Jaipriya K S, Content Writer, siliconindia

The Union Budget 2025 is an eye-opening moment for India’s economy. To empower the country future-ready, it’s pivotal for the government to take an account insights and viewpoints from the country’s key startup experts. As they have navigated the storming waves of entrepreneurship, they hold immense potential to offer exceptional perceptive on how and in what ways the union budget can shape the future of diverse sectors of India. Let’s delve into the suggestions, aspirations, and transformative ideas of these visionaries, addressing their collective vision for a progressive India in the wake of the Union Budget 2025.

Abhishek Dua, CEO & Co-Founder, Showroom B2B

Manufacturing Industry:

“The upcoming Budget 2025-26 presents an opportunity to enhance India's industrial capabilities by expanding the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Incorporating high-demand sub-sectors, including retail, India can attract substantial investments and reduce import dependency. Simplifying processes for MSMEs through streamlined applications and performance-linked benchmarks will attract investments, reduce import dependency, and strengthen their role in the value chain.

Additionally, Incentives for local manufacturing and export-focused policies aim to reduce unemployment and boost India's global competitiveness under "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat." Tariff reforms, like adjusted import duties on raw materials and capital goods, further support innovation and build a resilient economy.”

On Retail Industry:

“India's retail sector plays a major role in driving economic growth. The rise in urbanization, higher incomes, and demand for branded products are fueling this expansion. However, challenges such as limited credit for small retailers, supply chain problems, and complex regulations must be addressed to ensure steady and sustainable growth.

In the upcoming budget 2025-2026, it is expected that the government should simplify GST processes, expand schemes like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana for better financing, and reduce import tariffs to lower costs for retailers. Additionally, strengthening digital infrastructure and connecting traditional retail with e-commerce should help the sector grow further.”

On Export Industry:

"India's ambitious export target of $2 trillion by 2030 highlights its commitment to global trade leadership. The industrial sector, key to export growth, needs government action to tackle challenges like high costs, liquidity issues, and trade uncertainties to boost global competitiveness. It is expected that the government will extend schemes like Interest Equalisation and RoDTEP to reduce financing and production costs for exporters directly.

Additionally, measures such as expanding concessional export financing, introducing targeted tariff rationalization, and incentivizing high-value manufactured exports are critical and need to be emphasized. Simplifying export compliance and investing in upskilling will ensure India’s growth in international markets.”