What Experts Think About Union Budget 2025-26? Check Out Here!

Explore expert reactions to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget 2025-26, with key reforms focused on MSMEs, startups, fintech, and financial inclusion. Industry leaders weigh in on the budget's impact and highlights.

author-image
Shreshtha Verma
Updated On
New Update

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget 2025-26 has garnered widespread reactions from industry leaders across various sectors. With a strong focus on MSMEs, startups, fintech, and financial inclusion, the budget introduces key reforms, including a ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for startups, enhanced credit guarantee schemes, and the expansion of DPI initiatives like Bharat Trade Net.

Manish Singhal, Secretary General of Assocham, describes the budget as refreshing after years of anticipation, noting that all the key needs have been addressed. On the other hand, Atul Puri, Managing Partner of ShineWing India, applauds the new Income Tax regime for its positive changes.

Here’s how industry experts view the key highlights of the budget.

What Industry Thinks of the Budget 2025?

Boosting Sustainable Agriculture & Farmer Empowerment

Sanjay Shirodkar, Co-Founder, Wavar, expressed his optimism about the Union Budget 2025-26, stating,

"The Union Budget 2025-26 reinforces the government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment. The introduction of the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the enhanced credit support for farmers are welcome steps that will drive innovation and technology adoption in the sector. As a company dedicated to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions, we see these initiatives as catalysts for a more resilient and eco-friendly agricultural ecosystem. By prioritizing sustainability, the budget lays the foundation for long-term agricultural growth, ensuring better productivity and profitability for farmers."

Read More: Union Budget 2025: Income Tax Slabs and Key Announcements & Highlights

AI-Driven Education & EdTech Growth

Mr. Vingish, CEO & Co-founder, 90+ My Tuition App, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in education:

"The Union Budget 2025-26 brings a significant boost to the education sector with the establishment of a ₹500 crore Center of Excellence in AI for Education. This initiative will drive innovation in personalized learning, skill development, and AI-driven education solutions, preparing a future-ready workforce.

The government’s commitment to expanding medical education by adding 10,000 seats next year and 75,000 seats over five years will enhance healthcare training and career opportunities. Additionally, the deep-tech Fund of Funds will support next-generation edtech startups, fostering advanced learning technologies and research-driven education.

Revised MSME investment and turnover limits will empower edtech startups to scale, innovate, and contribute to skill development. By integrating AI, expanding medical education, and strengthening digital learning infrastructure, these measures will position India as a global leader in technology-driven education, bridging skill gaps and creating vast opportunities for students and professionals alike."

Strengthening India's Logistics Ecosystem

Prasad Sreeram, CEO & Co-Founder, COGOS, emphasized the role of logistics in India's economic growth:

"The Union Budget 2025-26 takes a significant step toward strengthening India’s logistics sector through infrastructure development, digital transformation, and private sector collaboration. Initiatives like PM GatiShakti and Bharat Trade Net will enhance international trade and supply chain efficiency, while access to critical data will improve project planning and public-private partnerships (PPP).

The deep-tech Fund of Funds will drive innovation in logistics startups, boosting automation and AI-driven solutions. Strengthening domestic manufacturing and integrating India with global supply chains will unlock opportunities in Industry 4.0, leveraging the country’s skilled workforce.

Revised MSME classifications will empower small and medium logistics enterprises to scale, innovate, and generate employment. Additionally, exempting lithium-ion batteries from capital goods duties will accelerate EV adoption, promoting cleaner logistics solutions. With strong policy backing and industry collaboration, these measures will drive efficiency, sustainability, and growth, positioning India as a global leader in logistics."

Read More: Budget 2025 Explainer: Key Takeaways for Startup Entrepreneurs & MSMEs

Infrastructure Investment & Job Creation

Subburathinam P, Chief Operating Officer, TeamLease, highlighted the budget’s role in job creation:

"The government’s focus on infrastructure development is evident in the ₹1.5 lakh crore interest-free loans allocated to states for major projects. Additionally, the ₹10 lakh crore asset monetization plan for 2025-30 will fund new initiatives, creating more jobs in infrastructure, construction, and related industries. This push will not only improve economic development but also provide significant direct and indirect employment opportunities across sectors and states."

