Neel AcharyArtificial Intelligence – Bruce Keith, CEO & Co-Founder, InvestorAi
“The focus on fiscal discipline and tax harmonisation is welcome. The emphasis on education in a rapidly AI-driven world makes sense. However, the increase in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options—150% and 50%, respectively—may inadvertently reduce liquidity, as most F&O participants incur losses. Rather than disincentivising trading, education and AI-enabled guidance could be a better lever to address this challenge.”
Venture Capital Perspective – Ankur Mittal, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures
“India’s service-led economy stands to benefit from AI-driven growth. The government’s focus on building strong AI talent is strategic, helping retain domestic talent, attract global tech investment, and strengthen the startup ecosystem. Startups like CTPL can play a pivotal role in executing this vision.”
Venture Capital Perspective – Anil Joshi, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures
“Indian semiconductor manufacturing is nascent and needs policy support. ISM 2.0 and the ₹40,000 crore allocation for electronic components will strengthen the supply chain, enabling India to become self-reliant. Initiatives like Bharat Vistaar will enhance agriculture productivity using real-time AI and satellite data. The announcement of four telescope centres will bolster India’s self-reliant space research capabilities.”
Semiconductor Industry – Manu Iyer, General Partner & Co-Founder, Bluehill.VC
“The launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 is transformative for technology and manufacturing. By supporting domestic semiconductor equipment, materials, and design, ISM 2.0 positions India as a globally competitive hub. Coupled with rare earth corridors across mineral-rich states, these measures strengthen supply chains for electronics, defense, and clean energy, driving high-skilled employment and innovation.”
Legal Tech – Hitesh Jirawla, Founder & CEO, Cubictree
“The government’s push to digitise courts, combined with AI innovation funds exceeding ₹10,000 crore, marks a quantum leap for Legal AI in India. This initiative addresses the ‘Iron Triangle’ of legal technology—cost, speed, and accuracy—establishing Legal AI as critical infrastructure for a developed India.”
Cybersecurity – Pankit Desai, Co-Founder & CEO, Sequretek
“Union Budget 2026 positions India’s digital economy as a core growth driver. The increase in safe harbour thresholds for IT/ITES companies—₹2,000 crore for domestic and ₹300 crore for overseas group entities—reduces tax disputes and compliance risks. Tax holidays for foreign cloud data centres enhance technological sovereignty. The ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund empowers adoption of emerging technologies, supporting India’s Make in India, Make for the World vision.”
The Union Budget 2026–27 lays a robust foundation for India to emerge as a global tech powerhouse, with focused investments in AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and skill development. Coupled with support for startups, SMEs, and high-tech manufacturing, these measures aim to foster innovation, build a resilient ecosystem, and strengthen India’s position in global value chains.
