Post-Budget Scene: Sneak Peek of How Top Startup Minds Are Responding

Bhuvneshwar Pal Singh, Managing Director & CFO, Maxvolt Energy

"The Union Budget 2025-26 is a game-changer for small businesses, exports, and manufacturing, setting a bold vision for India's economic future. Introducing customised credit cards for micro-enterprises with a ₹5 lakh limit is a transformative step in empowering grassroots entrepreneurs. The focus on cleantech manufacturing through the National Manufacturing Mission and the Export Promotion Mission reinforces India’s commitment to global competitiveness.

To strengthen domestic manufacturing, the government has proposed a 10-year exemption on Basic Customs Duty (BCD) for shipbuilding and its components. Additionally, the full exemption of BCD on cobalt powder, lithium-ion battery waste, scrap, and 12 other critical minerals will ensure secure access to essential raw materials, fostering innovation and job creation for India’s youth. The government promotes a future-ready economy by setting up digital public infrastructure for international trade and integrating domestic manufacturers into global supply chains.

Furthermore, the push to expand Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in tier-2 cities will unlock immense potential for talent and industry collaboration. This Budget paves the way for sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven growth, positioning India as a global trade and manufacturing powerhouse".

Pankaj Nawani, CEO, CarePal Secure

"The lot for the 2025 Budget of the insurance sector is the increase in the FDI limit from 75 to an unprecedented 100%. This decision will serve as a turning point for the Indian insurance sector, empowering foreign insurers to invest the entire premium into India. The government has envisioned attracting full foreign ownership into its fold to enhance further capital inflow into the insurance sector and create a competitive atmosphere that should benefit consumers in terms of quality service and product offerings. It is expected that a substantial infusion of these global players would bring with it the best expertise and innovations that can uplift the standards of insurance offerings in India. Besides fortifying broader government objectives of spurring economic growth and financial inclusion, this increased FDI limit will give job creation and skill development impetus. This is going to benefit the economy in general. This is a forward-looking shift that indicates a renewed emphasis on taking the insurance sector to new horizons that it would need to continue evolving with the ever-changing needs of the population, thereby providing solid security and protection. Hence, the big step towards making India an attractive investment destination for the global insurance industry is stamped with the 2025 Budget".