST
    Electric two-wheelers today need far more semiconductor and electronic content than ICE vehicles, but the sector is still largely dependent on imports for chips and key components. Steps like the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and the enhanced ₹40,000 crore outlay for electronics component manufacturing are encouraging and move us in the right direction. The government’s focus on rare earth permanent… Read More
    — Mr. Sameer Moidin, Founder & CEO, EVeium Smart Mobility
    February 04, 2026 12:55 AM IST
    India’s electric two-wheeler segment has gained strong momentum, and the Union Budget 2026–27 takes a step toward scaling it into a full industrial ecosystem. Focusing on rare earth magnets and dedicated corridors in mineral-rich states is crucial to secure the materials that power electric drivetrains. Reducing customs duty on capital goods for lithium-ion batteries will help lower costs and support… Read More
    — Mr. Kunal Arya, Co-founder & MD, Zelio E Mobility
    February 04, 2026 12:55 AM IST
    The Union Budget’s focus on expanding the Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Scheme and building dedicated rare earth corridors is a positive step towards reducing import dependence for critical materials used in EV manufacturing. Rare earth magnets, which are key components in electric motors, benefit directly from this initiative, and strengthening capabilities across mining, processing and advanced manufacturing will create a… Read More
    — Ms. Madhumita Agrawal, Founder & CEO, Oben Electric
    February 04, 2026 12:54 AM IST
    The true ambition of Budget 2026-2027 is inclusive growth, bringing global opportunities to India\'s local entrepreneurs. With a dedicated ₹10,000 crore equity fund and streamlined working capital through TReDS, the financial hurdles are lowered. Operational ease comes from \'Corporate Mitras\' for compliance and the removal of arbitrary export barriers. Critically, building on the success of Lakhpati Didi, the new Self-Help… Read More
    — Kashika Malhotra, Founder, Yoginii
    February 04, 2026 12:53 AM IST
    Union Budget 2026 essentially spells out a clear message this is a growth, oriented, future, ready Budget that offers close, to, the, heart support to the middle class, the infrastructure sector, and the real estate ecosystem. Besides, public capital expenditure hike to Rs 12.2 lakh crore, setting up of REITs of CPSE assets, and the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund will… Read More
    — Pushpamitra Das, Chairman & Managing Director, Justo RealFintech Ltd
    February 04, 2026 12:52 AM IST
    With livestock contributing nearly 16% to farm incomes, the Budget’s focus on strengthening veterinary infrastructure is a timely and much-needed move. The plan to scale up over 20,000 veterinary professionals, combined with capital subsidy support for private veterinary colleges, hospitals, and diagnostics will help bridge long-standing gaps in animal healthcare. Encouraging collaboration between Indian and global institutions further strengthens this… Read More
    — Adnaan Khan, Founder and CEO, K9 School and K9 Healers
    February 04, 2026 12:51 AM IST
    The Union Budget 2026-27 marks a turning point for India’s real estate sector, setting the groundwork for sustained growth rather than short-term corrections. The strong thrust on infrastructure, city economic regions and decentralised industrial development is expanding housing demand beyond metro cores into emerging Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets. For developers, capital access via REITs/municipal bonds, Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund, GST… Read More
    — Monty Joshi, Co-Founder, Sarvam Properties
    February 04, 2026 12:50 AM IST
    The Union Budget 2026 signals a decisive shift from incremental stimulus to building durable growth capacity across the economy. The government has raised public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore in FY27, up 9% year-on-year, underlining infrastructure as the primary growth lever. Enhanced connectivity through seven proposed high-speed rail corridors, 20 new national waterways over the next five years and… Read More
    — Bhavesh Kothari, Founder & CEO, Property First Realty
    February 04, 2026 12:49 AM IST
    The Union Budget 2026 marks a clear shift from short-term cyclical support to building a durable growth backbone for Indian real estate. The emphasis on infrastructure, City Economic Regions and industrial corridors creates a virtuous loop between jobs, housing and urban expansion. By widening the geographical footprint of cities, the Budget enables housing growth beyond saturated urban cores into well-connected… Read More
    — Navin Dhanuka, Director, ArisUnitern
    February 04, 2026 12:48 AM IST
    The Budget meets India’s structural requirements over the long term with a strong emphasis on small industries through dedicated funds such as the Small Industries Fund and the Resilient India Fund. The exemption on income tax for data centers gives a big fillip to digital infrastructure, and cross-border e-commerce opportunities unlock new routes for growth. This is a balanced and… Read More
    — Mr. Rathnakar Samavedam, Investment Director and Managing Partner, Hyderabad Angles Fund (haf.vc)
    February 04, 2026 12:46 AM IST
    The Union Budget 2026–27 takes a decisive step towards building Viksit Bharat jobs by formally recognising the gig economy as a critical pillar of India’s workforce. Measures such as social security coverage, digital ID cards and access to government services for gig workers bring long-awaited dignity, stability and inclusion to millions of independent professionals. The National Digital Knowledge Grid and… Read More
    — Mythri Kumar, Co-Founder, TimBuckDo
    February 03, 2026 10:00 PM IST
    India’s Education Budget: ₹1.28 Lakh Crore Allocation, 42.6% Employability—Budget 2026 Must Stop Credentialism and Empower Vocational Engineering Skills . Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹1.28 lakh crore to education—a 6.5% increase, including ₹20,000 crore for private R&D and ₹500 crore for AI Centres of Excellence. Commendable on paper. But the outcomes expose systemic failure: India produces 1.5 million engineering graduates yearly,… Read More
    — Mr. Roy Aniruddha, Founder & Chairman, TechnoStruct Academy
    February 03, 2026 09:49 PM IST
    Last year’s Budget clearly recognised agriculture as India’s first growth engine, with strong investments in productivity, seed innovation, and sustainable farming. That foundation is critical. But India’s next leap must go beyond yield and move toward nutrition as an outcome. Today, we don’t suffer from a lack of food. We suffer from a lack of nutrients in our food. As… Read More
    — Mr. Prateek Rastogi, CEO & Co-Founder, Better Nutrition