Mumbai, Feb 04 : The Union Budget 2025 has outlined a series of measures to enhance India’s digital infrastructure, drive AI-based innovation, reform healthcare, and bolster economic growth. Industry leaders have lauded the government’s initiatives, highlighting their potential to foster long-term development across multiple sectors.
Manoj Paul, Managing Director of Equinix India, praised the government’s emphasis on digital connectivity and AI-driven growth. He noted, “India has emerged as a critical hub for digital interconnection and data creation. The government’s ambitious initiatives under the Digital India program, such as the empanelment of agencies for cloud-based AI services and National Centers of Excellence for skilling in AI, will contribute to developing innovative and scalable digital technologies. Equinix is proud to play a pivotal role in supporting India’s transformation into a global digital leader.”
Paul also highlighted India’s growing digital economy and Equinix’s investments in data center infrastructure in cities like Mumbai and Chennai, which aim to enhance connectivity and global reach for Indian enterprises.
Shouvik Mazumdar, Senior Director at Ascendion, commended the government’s allocation of ₹20,000 crore for private sector-led research and AI development. “The Union Budget 2025 shows a proactive approach by the government in positioning India as a global leader in technology, innovation, and economic growth,” Mazumdar said. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with academic institutions to create a future-ready workforce capable of meeting global tech demands.
Mazumdar also highlighted key regulatory changes, such as revamped KYC processes, increased FDI limits in insurance, and investments in rural broadband connectivity. These measures, he said, aim to expand the digital economy and support startups and micro-enterprises.
Satish Kannan, CEO of MediBuddy, welcomed the budget’s focus on healthcare, particularly the addition of 10,000 medical college seats next year and 75,000 over five years to address the workforce gap. He also praised the inclusion of gig workers in PM Jan Arogya Yojana and customs duty exemptions on 36 life-saving drugs, stating that these measures will make quality healthcare more affordable.
“The Union Budget 2025-26 presents a transformative vision for India’s healthcare ecosystem,” Kannan said, adding that AI integration in healthcare and 100% FDI in insurance would further enhance accessibility and boost medical tourism.
Akshay Sarma, CFO of axio, lauded the revised tax slabs with nil tax up to ₹12 lakh, which he said would increase disposable income and encourage savings and investments. He also appreciated the extension of startup incorporation benefits until 2030 and simplified TDS/TCS compliance. “These reforms will stimulate economic growth by supporting innovation and simplifying tax-related complexities,” Sarma stated.
The budget emphasizes energy security and sustainability, garnering support from industry leaders. However, stakeholders noted that the success of these initiatives would depend on effective implementation and collaboration between government and industry.
India’s Union Budget 2025 sets an ambitious roadmap for technological, healthcare, and economic transformation, with industry leaders optimistic about its potential to position the country as a global leader in innovation and development.
