New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) Industry leaders expressed their approval of the Union Budget 2026-27, highlighting its strong focus on skill development, innovation, the Electronics Component and Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), and semiconductors. They assert that these initiatives will establish India as a global hub for electronics manufacturing.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, the Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, described the Budget as bold for its ability to merge growth with inclusion. He emphasized that the significant focus on skilling, along with consistent investments in science, innovation, and research, is timely and will enhance domestic capabilities, promoting import substitution in vital sectors.

Mittal praised the Budget’s attention to infrastructure and logistics, particularly regarding energy efficiency and support for the data centre ecosystem.

Atul Soneja, the Chief Operating Officer of Tech Mahindra, noted that the Budget reinforces India’s role as a reliable partner in technology and innovation. He welcomed initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission, the National Quantum Mission, and an enhanced R&D ecosystem, stating that these align policy, technology, and talent to boost India’s innovation trajectory.

“The government’s acknowledgment of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence as drivers for effective governance is particularly inspiring,” Soneja remarked.

He added that the introduction of the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 will substantially enhance the country’s technology ecosystem by deepening the integration of hardware and software capabilities, positioning India as a frontrunner in next-generation digital infrastructure.

Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India and South Asia, indicated that prioritizing AI within economic and governance frameworks reflects the government’s commitment to a competitive, technology-driven economy. He commended the Budget’s focus on data centres, cloud, and AI infrastructure, noting that as AI adoption grows, secure and resilient compute capacity will underpin public services, enterprise innovation, and long-term competitiveness.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Brand Director at Audi India, stated that the Union Budget’s strong focus on infrastructure and capital expenditure positively impacts India’s mobility landscape. He remarked, “Enhanced highways and intercity connectivity, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III markets, are fortifying the ownership and usage ecosystem for luxury vehicles. The government’s emphasis on fiscal prudence, macroeconomic stability, and ease of doing business strengthens investor confidence in the automotive sector.”

aar/na