New Delhi: Industry leaders and experts have welcomed the Union Budget 2025-26, highlighting its focus on clean energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, and financial reforms. The budget’s emphasis on critical minerals, renewable energy expansion, domestic manufacturing, and power sector reforms has drawn positive reactions from various sectors, with some experts also calling for wider adoption of alternative fuel solutions and regulatory support.

Rajat Verma, Founder & CEO, LOHUM, said the budget is a “watershed moment” for India’s clean energy sovereignty and circular economy leadership. He said the elimination of import duties on lithium-ion battery scrap, cobalt powder, and critical mineral wastes will unlock unprecedented opportunities for domestic manufacturing. He said the ₹20,000 crore investment in R&D for emerging technologies will be a catalyst for India’s technological capabilities. He also highlighted the National Critical Mineral Mission and the introduction of a policy for critical minerals recovery from tailings, calling it a step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India and MD & CEO, Schneider Electric, said the budget lays the foundation for ‘Viksit Bharat’, with a focus on manufacturing, clean energy, and power sector modernization. He said the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana will benefit 1.7 crore farmers, while the expansion of Kisan Credit Card limits and investments in agriculture infrastructure will support rural development. He also said the budget’s focus on public-private partnerships in infrastructure and renewable energy will accelerate India’s transition to sustainable power solutions.

Abani Jha, CFO, Saatvik Green Energy, said the National Manufacturing Mission with policy support for clean-tech manufacturing is a crucial step to strengthen India’s position in the global renewable energy supply chain. He said the government’s continued support for solar cell, module, and grid-scale battery manufacturing aligns with the goal of reducing dependency on imports. He also welcomed the support for wind turbines and electrolysers, saying it will boost investments and generate employment in the clean energy sector.

Krishan Lalit Bansal, Chairman & MD, DEE Development Engineers Limited, said the ₹1.5 lakh crore allocation in interest-free loans to states will provide a strong boost to infrastructure projects. He also said the National Manufacturing Mission will rejuvenate MSMEs, calling them the backbone of India’s industrial expansion. He said the budget balances policy support and funding while strengthening the focus on domestic manufacturing, capital spending, and supply chain integration.

Suyash Gupta, Director General, Indian Auto LPG Coalition, said the budget’s focus on EVs overlooked other clean mobility solutions like Auto LPG, hydrogen, and bio-fuels. He said urban pollution could be significantly reduced by integrating alternative fuels into public mobility policies. He said there was an expectation for broader announcements on alternative fuels, which were missing from the budget.

Akshit Bansal, Founder & CEO, Statiq, said the budget lays a strong foundation for India’s EV sector, with the National Manufacturing Mission supporting domestic production of EV batteries and high-voltage transmission equipment. He said the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for Startups will encourage entrepreneurship in the EV space, but called for a revision in the GST structure for EV charging infrastructure, bringing it in line with the 5% GST on EVs.

Heena Khushalani, Partner – Climate Change and Sustainability Services, EY India, said the ₹20,000 crore allocation for the National Nuclear Mission and the push for private sector participation in nuclear energy will bolster India’s clean energy transition. She said the budget’s focus on climate resilience, agriculture, and fisheries will support rural development, but called for more attention on adaptation financing and climate finance taxonomy.

Divyesh Savaliya, Chairman & MD, Onix Renewable Limited, said the budget aligns with India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030, emphasizing solar PV cells, EV batteries, and motors to reduce reliance on imports. He said the National Manufacturing Mission will enhance supply chain resilience and domestic value addition.

Anvesha Thakker, Partner, Clean Energy, KPMG India, said the budget provides a decisive push for clean energy, focusing on manufacturing, innovation, and supply chain expansion. She said duty exemptions for lithium-ion battery scrap, cobalt, and lead will strengthen domestic manufacturing. She also said the Nuclear Energy Mission, with relaxed regulations and civil liability norms, is a game-changer for India’s clean energy roadmap.

Girish Tanti, Vice Chairman, Suzlon, said the budget strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat across manufacturing, agriculture, and clean energy. He said the National Manufacturing Mission’s targeted support for wind and solar energy will help India surpass its 500 GW renewable energy target and create nearly three million green jobs. He said the government’s incentives for electricity distribution reforms and intra-state transmission upgrades will enhance grid stability and renewable energy integration.

Experts from the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors emphasized the budget’s potential to drive industrial growth, clean energy adoption, and supply chain resilience, while also calling for greater support for alternative fuel solutions and regulatory reforms.