India’s industry heavyweights are betting big on the economy, forecasting 7-8% growth for 2026-27 per FICCI’s pre-budget survey out of New Delhi. The report, timed perfectly before the union budget, shows 80% of surveyed leaders trusting in India’s economic promise, even as world markets wobble.
Notably, 50% foresee GDP hitting 7-8% next year, while 42% back the government’s ability to cap this year’s fiscal deficit at 4.4% of GDP – a nod to steady fiscal policies.
Top demands? Jobs, infrastructure continuity, and export firepower. Focus areas: infrastructure builds, manufacturing ramps, defense production, MSME uplift. Capex and manufacturing must stay priorities.
Electronics: Build a massive cluster merging OEMs, EMS, and parts makers for explosive growth. Defense: Pump capex to 30%, modernize with UAVs, anti-drone defenses, EW gear, AI tools.
Drones get a push – PLI to ₹1,000 crore, plus ₹1,000 crore R&D kitty. Exports face headwinds from trade wars, tariffs, CBAM; fixes needed in trade ease, customs speed, logistics/port fixes, incentives, refunds.
Direct tax wishlist: Streamline compliance, digitize fully, lock in tax rules, speed resolutions, cut court cases. Boost corporate restructurings and investor perks.
FICCI’s findings signal high hopes for a budget that ignites development, creates jobs, sharpens edges, and cements India’s global trade role with smart reforms and fiscal savvy.