Reacting to the Union Budget 2026, Rishi Mehra, Chief Executive Officer, India and Head of Strategy, Human Capital, Asia Pacific at Aon, said the Budget represents a bold move towards building structural resilience while laying the foundation for long-term economic growth. Mehra said a key highlight is the government’s focus on “crowding in” private capital through the proposed Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund. He noted that the initiative addresses a critical gap in the risk landscape by providing the credit stability required to support large-scale infrastructure projects and long-gestation investments.
He also highlighted strategic measures such as the infrastructure and logistics push, development of rare earth corridors, and the creation of dedicated chemical parks. According to Mehra, these initiatives are vital for reducing import dependency, strengthening domestic supply chains, and enhancing India’s strategic autonomy in key sectors.
The allocation of a substantial ₹12.2 lakh crore towards capital expenditure further reinforces the investment-led growth agenda, he said, enabling Indian enterprises to scale operations while managing volatility more effectively. Mehra added that the upcoming reforms in the financial sector will be crucial in aligning the system with India’s next phase of growth and supporting capital formation. He described the Budget as a pivotal moment in India’s economic journey, stating that the combined measures have the potential to transform the country into a global manufacturing and infrastructure powerhouse.