Economy

India’s Middle Class Just Got Richer, and So Did Startups & Real Estate

The Union Budget 2025-26 marks a turning point for India's middle class, startups, and key industries. With historic tax cuts, billion-dollar funds for deep tech, and policy shifts fueling real estate, AI, healthcare, and manufacturing, industry leaders weigh in on what this means for India's future. From EV infrastructure to AI research, venture capital to medical innovation, 61 top business minds from across sectors share their insights. Will this budget spark the next wave of economic growth, or does it leave gaps in critical areas? Read on as experts from Sattva Group, AVPL International, InvestorAi, AstroSage, Artha Venture Fund, Standard Chartered Bank, GreenCell Mobility, ZEISS India, and more break down the impact.

From Historic Tax Cuts to Billion-Dollar Industry Boosters, CEOs and Business Leaders Analyze the Biggest Policy Shifts of the Year

India’s latest financial reforms have reshaped economic policies, bringing unprecedented relief to the middle class while boosting growth in startups, real estate, manufacturing, and technology.
With the income tax exemption limit raised to ₹12 lakh, millions of Indians now have more spending power, which is expected to increase consumer demand and drive investments. Simultaneously, the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds aims to accelerate deeptech innovation, and a ₹15,000 crore boost for affordable housing signals a renewed push for real estate growth.
The Government of India has also announced major incentives for the startup ecosystem, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy all geared towards making India a $5 trillion economy.
Industry leaders from finance, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and renewable energy weigh in on these developments. Are these policies enough to propel India forward? Will they truly bridge income disparities and encourage long-term investments? The expectations are high, and the world is watching. Does this budget deliver? Prittle Prattle News brings insights from 61 industry leaders who break down what these reforms mean for India’s future

Healthcare 
India’s healthcare sector witnessed groundbreaking policy shifts, focusing on affordable treatment, AI-driven medical advancements, and healthcare access for gig workers.
Here’s what top leaders in the industry had to say:

Dr. Apurba Ganguly, Founder, Nano Phyto Care & bioGAN
The 2025 Budget highlights a progressive approach to healthcare and insurance technology, reinforcing the need for digital transformation in the sector. Strengthening AI-driven diagnostics and expanding access to affordable policies will empower millions. Digital health initiatives, increased funding for R&D, and public-private partnerships will drive the next wave of innovation in India’s healthcare landscape. The government’s decision to exempt life-saving drugs from customs duties will significantly enhance treatment accessibility.

Abhi Sinha, Co-Founder, HealSpan
The budget’s emphasis on AI-driven healthcare solutions and expanding interoperability of medical records marks a significant step toward a tech-enabled, patient-centric healthcare system. The push for AI-driven diagnostics and medical record interoperability is a game-changer. Healthtech companies like ours will now have more opportunities to integrate data security frameworks with seamless, personalized patient care.

Jasdeep Singh, Group CEO, CARE Hospitals
With the establishment of 200 daycare cancer centers, the government has made a decisive move to make specialized treatment more accessible. The addition of 10,000 new medical seats this year and 75,000 over five years addresses a long-standing gap in our healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, the exemption of 36 life-saving drugs from basic customs duty will lower treatment costs for patients battling chronic and rare diseases.

Dr. Kshitiz Murdia, CEO & Co-Founder, Indira IVF
The budget rightfully acknowledges India’s rising infertility crisis by pushing for inclusion of fertility treatments in universal health insurance schemes. This is a major step toward making assisted reproductive technologies (ART) accessible to a broader population.

Sri Charan Lakkaraju, CEO, Student Tribe
Recognition of gig workers with identity cards, healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojana, and financial inclusion through the revamped PM SVANidhi scheme will significantly uplift their quality of life. The gig economy is finally getting the social security it deserves.

Healthcare Takeaway: More doctors, more hospitals, AI-driven healthcare, and reduced medical costs – India’s healthcare future just got a major upgrade.

Manufacturing & Energy 
India’s manufacturing and energy sectors received a significant boost through customs duty exemptions, clean energy investments, and infrastructure upgrades.
Here’s how industry leaders are reacting:

Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited
The focus on critical minerals, mining reforms, and urban infrastructure expansion will enhance India’s industrial backbone. The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund will open new doors for sustainable urban development, while the increased outlay for infrastructure modernization is a strong signal for India’s economic growth.

