Pinkesh Kotecha, MD & Chairman, Ishan Technologies

“The Union Budget 2025-26 lays a strong foundation for India’s digital-first economy, with a clear emphasis on AI, deep tech, and digital public infrastructure. The introduction of the Deep Tech Fund of Funds is a significant move to accelerate next-generation startups in AI, blockchain, and advanced computing, fostering innovation and global competitiveness. Expanding broadband access under BharatNet to rural schools and health centers is a critical step in bridging the digital divide and enhancing last-mile connectivity.

The establishment of a ₹500 crore Centre of Excellence in AI for Education reinforces India’s commitment to AI-driven learning, ensuring a future-ready workforce. The National Framework for Global Capability Centers (GCCs) will further strengthen IT and outsourcing hubs in Tier-2 cities, driving infrastructure development and talent expansion. Additionally, with increased PPP support for digital infrastructure under the India Infrastructure Project Development Fund (IIPDF), private sector investments in broadband and connectivity are expected to gain momentum. Together, these initiatives position India as a leading player in the global digital economy, accelerating the adoption of AI, deep tech, and emerging technologies. However, areas like data centers required more focused policy support to establish India as a regional digital hub. Clarity in AI regulation and security frameworks is also essential to ensure responsible AI adoption while fostering continued innovation.”

Dr. Sangeeta Chhabra: Co-Founder & Executive Director- AceCloud

“The Union Budget 2025 builds upon the foundation laid in previous years, introducing initiatives and reforms that reinforce India’s growth trajectory. Technology remains a central pillar, with its impact spanning multiple sectors. A key highlight is the launch of the National Manufacturing Mission, a decisive step in advancing the ‘Make in India’ initiative. With a strong emphasis on clean technology and sustainability, coupled with enhanced credit support for SMEs and MSMEs, this initiative is poised to drive investment and innovation.

The budget’s substantial focus on AI, including a ₹500 crore allocation for a Centre of Excellence in AI-driven education, is a transformative step toward positioning India as a global leader in industrial clusters, sustainable urbanization, and long-term economic resilience. The exploration of a Deep Tech Fund of Funds, along with 10,000 fellowships under the PM Research Fellowship Scheme, underscores a progressive vision for fostering research and development in frontier technologies. These initiatives have the potential to propel advancements in AI, machine learning, and other emerging domains.

The proposal to create a national framework for Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in tier 2 cities is another forward-looking move. This initiative builds on India’s success in the GCC space, creating new employment opportunities, reducing urban congestion, and ensuring more balanced regional development.

In essence, this budget continues to unlock India’s immense potential, particularly in the realm of technology, setting the stage for sustained innovation and growth.”

Pankaj Bajaj, Founder & Director, Bajaj Foundation 

“The Union Budget 2025-26 makes notable strides in sustainability, particularly in e-waste management and clean tech manufacturing. The emphasis on recycling critical minerals and promoting circular economy practices is a step in the right direction. Additionally, greater digital access in schools creates opportunities to integrate sustainability education, fostering awareness about responsible e-waste disposal among the next generation. Such measures are essential for building a greener, more responsible future.”

Chandrashekhar Sripada, CEO, Clinical Professor, Indian School of Business 

“The announcement to establish five National Centers of Excellence for skilling is a major highlight of this Union Budget. This is a very welcome move and an important investment for the future of our youth. Execution will be critical. We have to do better than before. While we skill our youth for manufacturing, we must ensure that manufacturing creates enough jobs instead of relying entirely on robots and automation. This initiative sounds very comprehensive since it includes curriculum design, training of trainers, and certification. Appropriate forward linkages with jobs and employment will make this very effective.”

Bimal Khandelwal, CEO,  STT GDC India

Budget 2025-2026 is a great step towards a promising and bountiful future, which emphasizes on India’s commitment towards growth, innovation, and sustainability. The focus on manufacturing, clean tech, and skilling will strengthen our digital and infrastructure backbone, fueling private sector investments and job creation. Moreover, the establishment of Centers of Excellence for AI by the government and significant interest-free financing support for state infrastructure provide a strong basis for digital development.

