Industry leaders express guarded optimism for India's 2026 growth outlook, anticipating support from reforms, tax relief, and easing inflation. Demand recovery, particularly in the automotive and consumption-facing sectors, is seen as crucial for sustained growth. Early signs suggest a pickup in both rural and urban markets, with expectations of gradual improvement in rural consumption due to normalizing inflation and incomes. A structural shift towards health, wellness, and purpose-led brands is also noted, with consumers favoring premium and nature-based products. Budget expectations focus on measures to boost rural income and agriculture.