Vishwas Patel, JMD Infibeam Avenues and Chairman of Payment Council of India

“The Union Budget presents a positive trajectory for the Indian economy, with strategic measures aimed at enhancing consumption, fostering innovation, and accelerating digital transformation. One of the most impactful provisions is the tax relief up to Rs 12 lakh, which significantly increases disposable income for individuals. This is expected to stimulate household consumption, driving demand across various sectors. With higher consumer spending, the digital payments ecosystem is poised for exponential growth, further strengthening India’s financial technology landscape. Additionally, introducing a Rs 10,000 crore ‘Fund of Funds’ for startups marks a major step towards bolstering entrepreneurial growth. This initiative will unlock new funding avenues, providing crucial capital to early-stage ventures and reinforcing India’s startup ecosystem as a global innovation hub. Furthermore, establishing three Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) aligns with India’s ambitions of becoming a leader in AI-driven economic transformation. These centers will play a crucial role in advancing research, innovation, and AI-driven solutions, contributing to long-term economic competitiveness.”