Exclusive: Daikin MD Kanwaljeet Jawa on his Outlook for 2026

From the perspective of the air-conditioning and appliances industry, 2026 will be a defining year—one where purpose and performance must move together.

India is entering a phase where comfort is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity tied closely to health, productivity, and quality of life. As rising temperatures, urbanisation, and changing lifestyles reshape consumer expectations, our industry must respond with solutions that are not only technologically advanced, but also responsible and inclusive.

My vision for 2026 is an industry that places energy efficiency and sustainability at its core—not as compliance requirements, but as fundamental design principles. Climate change is real, and our responsibility as manufacturers is to deliver cooling and appliance solutions that significantly reduce energy consumption while maintaining world-class performance.

Equally important is consumer-centric innovation. The future lies in smart, connected appliances that are intuitive, reliable, and designed around real Indian usage conditions—whether it is extreme heat, voltage fluctuations, or diverse living spaces. Technology must simplify life, not complicate it.

I also see 2026 as a year where ‘Make in India’ truly matures for our sector. With stronger localisation, resilient supply chains, and skilled talent, India has the potential to become a global manufacturing and R&D hub for air-conditioning and appliances, serving not just domestic demand but international markets as well.
Finally, the industry must grow with empathy—creating employment, investing in skill development, and contributing meaningfully to nation-building. Growth that does not uplift people and the environment is incomplete.

In essence, my vision for 2026 is an industry that delivers smart comfort with a strong conscience—cooling homes, powering progress, and doing so in harmony with the planet and society.