Ondrej Kubik, CEO, Home Credit India on Union Budget 2025:
"The Union Budget 2025 highlights a decisive push towards financial empowerment and inclusion and a digitally-driven economy. The government's vision to expand access to formal credit, strengthen the digital financial literacy, and enable a thriving fintech ecosystem aligns well with our mission at Home Credit India. We welcome the budget's provisions aimed at supporting the Middle and Lower-income groups, enhancing consumer protection, and fostering responsible lending practices. The focus on ease of compliance and ease of doing business, rationalisation of customs duties, widening the scope of MSMEs and the sustained emphasis on agrarian economy are all positive steps, reinforcing the core growth elements. As a responsible lender, we remain committed to driving financial inclusion by offering simple, transparent, and accessible credit solutions to underserved communities. By leveraging technology and innovation, we will continue to support India's vision of a financially resilient and digitally empowered nation, ensuring that millions of consumers can achieve their financial aspirations with confidence."
Mr. Nitin Aggarwal, Managing Director of Prayag Polymers, shares, 'The Indian Union Budget 2025 presents a forward-looking vision for the manufacturing sector, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure and GST reforms. The increased investment in urban development and housing sector will stimulate demand for high-quality products, including bathware and sanitary ware. Simplified GST structures and greater incentives for manufacturing will enable businesses like Prayag to scale production, enhance efficiency, and contribute significantly to the nation's infrastructure growth, creating new opportunities in urban markets.
Budget Takeaways by Sakchi Jain- CA and Financial Educator:
Overall Budget 2025 Takeaway:
Budget 2025 introduces key reforms aimed at tax relief, financial inclusion, and economic stability. With income up to ₹12 lakh effectively tax-free, middle-class taxpayers will have greater disposable income, encouraging savings and investments. Homebuyers now benefit from tax relief on two self-occupied properties, making homeownership more accessible.
For senior citizens, higher TDS exemption on interest income (₹1 lakh) and rental income (₹6 lakh) ensures financial security. Women entrepreneurs gain access to government-backed term loans, fostering financial independence.
The changes in TCS on foreign remittances provide relief for families funding overseas education, while NPS tax benefits strengthen retirement planning. The focus on simplified tax compliance, increased financial incentives, and inclusive economic policies makes this budget a step toward greater financial empowerment and long-term growth. The real impact, however, will depend on effective implementation and how individuals align their financial strategies with these changes.
Income Tax Changes in Budget 2025:
Budget 2025 has brought major relief for taxpayers by revising the income tax slabs, reducing the burden on the middle class. Under the new tax regime, income up to ₹4 lakh is now tax-free, while the revised slabs are as follows: ₹4-8 lakh (5%), ₹8-12 lakh (10%), ₹12-16 lakh (15%), ₹16-20 lakh (20%), ₹20-24 lakh (25%), and above ₹24 lakh (30%).
Additionally, with the applicable rebates, income up to ₹12 lakh effectively becomes tax-free, providing significant relief to a large section of taxpayers. This move will lead to higher disposable income, encouraging both savings and consumption, which is expected to have a positive impact on overall economic growth.
Budget 2025's Impact on the Middle Class:
Budget 2025 brings significant financial relief to the middle class with key tax reforms aimed at reducing burdens and increasing savings. The new income tax slabs ensure that income up to ₹12 lakh is effectively tax-free, providing much-needed relief to salaried individuals and small business owners.
One major change is in house property taxation. Previously, tax relief was available only for one self-occupied house. Now, if you own two houses and live in both, you can claim tax benefits on both properties, making homeownership more affordable.
For those earning rental income, the TDS exemption limit has been raised from ₹2.4 lakh to ₹6 lakh, reducing compliance burdens. Senior citizens also benefit, as the TDS exemption on interest income has doubled from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, allowing better financial security.
Another key move is in retirement planning, where NPS Vatsalya accounts will now receive the same tax benefits as regular NPS accounts, making long-term financial planning more attractive.