As a digital infrastructure leader and a leading data center solutions, we welcome the emphasis on AI, deep tech, and climate-friendly development, which aligns with our vision of a smarter and a greener future. These reforms will empower enterprises and ease out business operations propelling India’s digital economy to new heights.”

Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, Chief Business Officer, KidZania India

“The Union Budget 2025 marks a transformative step forward for the education and edutainment sector, reinforcing the importance of experiential learning, skill development, and digital education. The government’s increased allocation for education, focus on vocational training, and push for interactive learning platforms align seamlessly with KidZania India’s mission to empower children through immersive role-playing experiences.
By fostering public-private partnerships, enhancing early childhood education, and promoting digital learning, this budget creates immense opportunities to make learning more engaging, inclusive, and future-ready.
We at KidZania are excited to expand our impact, integrate technology into our offerings, and continue to collaborate with schools to bring experiential learning into mainstream education. This forward-thinking approach validates the growing significance of edutainment in shaping the next generation and paves the way for a more dynamic and innovative learning ecosystem.”

Shekhar Singal, Managing Director, Eastman Auto & Power Ltd.

“The Union Budget 2025 significantly advances India’s renewable energy sector with the launch of the Clean Tech Mission, focusing on Solar PV, EVs, and Batteries, alongside the National Manufacturing Mission. The announcements underscore the government’s dedication to strengthening ‘Make in India’ and becoming Aatmanirbhar in generation as well as storage of clean energy. This approach aims to reduce import reliance and build a robust domestic industry.

From a Solar and Last Mile e-mobility category perspective, the budget with reduction in the BCD for cells and modules prioritizes scaling up of the domestic manufacturing capacities for key components for Solar. The addition of 35 capital goods related to Lithium batteries for EV reduces capital expenditure for setting up manufacturing plants thereby stimulating growth.

These strategic measures set India on a path to achieve its 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030, paving the way for energy independence and a cleaner more sustainable future.”

Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan, Director Group Promoter’s Office, MD – Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate 

“The Union Budget 2025 introduces strategic measures to strengthen India’s housing and urban development sectors. The sustained support for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, alongside the government maintaining its robust capital expenditure trajectory with an increased allocation of ₹11.21 lakh crore, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to infrastructure development. This consistent capex commitment, coupled with expanded infrastructure investments, creates a strong foundation for real estate growth. The Income Tax reforms, which include relief on incomes up to ₹12 lakhs for the middle class, put more disposable income in the hands of the middle class, enabling them to direct funds toward both housing investments and consumer spending. This increased liquidity naturally stimulates housing demand while generating broader economic activity. Furthermore, the budget’s focus on sustainable construction practices positions the sector for long-term growth by aligning with global environmental standards. These coordinated policy measures enhance market dynamics by expanding participation across income segments while fostering sustainable development practices.”

Masood Mallick, Managing Director & CEO, Re Sustainability Limited 

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.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder & Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare

“The Union Budget 2025 strengthens India’s commitment to a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system, ensuring accessibility, affordability, and quality care for all.

The addition of 75,000 new medical seats will address the long-standing healthcare workforce shortage. This effort will help close access gaps in underserved areas, ensuring both the availability and quality of care are improved.
The establishment of 200 cancer daycare centres in district hospitals represents a proactive move towards decentralising cancer treatment, making care more accessible. These centres will not only enhance accessibility but also improve outcomes by enabling timely interventions while customs duty exemptions on cancer drugs and 36 life-saving medicines will make critical treatments more affordable.

Further, the decision to exempt 36 life-saving medicines from basic customs duties, along with reduced duties on six additional medicines, is a decisive action aimed at removing financial barriers to essential treatments. This initiative is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from chronic and rare diseases, reinforcing the government’s commitment to making healthcare more affordable for the most vulnerable.

