January 02, 2026 : The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has welcomed the Union Budget, describing it as a forward-looking and well-rounded roadmap that enhances India’s global competitiveness, encourages investment, and improves the ease of doing business.

In a statement, USISPF said the Budget’s emphasis on trade facilitation, customs modernisation, tariff rationalisation, banking sector reforms, and targeted support for strategic sectors closely matches industry priorities. According to the forum, these measures further strengthen India’s appeal as a global investment destination.

On tariffs, USISPF noted that focused rationalisation of customs duties would help advance India’s manufacturing goals, clean energy transition, and high-technology development. The forum also appreciated the government’s decision to set up a high-level committee on banking sector reforms to review the structure and efficiency of the sector and assess its readiness to support the next phase of economic growth while maintaining financial stability and inclusion.

Reacting to the Budget, USISPF President and CEO Mukesh Aghi said the reforms spanning customs, taxation, and strategic sectors would modernise India’s economic framework and drive next-generation growth. He also welcomed the long-term tax holiday announced for cloud services delivered through local data centres, calling it a landmark step that could attract large-scale global investment and create significant employment opportunities.