These measures will increase disposable income, encourage homeownership, enhance retirement security, and promote savings, giving the middle class greater financial stability while supporting overall economic growth.
Budget 2025's Impact on Senior Citizens:
Budget 2025 brings significant financial relief for senior citizens, ensuring better income security and tax benefits. The TDS exemption on interest income has been doubled from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, allowing seniors to earn more from Fixed Deposits (FDs), Recurring Deposits (RDs), and savings accounts without tax deductions.
Additionally, the annual value of self-occupied house property can now be claimed as nil without any conditions, making homeownership more tax-efficient for retirees. For those relying on rental income, the TDS exemption limit has been raised from ₹2.4 lakh to ₹6 lakh, reducing tax burdens.
Further, the introduction of NPS Vatsalya accounts under the same tax benefits as regular NPS accounts promotes better retirement planning, encouraging financial independence. These measures collectively enhance disposable income, reduce tax liabilities, and provide greater financial security to senior citizens.
Quote on Budget 2025's Impact on Women:
Budget 2025 takes a strong step towards women's health and financial empowerment. The enhancement of Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 will provide better nutritional support to over 1 crore pregnant and lactating women and 20 lakh adolescent girls, ensuring that women's health is prioritized at the grassroots level.
On the financial front, the government's initiative to provide five-year term loans for SC/ST women and loans up to ₹2 crore for first-time women entrepreneurs is a much-needed push towards economic independence. Women-led businesses have been growing steadily, but access to capital has always been a challenge. This move will enable more women to take control of their financial future and contribute to the economy in a meaningful way.
Women don't just contribute to the economy, they shape it. These initiatives are a step in the right direction, but I believe more structural reforms and ease of access to funding will be crucial in making financial independence a reality for every woman.
Quote on Personal Finance and Budget 2025:
Budget 2025 has a direct impact on personal finance, shaping how individuals save, invest, and manage expenses. With income up to ₹12 lakh effectively tax-free, taxpayers will have more disposable income to invest in long-term wealth-building opportunities. The higher TDS exemption on interest income for senior citizens and relief on rental income provide much-needed financial security.
Additionally, changes in TCS on foreign remittances and education loans will ease financial burdens for those funding overseas education or travel. The introduction of tax benefits for NPS Vatsalya accounts strengthens retirement planning.
Every budget brings opportunities—whether it's saving more, investing wisely, or leveraging tax benefits. The key is to understand these changes and align your personal finance strategy to maximize financial growth and security.
Mr. Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee.
"Budget for the year 2025 entails more income in the hands of the middle class with exemption of income in the hands of the salaries class till INR 12 lacs, this will also benefit individuals at higher earnings. Higher income will support the agenda on spending and will support the middle class on their allocation of funds beyond their daily needs and could benefit the retail industry at large with more money in the hands of the middle class. Further lowering down of taxes for other than salaried class will also support spending.
A deep-rooted plan to bring more investments on building infrastructure and connectivity through dedicated spends on new airports and routes, will further create an opportunity for large reach and mobility which will further support retail businesses with increase in better inter-city connectivity and tourism.
However from a retail industry standpoint there were no direct benefits being passed on even in this year's budget."
“The Union Budget 2025-26 reflects a strategic vision aimed at enhancing healthcare access for all and positioning India as a global destination for high-quality, affordable medical care. By investing in medical education, infrastructure, and medical tourism, the government has taken decisive steps to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem and drive economic growth.”
“The government's proactive steps to promote Medical Tourism through the 'Heal in India' initiative, coupled with simplified visa norms and private sector collaboration will not only enhance our country's reputation on the world stage but also drives economic growth by attracting international patients seeking advanced medical treatments.”
“The 2025-26 budget's commitment to adding 10,000 medical seats, with a vision of 75,000 more over the next five years, is a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals and ensuring quality care across the nation. Moving forward, we must prioritize upskilling our existing medical professionals, expanding telemedicine access, and ensuring equitable healthcare delivery to rural and underserved areas. Bridging these gaps will be crucial in achieving a truly inclusive, resilient healthcare ecosystem." - Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman and Managing Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital.
