What seven leading Indian scientists make of the R&D budget Premium

Discover insights from seven prominent Indian scientists on the 2026-27 Union Budget's impact on research and development in India.

Did the 2026-27 Union Budget live up to India’s science ambitions and scientists’ expectations? The views vary depending on what specific sectors have received and the initiatives announced, and they’re not all rosy. Here are comments from seven leading scientists from around India, including heads of key departments, institutes, and a leading State university, compiled by New Delhi-based freelance science journalist T.V. Padma for The Hindu.

To read this comments in article form, click here.

N. Kalaiselvi, Director-General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

CSIR director-general N. Kalaiselvi. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

I view the Union Budget 2026-27 as a strong and reassuring affirmation of the Government of India’s belief in science, technology, and innovation as engines of national growth and self-reliance. The Budget reflects continuity and confidence in public research institutions, with sustained support to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and CSIR, including enhanced allocations for national laboratories, capacity building, and mission-oriented research. This steady funding trajectory provides an enabling foundation for long-term scientific capability and impact.

I am particularly encouraged by the introduction of several mission-mode and sector-focused initiatives in this Budget. Programmes such as Biopharma SHAKTI, India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Mission, and expanded support for electronic components manufacturing and critical minerals are timely and forward-looking. These initiatives resonate strongly with CSIR’s strengths in indigenous technology development, advanced materials, process innovation and translational research. The emphasis on improving production systems in areas such as water, energy and critical minerals, along with support for MSMEs, design-led innovation and sustainable manufacturing, aligns closely with CSIR’s ongoing reforms and Technology Transfer Commitments — 2030.