The union Union Budget 2025 continues to attract praise, emphasizing important projects in economic policy, healthcare reforms, AI-driven growth, and digital infrastructure. Aiming for long-term economic development, the Budget seeks to promote energy security, assist startups, close the labor gap in healthcare, and advance technological innovation.  We have collected business leaders' opinions about the latest Budget across diverse industries.

 

Automotive: Narain Karthikeyan, Founder, DriveX 

“The 2025 Budget is a strong step towards inclusive economic growth, bringing significant benefits across all sections of society. The income tax relaxation for salaried employees earning up to Rs.12 lakh per annum provides much-needed relief to the urban middle class, boosting disposable income and stimulating urban demand. The increase in MSME turnover limits, along with enhanced credit access and intensive skill-development programs, will fuel entrepreneurship, business expansion, and youth employment. Additionally, expanding the Fund of Funds for Startups, with a fresh contribution of Rs.10,000 crore, coupled with an extension of incorporation benefits until 2030, will further strengthen the Indian startup ecosystem."

Textiles: Pawan Gupta, CEO & Co-founder of Fashinza

“From a textile sector perspective, the tax breaks should promote domestic consumption, which will boost manufacturing. But most importantly, we look forward to progress in the earlier declared initiatives like PM Mitra textile parks.”

Aviation and Aerospace: Sai Pattabiram, Founder & MD, Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies Pvt Ltd

“Budget 2025 demonstrates a clear commitment to India’s future growth, with a strong emphasis on technological advancement, education, and entrepreneurship. The expansion of IITs and the creation of a Centre of Excellence in AI for education reflect a vision aimed at equipping students with cutting-edge skills. The push for broadband connectivity in rural schools and PHCs enhances digital inclusivity, while the Fund of Funds for startups, alongside financial support for first-time entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, promotes inclusive economic growth. A key highlight is the introduction of a startup credit ecosystem, particularly beneficial for women and entrepreneurs from SC and backward communities. The Rs.2 crore loan initiative for women entrepreneurs promises to encourage new ventures and diversify the education sector."

Education: Mridu Andotra, Founder & CEO, GeniusMentor

"Budget 2025 presents a promising roadmap for India’s economic and technological future, emphasizing research, skilling, and entrepreneurship. The Rs. 20,000 crore allocations for private-sector-driven R&D, along with the Deep Tech Fund of Funds, signals strong support for innovation. The five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling are a step toward aligning education with industry needs. However, challenges lie in execution—past initiatives have faced delays and inefficiencies. The effectiveness of AI-driven education and startup funding will depend on regulatory clarity and seamless disbursement. While the Budget sets ambitious goals, its success will hinge on how well these policies translate into real-world impact."

Venture Capital: Ankit Kedia, Founder and Lead Investor, Capital-A

“The Union Budget 2025 sends a strong signal to India’s startup ecosystem. Extending tax benefits until 2030 and raising the credit guarantee to Rs. 20 crore will ease access to capital, a critical need for early-stage founders. The Rs.10, 000 crore Funds is a step in the right direction, but what stands out is the proposed Deep Tech Fund of Funds—recognizing that frontier innovation in AI, manufacturing, energy transition, semiconductors, and cybersecurity needs patient capital.”

Oil and Gas: Kedar Lele, MD, Castrol India Limited

“In the Union Budget 2025-26 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, we commend the government's 10-point agenda aimed at fostering transformative reforms. These measures focus on ensuring an inclusive growth trajectory and driving employment-led development, aligning with the broader vision of 'Viksit Bharat' for the nation's progress and development. The National Manufacturing Mission, outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26, is a key step in strengthening India's clean tech manufacturing ecosystem. By offering tax exemptions on lithium battery production and 35 additional raw materials, the government aims to boost domestic EV battery manufacturing, reducing costs and driving demand for electric vehicles.”

IT: Aparna Iyer, CFO, Wipro Limited

“The Union Budget prioritizes economic progress by placing a strong emphasis on tax reforms, fostering innovation, and skills development, without losing sight of the fiscal deficit target. With AI becoming an essential tool for a tech-powered economy, it is heartening to see the introduction of Centers of Excellence (COE) for Artificial Intelligence in education. To position India as a leader in the global AI race, it is imperative to prioritize investment in STEM talent. We also have the digital infrastructure and the talent pool required to cultivate a thriving startup ecosystem capable of propelling innovation. To unleash this potential, it is also important to offer financial support and streamline the process of conducting business to bolster the startup community. The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) will provide the impetus to boost this ecosystem.”

Renewable Energy: Bhuvneshwar Pal Singh - Managing Director & CFO,  Maxvolt Energy

“The Union Budget 2025-26 is a game-changer for small businesses, exports, and manufacturing, setting a bold vision for India's economic future. Introducing customized credit cards for micro-enterprises with a Rs. 5 lakh limit is a transformative step in empowering grassroots entrepreneurs. To strengthen domestic manufacturing, the government has proposed a 10-year exemption on Basic Customs Duty (BCD) for shipbuilding and its components. Additionally, the full exemption of BCD on cobalt powder, lithium-ion battery waste, scrap, and 12 other critical minerals will ensure secure access to essential raw materials, fostering innovation and job creation for India’s youth. This Budget paves the way for sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven growth, positioning India as a global trade and manufacturing powerhouse.”

Pharmaceutical: Sanjay Vyas, President and Managing Director, Parexel India

“The 2025 Budget signals a strong commitment to research, innovation, and technological advancement—critical pillars for India’s journey toward becoming a global leader. The Rs. 20,000 crore allocations for industry-led R&D is a transformative step, fostering a stronger innovation ecosystem and positioning India at the forefront of the global knowledge economy. Strengthening this, a national framework for global capability centers in tier-two cities will enhance infrastructure, talent availability, and industry collaboration, expanding India’s research footprint."

"Additionally, establishing a new AI Center of Excellence for education and expanded research fellowships will strengthen India’s talent pipeline, supporting long-term innovation-driven growth. The policy direction is clear—encouraging private-sector innovation while driving economic growth.”

 

Healthcare: Vishal Lathwal, CEO, Apollo Home Healthcare

”The Union Budget 2025 carried some positive notes for the healthcare sector. The expansion of medical education, the establishment of cancer daycare centers, tax exemption on life-saving drugs, patient programs, and enhanced support for gig workers are the welcome moves that will improve accessibility and affordability of care. Additionally, the focus on medical tourism and nutritional support aligns with India's broader health and economic goals. However, with the overall healthcare allocation at Rs. 91,000 crore—a marginal uptick of two percent from last year—the sector remains underfunded relative to the growing healthcare demands of the country. Efficient execution and public-private collaboration will be key to maximizing impact."