- Arpan Ghosh, Founder & Director, Gamma Rotors
India's manufacturing landscape is set for a profound transformation under the National Manufacturing Mission, which aims to deliver robust policy support, clear execution strategies, and effective governance frameworks. This initiative is poised to build a self-sustaining ecosystem that accelerates innovation, benefiting sectors such as drone technology and empowering the startup community.
A standout feature is the remarkable 89% boost in the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme allocation, which has risen to Rs 16,092 crore for FY25 from Rs 8,520 crore in FY24. This significant increase underscores the government's strong dedication to bolstering domestic manufacturing. Importantly, 38% of this allocation targets large-scale electronics manufacturing—a critical driver for the drone industry, facilitating the development of cutting-edge, energy-efficient drone systems.
Furthermore, these measures are designed to nurture startups through access to specialized deep-tech funds, improved collaborative opportunities via the National Centres of Excellence for skilling, and streamlined regulatory frameworks. Enhanced support from the PLI scheme will further drive innovation in key drone applications, including surveillance, ARCWS, and payload delivery drones.
Overall, these initiatives are anticipated to create millions of new jobs across industries, with the drone sector alone expected to generate over 1 million jobs by 2025, solidifying India's leadership in advanced manufacturing technology.
Rajat Grover, Founder & CEO, Elite Marque, an integrated communications firm for Startups.
This budget's allocation of Rs 95,000 plus crore for startups, with Rs 10,000 crore dedicated to Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), is a masterstroke that goes beyond funding. It's about building an innovation led economy. As someone who has seen India's entrepreneurial journey evolve, I can say this is the kind of bold move we've needed for decades. Startups today contribute 4 to 5% to India's GDP and employ over 5 million people, yet they've been starved of capital, especially in early stages. In 2023, funding dropped by 72% to $10 billion, leaving many promising ventures stranded. This initiative bridges that gap, but more importantly, it creates a multiplier effect. Every rupee invested in startups generates 2.5 times more jobs than traditional sectors, and this could catalyze the creation of 10 million new jobs by 2030.
What excites me most is the focus on sectors like renewable energy, healthcare, and deep tech, areas where India has the potential to lead globally. Imagine a startup in a small town developing affordable healthcare solutions or a cleantech venture scaling innovations to help India meet its 2070 net zero target. These aren't just businesses; they're solutions to India's biggest challenges.
On a macro level, this move positions India as a magnet for global capital. With venture capital inflows projected to double to $20 billion by 2026, we're not just funding startups; we're building an ecosystem that can rival Silicon Valley. This will create a ripple effect, boosting ancillary industries, increasing exports, and reducing our dependency on foreign technology.
In essence, this isn't just a budget announcement; it's a vision for India's future, a future where innovation drives growth, jobs are created at scale, and India becomes a global leader in solving real world problems. This is the foundation of a self reliant, innovation driven India, and I couldn't be more optimistic about what lies ahead.
- Nirav Jogani, Founder of Veloce Fintech
"The 2025-26 India budget introduces a major boost for India's startup ecosystem, with the establishment of a new ₹10,000 crore Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) for startups. This, alongside the existing Fund of Funds (FoF) which has garnered over ₹91,000 crore in commitments, reinforces the government's dedication to nurturing a thriving startup environment. The new AIF will provide startups with expanded financial resources, enabling them to grow, attract investments, and create jobs, making them highly appealing to investors.
Additionally, the budget includes key measures to support MSME growth, such as customized credit cards for micro-enterprises and increased investment and turnover limits. These provisions facilitate business scalability and improved access to capital, creating a more conducive environment for startups.
The budget also materially raises the tax limit for individuals, which will increase disposable income, stimulate consumption, and contribute to economic growth—opening up more opportunities for startups and MSMEs.
