“The National Manufacturing Mission’s support for clean tech manufacturing, especially in EV batteries and solar panels, along with customs duty exemptions on 35 additional goods, showcases a clear push towards sustainable development and domestic manufacturing capabilities.” Manoj Kumar Singh, Director General of the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA)
The Union Budget 2025-26 presents a comprehensive vision for accelerating India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat through transformative digital infrastructure development and economic reforms. As the Director General of Digital Infrastructure Providers Association, I am particularly encouraged by the government’s strategic initiatives that will catalyze growth across sectors.
The reduction in basic customs duty on carrier-grade Ethernet switches from 20% to 10%, bringing them at par with non-carrier-grade switches, is a significant step that will resolve industry disputes while reducing infrastructure costs. This, combined with BharatTradeNet’s introduction as a unified digital platform, demonstrates the government’s commitment to building robust digital infrastructure and enhancing our global trade competitiveness.
The budget’s focus on MSMEs is particularly noteworthy, with the enhanced credit guarantee cover from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore for micro-enterprises, injecting an additional ₹1.5 lakh crore credit over the next five years. The National Manufacturing Mission’s support for clean tech manufacturing, especially in EV batteries and solar panels, along with customs duty exemptions on 35 additional goods, showcases a clear push towards sustainable development and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The rationalization of TDS rates and increased thresholds mark significant relief for taxpayers. The doubling of tax deduction limits on interest income for senior citizens to ₹1 lakh and the increase in TDS threshold on rent payments to ₹6 lakh annually reflect a citizen-centric approach. Furthermore, raising the income tax limit to ₹12 lakh under the new tax regime will boost consumer spending power and economic growth.
The comprehensive power sector reforms and increased state support for infrastructure development will strengthen the foundation needed for digital expansion, particularly in rural areas. The light-touch regulatory framework and emphasis on ease of doing business create an enabling environment for private sector participation and innovation.
These progressive measures, coupled with the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30, create a robust ecosystem for sustainable growth in the digital infrastructure sector. DIPA is committed to working alongside the government in realizing the vision of a digitally advanced and prosperous India, ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation reach every corner of our nation.
By Manoj Kumar Singh, Director General of the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA)
