By Mr. Shobhit Singh, MD & CEO at Stone Sapphire India Pvt. Ltd for your reference:
“As we approach Budget 2026, there is a critical opportunity for policy to accelerate India’s transition from a consumption-led economy to a manufacturing, innovation and export-driven powerhouse. Beyond scale, the next phase of growth must focus on enabling innovation and full technology adoption—especially for MSMEs—on par with advanced global economies. For consumer categories such as toys, stationery, homeware and sports goods, targeted incentives for domestic manufacturing must be complemented by support for automation, digital infrastructure, R&D, and IP-led product development to create globally competitive Indian brands. Equally important is a strong push towards advanced skill development and modern manufacturing practices. India’s labour force is its greatest strength, but to unlock its full potential, policy must encourage automation-led productivity and continuous upskilling to move away from legacy operating models. A forward-looking budget that integrates manufacturing, technology, skills and exports will not only reduce import dependence but also position India as a trusted global sourcing and brand creation hub.”
