India, Jan. 21 -- As the Union Budget FY26 approaches, leaders from India's telecom and digital infrastructure ecosystem are urging the government to sharpen its focus on domestic manufacturing, private 5G deployment and deep-tech innovation. With telecom networks forming the backbone of India's digital economy, from industrial automation to strategic communications, industry executives say the upcoming budget is a critical opportunity to strengthen indigenous capabilities and reduce import dependence.

Industry voices argue that while India has made progress in expanding network coverage, the next phase of growth must centre on strengthening the telecom manufacturing value chain. Paritosh Prajapati, CEO of GX Group, said Budget FY26 shou...