Moreover, the government's focus on enhancing the ease of doing business, seen through the three-year block period for transfer pricing, the upcoming simplified income tax bill, decriminalization of certain non-compliances, and a committee aimed at simplifying non-financial regulations, shows a clear effort to reduce bureaucratic barriers and promote a business-friendly environment.
Mr. Sanjaya Mariwala, President of IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Executive Chairman & Managing Director of OmniActive Health Technologies :
"The Union Budget delivered today showcases a clear vision for India's economic future. The reforms in income tax structure will put more money in the citizens' pockets, creating a cycle of spending and growth. What is particularly encouraging is the focus on agricultural and MSME improvements. The Finance Minister signalled a strong commitment to enhance crop diversification, self-reliance and agriculture productivity. Furthermore, the Government's focus on streamlining business processes and enhancing manufacturing by providing policy support to industries will boost job creation and enhance productivity.
In terms of medical care, the addition of 10,000 seats and opening of daycare centres for cancer in all districts highlight an increasing emphasis on accessible and premium medical care. Additionally, skilling programs including the setting up of National Centres of Excellence in AI education will ensure that our youth can compete in the global economy.
These measures, rooted in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas, ensure inclusive progress, balancing economic expansion with social upliftment. Aligning seamlessly with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, driving India towards sustained prosperity and global leadership."
Shubham Jhuria, CFO & Partner at Aeravti Ventures, an early stage venture capital firm:
Infrastructure, Energy, Healthcare, and Consumption: The Big 4 Beneficiaries of the Budget. The latest Budget brings an immediate positive impact to four key sectors—Infrastructure, Energy, Healthcare, and Consumption. The Government's emphasis on developing both rural and urban infrastructure will not only fuel the broader consumption story but also strengthen the supply chain and agricultural sectors.
Rather than focusing on direct tax rebates for startups, this Budget prioritizes long-term, business-building policies. The strategic push toward clean energy, the Nuclear Mission, and healthcare expansion creates a strong foundation for innovation. These positive policy movements are likely to attract more investors, providing a significant boost to founders operating in these spaces.
Overall, India's growth trajectory remains intact, with strong tailwinds supporting the startup ecosystem.
Mr. Masood Mallick, Managing Director & CEO, Re Sustainability Limited (ReSL):
The budget outlines key initiatives to support sustainability and circularity in India.The removal of custom duty on waste and scrap from critical minerals, including Antimony, Beryllium, Cobalt, and Lithium-Ion batteries, aims to boost recycling and enhance use of circular minerals in manufacturing. A policy for recovery of critical minerals from tailings or by-products of mining can also emerge as a significant enabler for India's transition to a more circular economy. Funds have also been allocated to strengthen the domestic manufacturing of clean technologies like solar PV cells, EV batteries, and wind turbines, which will enhance the country's renewable energy infrastructure. The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund focuses on sustainable urban development, addressing water management, sanitation, and city redevelopment. Finally, the commitment to developing 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 furthers India's energy transition strategy, contributing to long-term sustainability. These measures have the potential to significantly accelerate our sustainability and circular economy journey, towards our shared goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Sudhir Kunder, Chief Business Officer, DE-CIX India:
"The Union Budget 2025 showcases a visionary approach to technological advancement, propelling India's digital and sustainable growth trajectory forward. I'm particularly enthusiastic about the emphasis on AI initiatives, which will cultivate a future-ready workforce, ensure employment stability, and drive innovation across sectors. The integration of AI-driven learning tools and industry-academia collaboration will empower students with cutting-edge skills, while the proposed AGR relief for telecom companies will fortify the backbone of India's digital infrastructure. These strategic initiatives will collectively pave the way for a more connected, resilient, and innovation-driven India, poised for long-term success."
