Pre-budget expectations

Bharat Dhawan, Managing Partner, Forvis Mazars in India

“India’s strength lies in its people and the opportunities the country has for the youth. We expect that the government will continue to prioritise skill development and job creation in order to tap into India's demographic advantage, which will drive economic growth and increase consumption through higher incomes. While the challenge of inflation, particularly food inflation continues to remain a concern, there is a need to implement a robust in supply-side measures to reduce the pain. We expect to see a focus on long-term solutions to strengthen the agricultural value chain and incentivise production. In the short term, direct benefit transfers (DBTs) may help support rural consumption. Infrastructure development will also remain a key priority, with continued investment in roads, multi-modal logistics parks, and overall logistics. Additionally, the government will place emphasis on healthcare, education, and skills development, while also promoting innovative technologies for inclusivity, formalisation, and transparent governance. As India aims to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, sustained investment in social, physical, and digital infrastructure will be crucial for future growth.”