Budget 2025 Expectations| Strategic investments in AI, particularly with the rise of Agentic AI, present immense potential, says Infobip's Asia VP-GM Harsha Solanki

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the 8th consecutive Union Budget on February 1, 2025. Reports suggest that the government is mulling over cutting income tax for those who are earning up to Rs 15 lakh a year in February's budget, in turn providing relief to the middle class.

Taxpayers have pinned high hopes on the Union Budget FY 2025-26 documents and are keeping their fingers crossed regarding their expectations from the government's most important financial document of the year.

This is what Harsha Solanki, VP GM – Asia, Infobip has to say--

As India stands at the cusp of a digital revolution driven by transformative technologies and connectivity, ensuring a secure and resilient digital foundation is not just an aspiration, it is a necessity.

Cybersecurity must remain at the core of this progress. As digital infrastructure expands across governance, education, and healthcare, investing in cybersecurity frameworks, enhanced funding, and initiatives to combat emerging threats like deepfakes is critical.

The government’s continued focus on 5G and future telecom technologies will further enable businesses to integrate advanced fraud detection systems and technologies to handle complex fraud scenarios across voice, text, mobile apps, IoT devices, and beyond, ensuring a safe and trustworthy digital ecosystem.

The Government of India’s commitment to technological advancement throughout 2024 is evident in its initiatives, such as the India AI Mission and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, which have propelled the nation into a new era of research and innovation.

India's rise in the Network Readiness Index 2024 underscores the success of landmark programs like Digital India and BharatNet in enhancing connectivity and digital services across the country.

Strategic investments in AI, particularly with the rise of Agentic AI, present immense potential.

However, the autonomous decision-making capabilities of such technologies require comprehensive regulations to address ethical, privacy, and security challenges, including the responsible use of tools like deepfake technology.

By embedding proactive governance, India can foster responsible innovation that empowers businesses of all sizes to engage with customers in groundbreaking ways.

These measures will not only drive innovation but also fuel economic growth, contributing to a resilient and inclusive economy. With India's GDP growth projected at 6.4 per cent for FY 2024-25, driven by robust domestic demand and public investment, the role of secure digital infrastructure becomes even more vital in stimulating consumption and investment.

We at Infobip look forward to a budget that prioritizes cybersecurity, technological innovation, and responsible AI development, taking India towards a secure and prosperous digital future."

Union Budget 2025 | Nirmala Sitharaman, who continues to be Finance Minister, will present her record 8th Union Budget this time. While inflation has burnt a hole in the pockets of 'aam janata', reports suggest there might be a tax relief for those making up to Rs 15 lakh per year. Track the latest coverage, live news, in-depth opinions, and analysis only on Deccan Herald. Also follow us on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.