Commenting on the Union Budget, Jairam Balakrishnan, CEO, Globeducate India said, "The Union Budget 2025-26 reinforces the government's commitment to a future-ready education system by expanding access, strengthening skilling initiatives, and integrating technology into learning. The establishment of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will nurture curiosity and innovation, while broadband expansion through BharatNet will bridge the digital divide. The Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak scheme further improves inclusivity by promoting multilingual education.
The emphasis on skilling through National Centres of Excellence and AI-driven education initiatives will prepare students for emerging careers, bridging the gap between traditional learning and industry demands. Also, the focus on making India a global hub for toys under the National Action Plan will be a boon for the educational toy industry, promoting innovation and quality in learning tools that enhance early childhood development. We look forward to supporting these initiatives and contributing to the vision of a knowledge-driven 'Viksit Bharat."
Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council:
"The Union Budget 2025-26 reaffirms the Indian Government's commitment to education and skills development, laying a strong foundation for the nation's youth and future workforce. The creation of five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling and global skilling partnerships will equip young people with the expertise needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. The expansion of IIT infrastructure to accommodate 6,500 more students and the 500 crore allocation for a Centre of Excellence for AI in Education are a step forward in nourishing India's technical and digital capabilities. Furthermore, with a focus on fostering inclusive education, preserving regional languages, and ensuring students can learn in their mother tongues, we commend the Bharatiya Bhasha Pushtak scheme that will provide digital access to Indian language books. At the British Council, we remain committed to partnering with the Government to create opportunities that empower young people, enabling them to drive meaningful change and succeed both locally and globally".
Archana Jahagirdar, Founder & Managing Partner of Rukam Capital:
"The Union Budget 2025 outlines a transformative vision for India's startup ecosystem. With an infusion of INR 10,000 Cr through FFS, it will further strengthen access to credit for entrepreneurs, particularly for startups in emerging sectors. Along with this, the government's improved guarantee cover for micro and small enterprises will lay a strong foundation for a future-driven economy. This will help the venture capital ecosystem to unlock new growth opportunities for startups in emerging sectors. At Startup Mahakumbh, we are eager to witness the evolution of India's entrepreneurial landscape as we aim to move towards being number one for the startup ecosystem."
Sanjay Nayar, President, ASSOCHAM and Founder & Chairman, Sorin Investment:
"This budget lays a strong foundation for India's growth trajectory by focusing on infrastructure, investment, skilling and ease of doing business. The commitment to reforms, from tax simplification to sectoral incentives, will propel India's manufacturing, and exports. With a trust-based regulatory approach and enhanced credit access, industries are well-positioned to thrive in a globally competitive environment. The extended support to MSMEs and startups will go a long way in strengthening India's entrepreneurship spirit and enhance job creation for the future economy. The new simplified taxation and regulatory framework attract private capital, which will further accelerate growth. In line with Startup Mahakumbh's vision of playing a vital role in shaping India's entrepreneurial landscape and long-term economic resilience, we believe this will surely give a fillip to India's startup ecosystem."
Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel India:
"It has been evident that India is poised to leap forward and the growth over the years is testament to it. The Government of India's focus on infrastructure development, green growth, and digital innovation lays a strong foundation for a future-driven economy. The reforms aimed at increasing ease of doing business through the enhanced qualifying threshold, alongside increased support for MSMEs through the increased corpus of 10,000 Cr and tax incentives, will foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem - a shared aim at Startup Mahakumbh too."
Commenting on the Union Budget 2025-26, Mr. Mathew Muthoottu, Managing Director, Muthoottu Mini Financiers Ltd., said, "The Union Budget 25-26 lays a strong foundation for inclusive economic growth by prioritising rural development, MSME empowerment, and financial inclusion as well as reaffirms the government's commitment to promoting financial resilience and economic prosperity at the grassroots level. The introduction of the 'Grameen Credit Score' framework is a progressive step that will enable better access to credit for rural entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and underserved communities. Additionally, the comprehensive 'Rural Prosperity and Resilience' program will generate employment opportunities, enhance skilling, and strengthen rural infrastructure, reducing the need for migration.
