As India anticipates the upcoming Union Budget, the significance of this momentous occasion in shaping the nation’s economic landscape is understandable. With all eyes on budget 2025, check this space for top highlights and industry/expert commentaries:
Bruce Keith,CEO Cofounder, InvestorAI
2025 is expected to be dominated by global geopolitics and this will cause ongoing market volatility and short-term pain. With the currency already depreciating, I see the immediate impact of Trump Tariffs as being reduced and giving the Government space to re-energise their infrastructure investment. I see India as a destination of choice for overseas investors. However, the Indian government should find more ways to encourage citizens to take part in equity markets – realising that your savings are being eaten by inflation in real terms usually happens too late and tends to disadvantage the lower income strata of society. Budget being once in a year event may not please everyone, but whatever happens, all of us will benefit in the long term from infrastructure especially as demographics defines destiny.
Pankit Desai,CEO Cofounder, Sequretek
"The finance minister must prioritize cybersecurity in the upcoming budget. Given India’s alarming rank among the top four global victims of deepfake and digital arrest attacks, raising awareness about these threats is more important than ever. As the Prime Minister highlighted with "Digital Arrests," increasing public and industry consciousness is key.
Despite policies, local cybersecurity ecosystems face significant hurdles and need more governmental support, particularly in procurement processes that impede Indian-origin companies from effectively bidding for government contracts. These policies must be revised to foster a more inclusive environment for domestic cybersecurity firms."
The other one is that, while educational institutions have made strides in offering cybersecurity courses, practical skills remain underdeveloped. By supporting educational initiatives to provide hands-on experience, the government can ensure that students graduate with the practical skills required to bolster India’s cybersecurity defenses. More investment in cybersecurity infrastructure at educational institutions can enhance real-world readiness. With strategic investments, India can reinforce its cybersecurity defenses and talent.
Payal Nambiar, Founder & Director, B-Square
"The government must embrace experimental teaching methods. Enrolment criteria should be flexible and affordable, allowing access to high-quality education from esteemed institutions without financial barriers—think Harvard-based lecturers made available through incentives or partnerships.Moreover, there’s a palpable fear among mid-level professionals about job security amidst rapid technological change. To combat this anxiety, we need a culture of continuous learning—one that promotes innovation while providing businesses with flexibility through soft-touch regulations. For sustainable growth, long-term policy shifts are essential; industry players need assurance from the government that they have support in navigating these changes."
Sauvik Banerjjee, MD & CEO, sirrus.ai
"Emphasis on data security and emerging technologies is crucial for India's technology evolution. I believe Artificial Intelligence (AI) will find special mention this time, building on the Rs 10,000 crore allocated for the India AI Mission in March 2024. The government could further strengthen the tech ecosystem in the country by offering tax incentives for AI-based startups. Additionally, allocating resources for the establishment of AI research centres, besides launching upskilling programmes, could help us bridge the talent gap in the sector, positioning India as a global leader in AI technology."
Arun Prakash M, Founder and CEO of GUVI Geek Network
“The growing emphasis on AI has been addressed well in the Union Government by inviting investments in AI for drug discovery. As India looks to advance its capabilities in AI, upskilling in relevant tech education will be imperative. The government’s decision to add broadband connections in government secondary schools to integrate digital learning, while also helping learners to understand the subjects better in their respective languages is commendable."
