Union Budget 2025 Expectations highlights: Automotive sector calls for tax rebates, AI push

Union Budget 2025 Latest Updates: Catch all the latest developments related to Union Budget 2025 here

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the 2025-26 Budget on February 1. In the lead-up to the presentation, multiple sectors have voiced their concerns and expectations.

 

The finance minister is scheduled to present the Budget speech in Parliament at 11 am on February 1, 2025. 

Sandeep Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Droom, said, "As we move closer to the unveiling of Union Budget 2025, at Droom, we would appreciate policies that will give a push to drive India's digital transformation, especially in the automotive sector. The previous Budget announcements have been forward-looking in giving a boost to emerging technologies."

 

" And we expect this year's budget to focus on boosting indigenous capabilities in AI and data science. These are going to be crucial frontiers in making vehicle buying and selling more transparent, affordable, and efficient. Furthermore, we'd look forward to measures that will bolster the used vehicle market in the country, such as tax rebates from eco-friendly vehicles, simplified GST structure for automatic services, etc."

 

4:43 PM

Edtech industry calls for tax breaks, lower GST on online education: Imarticus Learning CEO

Nikhil Barshikar, founder and CEO, Imarticus Learning, said, “As we approach the Union Budget 2025, we anticipate an even stronger focus from the Finance Ministry on enhancing employment opportunities and fostering skilling initiatives."

 

"We hope the government considers reducing the current 18 per cent GST rate on online education services, making quality education more accessible and affordable. In addition, introducing tax exemptions on fees for upskilling courses would further encourage working professionals to pursue continuous learning, ensuring they remain equipped to meet the demands of the rapidly changing job market," Barshikar added.

2:59 PM

Stock markets expect fiscal deficit target, stable tax regime: SKI Capital CEO

Narinder Wadhwa, managing director and CEO of SKI Capital, said, "A fiscal deficit target of 4.5 per cent would likely cheer the stock markets, balancing fiscal consolidation with growth needs. This target signals macroeconomic stability while maintaining space for capital expenditure, a critical driver of economic growth."

 

Wadhwa added, "Investors are hoping the budget avoids tinkering with STT or LTCG taxes, as any hike might deter retail and foreign participation. A stable tax regime or relaxation in LTCG norms could further bolster sentiment. In real estate, the sector could benefit from higher exemptions on housing loan interest under Section 24(b), extended incentives for affordable housing, and support for REITs and InvITs. Beneficiaries may include DLF, Godrej Properties, UltraTech Cement, and REITs like Embassy REIT."

1:59 PM

Logistics sector seeks policies for green tech and manufacturing boost: CJ Darcl Logistics

Nikhil Agarwal, President, CJ Darcl Logistics, said, "The upcoming Union Budget has the potential to boost India's economic growth by addressing key areas focusing on the logistics infrastructure. To further strengthen the industrial base, we hope for implementation of imperative policies aimed at advancing the manufacturing, technology and logistics sectors."

 

Agarwal added, "As sustainability takes centre stage, we expect the implementation of advanced policies that endorse green technologies and promote the integration of electric vehicles within the commercial fleet, utilisation of alternative fuel sources and renewable energy infrastructures enhancements, and subsidies/incentives for adopting sustainable operational methodologies. These measures can accelerate India's journey to become a global manufacturing hub."

12:58 PM

Industry eyes indexation relief for debt funds: Client Associates co-founder

Himanshu Kohli, co-founder of Client Associates, said, “The government is set to present the Budget in a few days, and we expect it to be growth-oriented. The government's agenda for the next two to three years will be to prioritise growth, and the measures to be announced will reflect this focus while ensuring the maintenance of fiscal prudence."

 

Kohli added, "There is an expectation from the industry that the government will reinstate the indexation benefit for debt mutual funds. It is difficult to say if this change will happen, but if it becomes a reality, it will once again make debt mutual funds a more attractive investment option than fixed deposits, helping investors achieve a real rate of return on their fixed-income investments.”

12:11 PM

AI, automation sectors seek tax incentives, skill development focus: Addverb co-founder

Satish Shukla, co-founder at Addverb, said, “India is at a pivotal point in its economic trajectory. A combination of policy stability, deepening economic reforms, robust domestic consumption and favourable demographic dividend has led to India becoming the fifth-largest global economy with a GDP of around $4 trillion. In this revolutionising journey, AI and automation are expected to play transformative roles in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing."

 

"We hope the Union Budget 2025 includes initiatives to encourage the deployment of AI and automation across industries. Tax breaks for deploying robotics and AI solutions, subsidies for technology-driven initiatives, and increased investment for R&D can all help to hasten this transformation. Furthermore, investing in skill development programs dedicated to AI and automation will prepare the workforce to accept these innovations."

11:25 AM

Flex space sector calls for tax incentives, regulatory reforms: 91Springboard CEO

Anshu Sarin, CEO at 91Springboard, said, "The future of India’s flex space industry lies in a synergistic partnership between the government and the private sector. The government can play a pivotal role by introducing policy frameworks that encourage innovation — such as tax incentives, streamlined regulatory approvals, and interest subvention schemes to ease capital access for operators."

 

Sarin further said, "Investments in sustainable practices, digital infrastructure like 5G, and enhanced customer experiences will ensure long-term viability and competitiveness. When the public and private sectors collaborate with a shared vision, we can create an ecosystem that not only supports India’s economic ambitions but also redefines how businesses operate in the modern era."

11:04 AM

India’s travel industry expects Budget 2025 to drive infrastructure growth: Collinson International

Sumit Prakash, Country Director India and South Asia, Collinson International, said, “India’s travel sector has shown strong recovery over the past year, with both its domestic and outbound travel surpassing 2019 levels. It is an exciting period for India’s aviation and tourism sectors as the country continues to advance with significant infrastructure improvements and developments."

 

"This includes investment channelled into increased airline capacity and airport development. The expansion of flight routes and enhancement of regional airports will improve connectivity and make air travel more accessible... With the upcoming Union Budget 2025, we look forward to the strategic measures that will be put in place to further support the industry. We remain optimistic that enhanced developments in this area will boost not only the growth of the tourism and aviation sectors, but also positively impact businesses that are operating in India.”