With the Budget 2025 soon to be announced, India stands at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey, increasingly relying on digital platforms and technologies for business, governance, and daily life. As the nation’s digital ecosystem experiences exponential growth, driven by a surge in mobile applications, the need to enhance its cybersecurity infrastructure has never been more urgent.
Sharing his perspective on this vital issue, Manish Mimani, Founder and CEO of Protectt.ai, emphasizes that the Union Budget 2025 offers a pivotal opportunity to strengthen India’s digital & cybersecurity framework.
Mimani highlights the need for focused financial reforms, strategic investments, and innovative policies to bolster India’s defenses against growing cyber risks, while fostering a culture of resilience and innovation in the cybersecurity ecosystem.
The following key recommendations by Mimani outline how Budget 2025 can play a transformative role in securing India’s digital future:
Budget 2025: What to Except for Cybersecurity
Establishing a Cybersecurity Research & Development (R&D) in Multiple city
The government could allocate funds to establish a dedicated R&D institute focused on cybersecurity. This hub would foster innovation and develop advanced security solutions tailored to India’s unique needs. By nurturing homegrown technologies, India can reduce reliance on foreign solutions and position itself as a global leader in cybersecurity innovation.
Financial Incentives for Cybersecurity Startups
Targeted financial incentives, such as tax holidays, grants, and subsidized loans, could stimulate the growth of startups specializing in cybersecurity. Encouraging innovation in this sector would not only strengthen India’s defenses but also allow the nation to capture a larger share of the growing global cybersecurity market.
Upskilling and Talent Development
Bridging the cybersecurity skills gap is essential for safeguarding India’s digital future. The budget could fund comprehensive training and upskilling programs, including partnerships with educational institutions to develop specialized curricula. Subsidized training for IT professionals and initiatives to attract talent to cybersecurity careers would help ensure a robust pipeline of skilled professionals.
Public-Private Partnerships for Cybersecurity Infrastructure
Allocating budgetary support for public-private partnerships (PPPs) could accelerate the development of shared cybersecurity resources. Collaborative initiatives between the government and private sector would create platforms for threat intelligence sharing, infrastructure development, and advanced research, bolstering India’s ability to counter emerging cyber threats.
Reduction in GST on 100% Made in India Cybersecurity Products
Reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on cybersecurity software and tools could make essential safeguards more affordable for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Currently taxed at 18%, lowering this rate would enable wider adoption of advanced security solutions, enhancing the resilience of India’s digital infrastructure.
Lower Import Duties on Critical Hardware
High import duties on servers, GPUs, and other essential components inflate the cost of building robust cybersecurity systems. By reducing these duties, the government could make cutting-edge technology more accessible to businesses, enabling real-time threat detection and efficient anomaly analysis across sectors.
Tax Benefits for Cybersecurity Investments
Introducing tax incentives for businesses that implement strong cybersecurity measures could encourage proactive adoption of best practices. Deductions for investments in cybersecurity audits, penetration testing, and advanced security systems would foster a more secure digital ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Union Budget 2025 represents a significant opportunity to bolster India’s cybersecurity capabilities. By adopting strategic measures such as tax incentives, reduced GST rates, and investments in R&D and talent development, the government can create a more resilient and secure digital environment.
As businesses and citizens increasingly depend on digital platforms, mobile app security emerges as a critical focus area within the broader cybersecurity landscape. By directing resources and attention to this domain, India can ensure the safety of its digital economy, foster innovation, and maintain its appeal as a global hub for technology and investment.
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