The Union Budget 2025-26 has drawn strong reactions from industry experts across sectors, with many applauding its focus on tax relief, healthcare expansion, AI-driven innovation, and ease of doing business. Leaders highlight the impact of key initiatives, from boosting global capability centers (GCCs) and strengthening India’s digital economy to enhancing medical infrastructure and supporting women entrepreneurs. While the budget lays a strong foundation for growth, experts also call for greater focus on environmental sustainability and long-term policy support.
Dr. Jaijit Bhattacharya, President, Centre for Digital Economy Policy Research
The union budget 2025-26 carries forward the push towards Ease of Doing Business, while promoting Agriculture, MSME, Healthcare. The one big announcement is the reduction of direct tax rates and making it nil for income up to 12 lacs. This will lead to significantly increased consumption, and therefore increase in indirect taxes. Also, the budget has a series of critical initiatives impacting investments into the economy, both foreign and domestic. Sticking to the downward glide path of fiscal deficit and targeting 4.4% will help keep inflation at check while instilling further confidence in investors. The initiatives on the Ease of Doing Business, especially moving towards a trust based governance, will help further unshackle up the entrepreneurial spirits of the country. Continued focus on building large industries such as Ship Building, Energy, Nuclear power, etc, would help lift the MSMEs and propel the economy. These are obviously multi-year initiatives but provides a good indication of the intent of the government in various sectors. Personally, I would have like to see some budgetary allocation on reducing pollution, especially air pollution. Overall, this is a budget in continuity, making life easier for people and businesses, supporting the vulnerable sections of the society and helping in building investor confidence
Sonal Arora, Country Manager, Gi Group
India’s position as a global hub for high-value services will be strengthened by the strategic introduction of a national guidance framework to assist states in promoting GCCs. This program will help states recruit and develop more GCCs by offering a systematic approach to infrastructure, policy support, and talent development, fostering a thriving innovation and job-creation ecosystem.
Given that India is already a top choice for GCCs in technology, finance, and analytics, this framework will accelerate industry growth by fostering cross-border cooperation, job creation, and upskilling opportunities. It will also drive employment generation in Tier 2 cities, which have a large, skilled talent pool ready to support the expansion of GCCs, making India an even more attractive destination for global businesses.
Dr. PN Arora, CMD, Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals, Kaushambi
We applaud the government’s efforts for priortising and strengthening India’s healthcare sector in Budget 2025-26. The announcement of 200 daycare cancer centres in district hospitals in FY 2025-26 is a landmark decision in India’s fight against cancer. This initiative will significantly improve early detection and treatment accessibility, particularly in underserved regions. Additionally, the inclusion of 36 life-saving drugs in the customs duty exemption list and concessional duty for manufacturing cancer medicines will make treatment more affordable for patients. Further, the government’s focus on medical education expansion by adding 10,000 medical seats in 2025-26, and the aim of adding 75,000 seats in the next five years presents a broader vision to strengthen the healthcare workforce and promote innovation in healthcare delivery. We anticipate further reforms in the coming years to make healthcare facilities more affordable and accessible to all.”
Vanya Mishra, Co-founder & CEO of Astrosure.ai
What excites me most is the significant push for AI in higher education. The establishment of five National Centres of Excellence for AI in Education is exactly what we need to drive innovation and technological advancement. At Astrosure.ai, our mission has always been to bring AI-driven innovation into fields where it’s never been applied before—like astrology and Vedic knowledge.
As a woman entrepreneur, I am also thrilled by the government’s announcement of a ₹2 crore term loan scheme for first-time women entrepreneurs. This initiative offers a much-needed boost, empowering women to take those crucial early risks, innovate, and actively contribute to India’s growing digital economy. It’s time for women to play a central role in this transformation.
However, while funding is vital, it alone won’t catalyze lasting change. To truly make an impact, we need mentorship, strong networks, and a supportive policy environment that helps women thrive. Networking for women often comes with unique challenges, and without the right support, it’s hard to break through. With proper guidance and mentorship—coupled with the power of AI—we are on the brink of a future where women aren’t just participating in tech; they are leading it. This Budget has set in motion key initiatives that make this vision more achievable than ever before.
