In this episode of Budget Insights, a podcast series from EY India Insights, Sandeep M Bhatnagar, Associate Partner, Indirect Tax at EY India highlights areas that Budget 2026 could focus on in indirect taxes, customs and trade policy to improve industry’s competitiveness and exports.

Key takeaways

• In Budget 2026, the government may announce measures to boost private investment.
• Regular review of duty rates and exemptions should continue.
• As India aims to be a global player, the focus may be on removing distortions like inverted duties rather than protectionism.
• Customs facilitation, simplification, speedier customs clearances supported by automation can reduce transaction costs.
• More focus is needed to remove revenue bias in adjudication and appeals.

Tune in to explore how Budget 2026 could reshape India’s indirect tax and trade landscape to drive exports and long-term growth.

In this episode of Budget Insights, part of the EY India Insights podcast series, Sonu Iyer, National Leader, People Advisory Services – Tax, EY India, shares her perspectives on how Budget 2026 could impact individuals, employees and employers. She explores potential tax rebates, measures to ease compliance and the role of digitalization in strengthening trust between taxpayers and the tax administration. The discussion also highlights opportunities to improve taxpayer experience, data-driven administration and faster dispute resolution.

Key takeaways

• Enhanced tax rebates could provide relief to low-income earners.
• Simplified return forms and proactive notifications can ease compliance.
• Digital frameworks can improve taxpayer awareness and transparency.
• Faster, tech-enabled dispute resolution and mediation can reduce bottlenecks.

Tune in to understand how Budget 2026 could reshape the individual tax landscape.

In this episode of Budget Insights, part of the EY India Insights podcast series, Raju Kumar, Partner and Tax Leader – Energy sector, EY India, examines how Budget 2026 can accelerate India’s clean energy transition. He discusses policy and fiscal levers to strengthen renewables, green mobility and large-scale energy storage, while highlighting the role of a diversified energy mix—including long-term options such as nuclear—in achieving sustainable growth and energy security.

Key takeaways

• Budget 2026 can balance energy security, affordability and transition through system-level policy support.
• Securing critical minerals is vital for resilient EV and battery ecosystems.
• Grid modernization and energy storage can enhance stability and reduce costs.
• Incentives and subsidies can scale green hydrogen and smart grids.

Tune in to explore how Budget 2026 could shape India’s energy future.