We at Muthoottu Mini see these reforms as a step in the right direction, aligning with our mission to support underserved communities with their financial needs. The expanded credit guarantee cover, new Credit Cards designed for Micro Enterprises, and incentives for first-time entrepreneurs will provide vital capital to fuel growth and employment. Raising the nil tax slab to ₹12 lakh is also a significant relief, giving the middle class more spending power and driving consumption. As India moves towards 'Viksit Bharat,' the budget's focus on empowering youth, women, and farmers will help ensure sustainable and inclusive development. These measures, along with continued efforts to improve the ease of doing business, will be instrumental in supporting small businesses and rural entrepreneurs, pushing India's economic momentum forward."
Mr. Gaurav Agarwal, Founder & Chief Managing Director, Stonex India "Stonex India welcomes the Union Budget 2025, which reflects a strong commitment to infrastructure development and the growth of the Indian economy. The proposed investments in infrastructure, particularly in logistics, are set to significantly boost our manufacturing and export capabilities, fostering an environment conducive to growth for high-income groups. As a leader in luxury marble, we see immense potential in the government's focus on creating a more sustainable and resilient economic ecosystem. This budget promises to propel India toward becoming a global hub for trade and luxury exports,"
“In the context of today's rapidly evolving employment landscape, it is encouraging to see the Union Budget's emphasis on initiatives that focus on equipping youth to be future-ready at all levels. Investments in building foundational skills through the Atal Tinkering Labs in schools as well as the Centres of Excellence in both AI for education and skilling will also help identify best practices that we need to incorporate into our education systems.”~ Sowjanya Kanuri, Director - ACT For Education.
'"The Union Budget 2025-26 is a well-rounded and forward-looking financial plan that lays a robust foundation for India's journey towards a Viksit Bharat. The government's strong emphasis on manufacturing development will accelerate India's rise as a global production hub through initiatives like the National Manufacturing Mission and enhanced credit availability for MSMEs. Additionally, the focus on women's empowerment—whether through expanded credit schemes for women entrepreneurs or enhanced participation in economic activities—demonstrates a commitment to inclusive growth. Finally, tax relief for the middle class ensures greater financial security for millions of Indians, boosting consumption and investment. This budget fuels economic momentum and propels India towards its vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047."-Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-founder and Chairperson, Sustainability at ReNew.
Dr. Kapil Garg, Managing Director, Asian Energy Services Limited:
"We applaud the Government and Hon'ble Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on presenting a favourable budget for the manufacturing and infrastructure segment. The announcement to invest in urea production capacity in Namrup, Assam is an excellent move since Assam's abundant natural gas resources will not only benefit Oilmax in the long term but also open up significant natural gas demand in the region. This strategic initiative aligns with the government's broader vision to drive industrial growth in eastern India while bolstering self-reliance in fertilizer production.
The budget's robust focus on expanding waterway and canal infrastructure is set to transform industrial logistics, particularly for sectors like oil, gas, and petrochemicals. The creation of a substantial Maritime Development Fund and the expansion of regional connectivity through enhanced schemes will further streamline transport and trade, integrating remote areas into the national economy.
Key duty exemptions on critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium-ion battery scrap, lead, and zinc are poised to strengthen domestic manufacturing. The allocation for research, development, and innovation will accelerate advancements in energy efficiency aims to secure long-term energy stability.
The policies should attract private sector participation and foreign direct investment in energy projects, will enhance India's energy security and reduce import dependency.
Furthermore, the reduction in income taxes and the rationalization of TCS and tax exemptions are expected to boost household spending power, fueling broader economic demand. Power sector reforms that incentivize improved electricity distribution and intrastate transmission capacity will further ensure a stable and efficient energy supply. The substantial provision of interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure underscores a strong commitment to long-term infrastructure development.