Masood Mallick, MD & CEO, Re Sustainability Ltd
Exempting customs duty on waste and scrap from critical minerals is a strategic move to strengthen the circular economy. Additionally, the commitment to 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 aligns with India’s long-term sustainability goals.

Nitin Aggarwal, MD, Prayag Polymers
The increase in urban development investments will drive demand for high-quality bathware and sanitary products. A simplified GST structure for manufacturers will enhance operational efficiency and enable Make in India products to compete on a global scale.

Gaurav Agarwal, Founder & CMD, Stonex India
Investments in infrastructure, logistics, and clean energy are key enablers for our sector. Strengthening marble and luxury stone exports will position India as a major player in the global premium real estate and interiors market.

Yatin Gupte, CMD, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd
With reduced customs duty on lithium and other key battery components, EV affordability will improve drastically. The National Manufacturing Mission for Clean Tech Industries will accelerate India’s transition to sustainable mobility.

Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO, GreenCell Mobility
Exemptions on capital goods for battery production, along with stronger EV infrastructure policies, will drive mass adoption of electric public transport. The government is taking concrete steps toward making India a global hub for clean mobility.

Manufacturing & Energy Takeaway: Tax reliefs, sustainable production, and deep investments in infrastructure signal a major leap toward industrial self-reliance.

AI & Deeptech 
The 2025 budget cements India’s position as a global leader in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and deeptech innovation. With billions allocated to AI research, semiconductor manufacturing, and talent development, the government is turning India from an AI consumer into a tech creator.

Punit Pandey, Founder, AstroSage
The Centre of Excellence for AI marks a historic shift for India’s tech industry. Deeptech startups will now receive government-backed R&D funding, fostering a new era of AI-driven entrepreneurship.

Bruce Keith, Co-founder & CEO, InvestorAi
The ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds is a game-changer for AI startups. The Indian VC ecosystem now has the fuel to fund breakthrough deeptech innovations, ensuring AI and fintech startups scale globally. The Deep-Tech Fund should be viewed through the DeepSeek lenswith small capital, agile startups can drive massive impact.

Sridhar Parthasarathy, Co-founder & General Partner, Bluehill.VC
The government’s Deep Tech Fund of Funds will empower Indian AI, space tech, and semiconductor startups. This budget lays the foundation for India to lead the global AI race. The ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds shows the government’s serious commitment to AIFs in nurturing startups. However, better credit options for startups are equally necessary.

Ankur Mittal, Co-founder, Inflection Point Ventures
By extending tax exemptions for startups and expanding credit platforms, the government has removed major funding roadblocks for deeptech founders. AI and automation startups will now scale faster than ever. A stronger credit framework for startups will allow scalability without excessive equity dilution. This will accelerate growth and job creation.

Dinesh Arjun, CEO & Co-founder, Raptee
Exempting Li-Ion battery imports will cut EV battery costs, making electric vehicles more accessible for Indian consumers. This policy will supercharge EV adoption and make India a global battery manufacturing hub.

Pankit Desai, Co-founder & CEO, Sequretek
The creation of National Centers of Excellence for AI signals that AI is no longer just an R&D experimentit’s now a national priority. The focus on AI skilling and cybersecurity will future-proof India’s workforce.

Jeenendra Bhandari, Chairman, JITO Incubation & Innovation Foundation
With ₹20,000 crore allocated for private-sector R&D, India is no longer importing deeptech innovationwe’re now building it ourselves. AI, quantum computing, and semiconductor breakthroughs will be Made in India.

Sarvagya Mishra, Founder & Director, Superbot (LinkedIn)
The government’s ₹500 crore investment in AI for education will revolutionize personalized learning. AI-driven adaptive education platforms will make quality learning accessible to every Indian student.

AI & Deeptech Takeaway: India is investing in cutting-edge AI, deeptech, and semiconductor research, ensuring self-reliance in future technologies and a global competitive edge in AI innovation

Finance & Investments : India’s 2025 budget delivers a landmark financial transformation, from tax cuts for individuals to massive capital infusions for startups, MSMEs, and the stock market. With ₹10,000 crore allocated for venture funding, simplified tax regimes, and stronger capital markets, this budget is designed to fuel investment-led growth.

