For India, 2025 has set the bar higher for reforms as the growth driver

Dear reader, as 2025, a year of global tumult and volatility, rolled by, Mint's reporters and columnists looked around the corner on what is coming in 2026—to help you know what to expect and prepare for it. Tell us what you think at [email protected].New Delhi: For India, 2026 is shaping up as a pivotal year.

As the global economy becomes more fragmented and trade more uncertain, wider and deeper reforms will make the core of the government's economic strategy. From taxes and regulations to ease of doing business and support to small businesses, industry leaders see the next phase of reforms in the new year as key to attracting investment and moving closer to the country's ambitious growth goals.With lower direct and indirect tax rates, a simplified income tax law and reforms in the bankruptcy code, the National Democratic Alliance government has already set in motion a drive to modernize India’s regulatory ecosystem, which experts and industry executives believe will continue into 2026, as the country navigates a fast de-globalizing world that requires strong domestic growth and heightened global competitiveness.Reform is a top priority for policymakers as India needs to grow at 8% for at least a decade to move closer to its goal of becoming an advanced economy by 2047.Experts expect that further deregulation and de-criminalization of laws, cutting red tape, making states compete to woo investments and broader reforms aimed at enhancing the economy’s productivity will drive the legislative and regulatory agenda next year.A reduced compliance burden, coupled with lower taxes, are also expected to complement the government’s bold capital investments, leading to stronger private investment growth.The year 2026 is