New Delhi, Jan. 13 -- Amid slowing growth, rising geo-economic fragmentation and tightening financial conditions, the global economic landscape is increasingly complex. India is a rare bright spot. However, sustaining its momentum will require more than short-term resilience. The Union budget for 2026-27 must act as a strategic enabler-strengthening long-term competitiveness, insulating growth from external shocks and laying the foundation for strong and inclusive expansion.

From an industry perspective, expectations from the budget can be distilled into four high-impact priorities:

Build self-reliance: It should reinforce atmanirbharta by prioritizing strategic sectors where domestic capability is critical, not only for growth, but als...