India stands at a defining moment, where AI-driven innovation, digital infrastructure, and a future-ready workforce will determine its global leadership in the digital economy. The Union Budget 2025 is more than a fiscal plan — it is a bold blueprint for a stronger Digital India, prioritising technology-led development, AI-driven modernisation, and inclusive economic growth.
As someone who has witnessed India’s financial and technological evolution, I see this Budget as a pivotal inflection point in our journey towards a Viksit Bharat — one that is built on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
The government’s commitment to advancing AI and deep-tech through initiatives like the DeepTech Fund of Funds and 10,000 fellowships for technological research in IITs and the IISc reflects a vision for India to lead in automation and emerging technologies. The focus on Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Tier-2 cities will further unlock AI-powered digital services, fostering regional innovation and new employment opportunities at scale.
Skilling remains the linchpin of this transformation. With one of the world’s largest talent pools, India has a unique opportunity to drive the AI revolution, but achieving this requires rapid upskilling, industry collaboration, and democratised learning. The government’s investment in 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, a ₹500-crore Centre of Excellence for AI in Education, and five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling aligns seamlessly with our mission at Salesforce. At Salesforce, through Trailhead and our Salesforce-AICTE Virtual Internship Programme, we are equipping thousands of learners with AI, Cloud, and automation skills to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, or MSMEs, are not just the backbone of India’s economy — they are the engine of innovation, employment, and economic resilience. By revising investment and turnover thresholds and enhancing credit availability, the government is ensuring that MSMEs can scale competitively on a global stage while fostering a culture of innovation.
True digital transformation is built on diversity and inclusion. The government’s ₹2-crore term loan scheme for first-time women entrepreneurs, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering inclusive economic opportunities. Technology has long been a great equaliser, opening doors for women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and STEM. For India to lead in the digital era, innovation must be inclusive, empowering all to thrive in the AI-driven economy.
Finally, India’s sustainability ambitions take centre stage with initiatives like the National Manufacturing Mission, investments in clean tech, and AI-enabled energy efficiency solutions. Furthermore, as announced, the Nuclear Energy Mission aims to develop 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, marking a significant step in India’s clean energy transition. This initiative strengthens energy security and sustainability while supporting the growing demand for high-performance, AI-driven data centres. With nuclear power offering a reliable, high-output solution, it will be a key enabler of India’s digital expansion and innovation-driven economy.
India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat is driven by technology, digital infrastructure, and workforce skilling. The Union Budget 2025 accelerates economic growth while empowering businesses and individuals to lead the nation’s digital transformation. The Budget’s focus on AI-driven modernisation, digital skilling, and start-up growth aligns with this vision.
Arundhati Bhattacharya is Chairperson and CEO, Salesforce India
Published – February 02, 2025 01:37 am IST