Expanding Regional Air Connectivity & Medical Tourism

Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO, Digi Yatra Foundation, welcomed the aviation sector’s expansion:

"We welcome the government's visionary decision to expand India's aviation infrastructure through new greenfield airports in Bihar and the modified UDAN scheme targeting 120 new destinations. These announcements reflect the government's commitment to strengthening regional air connectivity and making air travel accessible to more Indians.

The government’s emphasis on medical tourism and the 'Heal in India' initiative, coupled with easier visa norms, marks a significant step toward positioning India as a global healthcare destination. As air connectivity grows to accommodate 4 crore additional passengers, we look forward to facilitating the smooth movement of travelers through an expanded airport network and enhanced digital solutions."

Boosting Digital Infrastructure & 5G Expansion

Ram Sellaratnam, Group CEO & Managing Director, iBUS Network, applauded the budget’s digital focus:

"The doubling of MSME limits is a much-needed boost for India’s evolving digital infrastructure industry, enabling businesses to achieve greater scale and competitiveness. Additionally, the reduction in BCD on internet equipment and lithium batteries will significantly benefit the telecom sector by improving network resilience and expanding connectivity. Lower mobile costs will accelerate 5G adoption, further driving digital transformation.

The reduction in IT tax slabs will strengthen middle-income spending, positively impacting retail and hospitality sectors. Lastly, the commitment to bringing the fiscal deficit down to 4.8% showcases strong economic discipline, enhancing India’s attractiveness for FDI and making capital more accessible to high-growth companies."

Supporting Startup Growth & Innovation

Yuvraj Shidhaye, Founder & Director, TreadBinary, highlighted the budget’s impact on startups:

"The government's commitment to startups through enhanced credit guarantees and the new ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds is a game-changer. Access to capital has always been a key challenge, and these initiatives will provide the much-needed boost for early-stage and growth-stage startups. The focus on supporting first-time entrepreneurs will further drive innovation and expansion in the ecosystem. This is a strong step towards making India a global startup powerhouse."

Read More: Union Budget 2025: A ₹10,000 Crore Boost to Fuel the Fund of Funds

Sakshi Shah, Founder of GoodLives, emphasized inclusivity in startup support:

"The additional ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds is a crucial step in addressing the funding challenges that many startups face, helping them scale and sustain growth. What stands out even more is the dedicated support for first-time women and underrepresented entrepreneurs. This move will encourage more diverse voices to enter the entrepreneurial space."

Adeeb Jamal, Founder of A'raf PR, echoed similar sentiments:

"The ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds and a dedicated scheme for 5 lakh women, SC, and ST first-time entrepreneurs will unlock new opportunities, providing much-needed financial support and mentorship. This move fosters innovation and ensures inclusivity, allowing diverse entrepreneurs to thrive in India’s growing economy."

Ashish Bhatia, Founder & CEO of India Accelerator, highlighted the focus on deep-tech innovation:

"The ₹10,000 crore Deep Tech Fund of Funds is a significant step toward empowering high-impact, next-gen startups. This initiative will provide the capital necessary to scale disruptive ventures in AI, quantum computing, and frontier technologies, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in deep-tech innovation."

Strengthening India's Healthcare Sector

Amit Gupta, MD & Founder, Leeford Healthcare, emphasized the healthcare focus:

"The Union Budget 2025-26 shows an improved focus on strengthening India’s healthcare system. The push towards better infrastructure, medical research, and public health programs is a step in the right direction for improving overall well-being. The ‘Heal in India’ initiative, backed by a ₹20,000 crore boost for tourism, will not only attract medical tourists but also showcase India as a hub for affordable, high-quality healthcare."

Strong Budget for MSMEs and Startups

Nirav Choksi, CEO & Co-Founder, CredAble

"The budget is a positive step for India's development, particularly with schemes for MSMEs and startups like customised credit cards and a INR 10,000 crore Fund of Funds. The focus should now be on simplifying access to these schemes, especially for tier 2 and 3 cities. The DPI platform and KYC registry overhaul are proactive steps in digitalizing trade financing and improving financial inclusion."

Financial Support for MSMEs and Export-Oriented Businesses

Ketan Mehta, CFO, CredAble

"The budget's focus on expanding financial support for MSMEs, including an increased turnover limit and INR 10 crore credit guarantee, is a step forward. Additionally, DPI-enabled export financing and term loans will help businesses grow internationally, but swift and efficient fund access is crucial for maximum impact."

