New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) The Union Budget 2026-27 lays out a robust and credible framework aimed at enhancing India’s competitive edge through fiscal responsibility, structural reforms, and focused initiatives designed to stimulate private investment, industry representatives remarked on Sunday.

CII President Rajiv Memani noted that this Budget strengthens confidence in India’s growth narrative during a time of global economic uncertainty, with investors actively seeking clarity in policy and long-term stability.

“The Budget’s emphasis on bolstering manufacturing and technological capabilities will empower India to develop its domestic strengths in sectors that are poised to shape global competitiveness in the upcoming decade,” Memani stated.

“Initiatives like the SME Growth Fund, the expansion of TReDS-based financing, and enhanced integration of MSMEs with government procurement platforms are anticipated to improve credit access, encourage formalization, and facilitate sustainable scaling for small enterprises,” he added.

Industry leaders from the Essar Group echoed these sentiments, asserting that the government has conveyed a strong and encouraging message amid the current geopolitical tensions and evolving trade dynamics faced by the global economy.

Dhanpat Nahata, Managing Partner at Essar Capital, remarked that the Budget provides precisely the support India requires at this critical juncture.

He emphasized that initiatives aimed at deepening corporate bond markets, attracting long-term global investment, and initiating banking sector reforms will solidify India’s financial stability.

Srinivasan Vaidyanathan, Operating Partner at Essar, expressed that the Budget reinforces India’s steady, reform-focused economic trajectory in a time marked by global fragmentation and realignment of supply chains.

He underscored the rise in public capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore and the commitment to dedicated freight corridors, waterways, and logistics infrastructure, asserting that these projects will accelerate execution across logistics and energy corridors, propelling sectors that will drive India’s growth over the next decade.

Ashish Rajgarhia, Executive Director at Essar Ports, highlighted that the Budget clearly indicates that infrastructure and trade logistics are central to India’s growth strategy.

He noted that enhancing Dedicated Freight Corridors, operationalizing new National Waterways, and promoting coastal cargo will fortify the maritime sector as global supply chains undergo transformation.

Rajgarhia also welcomed the focus on inland waterways connectivity, skill development, and ship repair infrastructure in cities like Patna and Varanasi, asserting that these initiatives will generate employment, alleviate congestion and emissions, and aid India in aiming to double the share of inland waterways and coastal shipping by 2047.