Budget 2026: Prudent push for sustainable growth

Budget Overview - The budget is conservative with tax buoyancy for FY27 assumed at 0.8, lower than the previous year, and GST revenues projected to decrease by 3% in FY27 compared to FY26 [1][8] - The share of revenue expenditure, excluding interest, is proposed to decrease from 52.2% to 50.8% [1][8] Capital Expenditure and Fiscal Deficit - An additional capital expenditure of ₹1.26 lakh crore for FY27 has been budgeted, indicating improved quality of the fiscal deficit [2][9] Strategic Sector Incentives - The budget emphasizes policy nudges and incentives in strategic sectors with long-term economic implications, including nuclear power, data centres, global capability centres (GCCs), and maintenance, repair, and operations (MROs) [2][9] Nuclear Power Sector - The extension of zero basic customs duty on imports for new nuclear power projects until 2035 will lower capital costs for developers, reduce energy costs, and enhance energy security [4][9] Data Centres and Semiconductor Mission - Data centres are incentivized with a long-term tax holiday until 2047 for foreign companies providing cloud services, while the India Semiconductor Mission aims to boost private investment in fabrication, design, and equipment manufacturing [5][9] Manufacturing and Supply Chain Development - Changes in income-tax laws will facilitate just-in-time manufacturing and improve the economics of electronics manufacturing, alongside the development of dedicated rare earth corridors to strengthen strategic supply chains [6][9] Global Capability Centres (GCCs) - Investments in GCCs are encouraged as they drive services exports, job creation, and advanced skills development, particularly in AI and emerging technologies [7][9] IT Services Tax Certainty - Unifying all IT services under a single category with a common safe harbour margin of 15.5% will reduce ambiguity and enhance tax certainty for the sector [7][9] Support for MSMEs - The proposed ₹10,000-crore SME Growth Fund and credit guarantee schemes for invoice discounting aim to provide additional capital for India's 10 million registered MSMEs [7][9] Overall Budget Impact - The budget presents a credible roadmap for increasing competitiveness and long-term growth, although a higher divestment target could have provided more resources and fiscal flexibility [8][9]