Zarin Daruwala, CEO, India & South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank
This budget fuels economic growth while ensuring fiscal prudence. The combination of tax reliefs, MSME credit expansion, and massive infrastructure spending will drive employment, investments, and financial inclusion.

Suresh Soni, CEO, Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund
With a 17% increase in capital expenditure, massive income tax relief, and a disciplined fiscal approach, this budget is a balanced mix of growth and stability. Expect higher retail investments in markets and real estate.

Mahendra Kumar Jajoo, CIO – Fixed Income, Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India)
The budget’s focus on boosting disposable income will revitalize consumption. Simultaneously, the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline makes this a win-win for both investors and economic growth.

Shripal Shah, MD & CEO, Kotak Securities
This budget provides a huge boost to middle-class savings and stock market participation. Tax exemptions, combined with higher government spending, will increase liquidity and drive market expansion.

Prabhakar Kudva, Co-Founder & Director, Samvitti Capital
Fiscal deficit reduction and tax cuts will strengthen the bond market, while simplified taxation and higher disposable incomes will fuel retail investment growth.

Trideep Bhattacharya, President & CIO – Equities, Edelweiss Asset Management
A prudent, well-calibrated budget that balances fiscal discipline with investment-driven growth. The policies announced today will fuel long-term wealth creation in capital markets.

Dhawal Dalal, President & CIO – Fixed Income, Edelweiss Asset Management
Lower borrowing, reduced fiscal deficit, and stable bond markets make this budget highly favorable for long-term investors.

Finance & Investment Takeaway: With historic tax cuts, pro-investment policies, and disciplined fiscal management, this budget strengthens the foundation for a booming financial sector and capital markets.


Startups – Fueling India’s Next Wave of Innovation : With ₹10,000 crore infused into the Fund of Funds, tax exemptions extended for startups, and AI-driven innovation getting a national push, the 2025 budget sets the stage for entrepreneurial acceleration. These measures ease capital access, boost innovation, and strengthen deep-tech ventures, making India a global startup powerhouse.

Anirudh A. Damani, Managing Partner, Artha Venture Fund
This budget delivers game-changing funding for deep-tech and early-stage startups. The ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds will provide critical capital for innovation. The income tax exemption up to ₹12.75 lakh puts more money in people’s hands, driving higher consumption and investment. The ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds will ensure early-stage startups get the capital they need to scale fast.

Dinesh Arjun, CEO & Co-founder, Raptee
The Deep-Tech Fund & AI initiatives will fuel next-gen industrial innovations. The exemption of Li-Ion battery duties will also push EV adoption.

Pankit Desai, Co-founder & CEO, Sequretek
The startup tax extension and TDS/TCS simplifications reduce compliance burdens, ensuring long-term sustainability for emerging businesses.

Sushanto Mitra, CEO, Lead Angels
A pro-startup budget that removes capital barriers and simplifies funding access. However, broader tax benefits for startup investors could further drive capital inflows.

Hanuman Tripathi, Partner – Fintech, Lead Angels
The Startup Fund of Funds and ease of doing business measures empower founders to focus on scaling instead of battling compliance issues.

Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures
Deep-tech funding is a strategic shift for India’s startup ecosystem. AI, semiconductors, and advanced R&D funding will shape the next global tech wave.

Mayuresh Raut, Managing Partner, Seafund
Credit access for startups is now doubledthis ensures better valuations, higher top-line growth, and scalable businesses with less equity dilution.

Startup Takeaway: The 2025 budget supercharges the startup ecosystem, ensuring capital infusion, tax relief, and AI innovation supporta critical push for India’s next unicorn wave.

Conclusion: The Union Budget 2025-26 introduces ambitious reforms, prioritizing tax relief, technological progress, and industrial expansion. While welcomed across sectors, their success will depend on effective execution and policy stability. The real challenge? Turning policy into impact. The Reserve Bank of India will need to monitor inflation, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) must ensure capital market stability, and businesses must seize the moment to scale innovation and investment.
India now stands at a critical economic moment. The groundwork for progress has been laidwhat happens next will define the country’s future.

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