Support for Fintech Startups and Growth

Jatinder Handoo, CEO, DLAI

"The Union Budget’s focus on innovation and financial inclusion is notable, especially with the ₹10,000 crore allocation for SIDBI’s Fund of Funds. This, along with increased credit guarantee limits, will enhance MSME growth and competitiveness. The introduction of a Deep Tech Fund also reaffirms India’s technological leadership."

Boost for Priority Sector Lending and Micro-Enterprises

Priyashmita Guha, PSLAI, Priority Sector Lenders Association of India

"The government’s initiatives to enhance credit access for SMEs, including an increased Kisan Credit Card limit and higher microenterprise credit guarantees, will boost economic expansion. The introduction of customized credit cards for MSMEs and plans for a new Income Tax Bill to simplify compliance will foster greater financial inclusion."

Balanced Budget Focused on MSMEs and Financial Inclusion

Ashok Mittal, MD & CEO, BillMart Fintech

"The budget's balanced approach includes tax relief and enhanced MSME limits, which will empower these businesses, particularly in the fintech and digital lending sectors. The government's focus on improving ease of doing business, alongside an increased capex, will strengthen India’s digital financial ecosystem."

Read More: Budget 2025 Startup Initiatives: ₹10,000 Cr Fund, New Credit Schemes & More

Encouraging Growth in MSMEs and Exporters

Ratish Pandey, Business Coach & Founder, Ethqiue Advisory

"The budget’s revision of MSME limits and focus on credit access will help small businesses navigate market challenges. The introduction of term loans for exporters and customized credit cards for MSMEs will enhance digital adoption and strengthen India’s export competitiveness."

Support for Startup Growth and Financial Relief

Manish Aggarwal, CEO & Founder, FINQY

"The budget’s focus on expanding credit access for startups is promising. The increased credit guarantee cover and establishment of a Fund of Funds will support startup growth. The extension of tax benefits and focus on fintech solutions will ease business operations and promote growth."

Funding Boost for Startups and Innovation

Appalla Saikiran, Founder & CEO, SCOPE

"The ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds is a crucial step for early-stage startups, providing them with much-needed financial support. Encouraging homegrown investors will help build a more self-reliant funding environment, fostering innovation and expanding India’s startup ecosystem."

Tech Innovation and Clean-Tech Manufacturing Focus

Anjali Bansal, Founding Partner of Avaana Capital

"The Union Budget’s focus on sustainable agriculture, clean-tech manufacturing, and deep-tech innovation is a significant step forward. The increased allocation for the Fund of Funds and extension of tax benefits for startups provide essential support to the innovation-driven economy of India."

Boost to Exports, Manufacturing, and Education

Mahesh Gupta, CMD, Kent RO

"The budget’s focus on exports, MSME growth, and education is commendable. Initiatives like the customized credit cards for MSMEs, expanded export credit, and improved medical education will foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth. The revised income tax slabs will also boost disposable income."

Support for Digital Commerce and Drone Logistics

Ankit Kumar, CEO, Skye Air

"The focus on startups and MSMEs, along with tax benefits for individuals, will boost consumption and support e-commerce and drone logistics. The transformation of India Post into a logistics network will drive rural economic growth, while lithium duty reductions will encourage electric mobility and tech innovation."

Geospatial Technology for Infrastructure and Disaster Management

Saurabh Rai, CEO, Arahas Technologies

"The National Geospatial Mission is a vital step for modernizing infrastructure and improving resource management using AI and quantum computing. This initiative will enhance India’s technological foundation and contribute to better urban planning, agriculture, and climate monitoring."

A Roadmap for Economic Growth

The Union Budget 2025-26 has garnered strong support from industry leaders, who view it as a progressive roadmap for economic growth, financial inclusion, and innovation. While the measures introduced offer promising opportunities, experts emphasize that their true success will depend on effective implementation and accessibility.

As India moves forward with its economic vision, this budget marks a significant step toward empowering MSMEs, startups, and fintech players—ensuring a more resilient and self-reliant future.

Startup TICE Budget Startup News Top Startup News Indian startup news Union Budget 2025