For MSMEs, increased investment and turnover limits will empower small and medium enterprises to scale up, innovate, and expand their global competitiveness, especially as they contribute significantly to India's exports. Mining sector reforms, along with policies for recovering critical minerals from tailings, will further reinforce resource independence.
By promoting energy storage, grid modernization, and expanding strategic oil reserves, the government is laying the groundwork for a resilient, diversified energy mix. Export incentives and policy measures to integrate India into global energy markets will further enhance the country's positioning as a key player in the sector.
Overall, this budget lays a strong foundation for sustained economic expansion, energy security, and industrial development. It creates a growth-oriented policy framework that will generate long-term value for industries such as oil, gas, and energy, while driving India's journey toward a more self-reliant and sustainable future."
Mr. Anshul Singhal, Managing Director, Welspun One & Chairperson of ASSOCHAM National Council on Logistics & Warehousing:
"The Union Budget 2025-26 highlights the Modi government's commitment to infrastructure-led growth, digital integration, and investment-friendly reforms, laying the foundation for a robust and future-ready India. By prioritizing agriculture, MSMEs, investments, and exports - the four critical engines driving industrial expansion and supply chain efficiency - the budget seemed to be aligned to strengthen India's position as a global manufacturing and trade hub. The ₹1.5 lakh crore allocation for infrastructure, the ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund, and PPP-driven initiatives will catalyze the next wave of industrial expansion, transforming cities into economic hubs.
In logistics and warehousing, streamlining cargo screening, upgrading air cargo infrastructure, and evolving India Post into a national logistics powerhouse will redefine supply chain efficiencies and last-mile connectivity across urban-rural markets. Additionally, the budget's strong focus on developing port facilities and strengthening port-based logistics hubs will accelerate our global trade ambitions. The introduction of the Bharat Trade Net, access to PM Gati Shakti data, and the Bilateral Investment Treaty reinforce the government's push for an integrated and investment-friendly economy. Reducing turnaround times, optimizing supply chains, and fostering structured logistics clusters - these initiatives will decongest cities, enhance trade competitiveness, and drive economic growth. These measures, with the incentives for warehouse enhancements and dedicated logistics infrastructure, highlight a progressive shift towards sustainability, digitalization, and private-sector collaboration.
However, for sustained industrial expansion - simplified land acquisition, incentives for green warehousing, and tax clarity for AIFs remain crucial. Recognizing warehousing as a capital-intensive sector and extending GST benefits for industrial real estate will further encourage large-scale investments, helping India cement its position as a leader in global trade and industrial infrastructure. As India moves toward a $5 trillion economy, industry and policymakers must work together to execute these visionary reforms. At Welspun One, we look forward to contributing to this transformation—building a tech-driven, climate-conscious, and globally competitive logistics and warehousing ecosystem."
Sharing inputs by Kapil Joshi, CEO of Quess IT Staffing on Union Budget 2025-26:
"The 2025 Budget strongly signals that India is ready to lead in AI and technology, reinforcing its position on the global stage. The establishment of a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education, with an investment of ₹500 crore, underscores the government's commitment to equipping India's workforce with future-ready skills. As AI transforms industries, continuous skilling and adaptability will be critical in driving innovation and product development.
Beyond education, the government has laid a strong foundation for fostering deep tech and startup growth. The expansion of the Fund of Funds for Startups with an additional ₹10,000 crore, coupled with the exploration of a Deep Tech Fund of Funds, is a major step in nurturing the next generation of cutting-edge enterprises. These initiatives will provide startups and technology-driven businesses the capital and resources needed to scale and compete globally.
Moreover, with an increased focus on research, development, and innovation—backed by a ₹20,000 crore allocation—the government is ensuring that India doesn't just adopt emerging technologies but actively contributes to shaping them.
The Budget 2025 reaffirms that India is not just participating in the AI revolution but is taking proactive strides to be ahead in the race. It is an exciting time for the IT and tech sector, and at Quess IT Staffing, we see immense opportunities to support organizations in building a highly skilled, AI-ready workforce for the future."