The e-Shram healthcare insurance for gig workers and increased investment in medical research and genetic studies demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to public health. Additionally, easing visa norms for medical tourism under the ‘Heal in India’ initiative strengthens India’s position as a global healthcare destination, benefiting both patients and the economy.

These initiatives mark a significant step toward building a future-ready healthcare system that prioritizes both immediate needs and long-term advancements.”

Kapal Pansari, Managing Director, Rashi Peripherals Limited

‘’The Union Budget 2025 strengthens India’s commitment to domestic electronics manufacturing and aligns with the vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India.’ The increase in the tax-free income threshold to ₹12 lakh under the new tax regime is a welcome step that will raise disposable incomes, driving higher demand for consumer electronics, IT peripherals, and gaming products—key focus areas for RP Tech. Additionally, the government’s support for the electronics industry and rationalization of customs duties on key components will enhance local manufacturing competitiveness, further strengthening India’s position as a global electronics hub.

The push to promote Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in Tier-2 cities will accelerate digital adoption and create new opportunities in emerging markets, supporting the broader goals of the ‘Digital India’ initiative. Policy measures encouraging domestic production of critical electronic components will contribute to a more self-reliant and resilient electronics supply chain. These initiatives collectively will drive the growth of the ICT sector, empower businesses, and ensure that cutting-edge technology reaches every household across the country. Overall this is a progressive budget targeted at inclusive growth.”

Vineet Nanda, Director Sales & Marketing, Krisumi Corporation

The Budget 2025-26 marks a pivotal moment for our economy—a decisive step towards revitalizing demand and strengthening the backbone of our nation, the middle class. The tax exemption on income up to Rs 12 lakh is a welcome relief that will not only stimulate spending but also bolster confidence across various sectors, with real estate poised to be a prime beneficiary.

The launch of SWAMIH Fund 2, with a dedicated corpus of Rs 15,000 crore to complete one lakh stalled housing projects, stands out as a landmark initiative. This measure will accelerate the completion of essential housing projects and restore buyer confidence, laying a strong foundation for a more robust residential market.

Furthermore, the provision allowing the ownership of two self-occupied properties without additional tax conditions is a forward-looking move that will encourage investment in second homes, enhancing the diversity and resilience of the housing sector.

The budget’s strong focus on urban development—evident in the establishment of a Rs 1 lakh crore fund for developing cities as Growth Hubs—signals a clear commitment to transforming our urban centers into engines of economic progress. This initiative is set to drive sustainable urban redevelopment, modernize infrastructure, and unlock new growth opportunities.

At Krisumi Corporation, we see the Budget 2025-26 as a powerful catalyst for change. It aligns with our vision of fostering a dynamic and resilient real estate market that supports sustainable growth. We are ready to embrace these transformative measures and contribute to building a more prosperous future for our nation.

Sahil Agarwal, CEO, Nimbus Group

The Union Budget 2025-26 presents a well-balanced approach, addressing critical sectors of the economy while ensuring sustainable growth. Infrastructure development remains a top priority, with the government introducing various schemes to strengthen both urban and rural infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and drive economic expansion.

A key highlight of the budget is the government’s continued commitment to reviving stalled real estate projects. The Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) scheme, which has already played a pivotal role in unlocking delayed housing projects, is set to receive a major boost. The government has proposed the creation of SWAMIH Fund 2, a blended finance facility with contributions from the government, banks, and private investors. With a ₹15,000 crore corpus, this initiative aims to accelerate the completion of an additional 1 lakh housing units, providing crucial relief to homebuyers and stimulating growth in the real estate sector.

Additionally, tax slab revisions leading to higher disposable income will likely boost housing demand, as increased savings will encourage more individuals to invest in homeownership. By prioritizing infrastructure growth, housing revival, and economic stimulus, the budget lays the groundwork for long-term financial stability and a stronger real estate market.