NASSCOM Pushes for Deeptech Boost and SEZ Flexibility in Budget Wishlist

India's IT body, Nasscom, has outlined its 2025-26 budget wishlist, emphasizing updates to safe harbour rules and SEZ reinvestment reserves, alongside advocating a central deeptech fund. Key asks include tax deferment on ESOPs for all DPIIT-recognized startups and expanded capital opportunities for tech companies.

NASSCOM, India's leading IT industry body, is pushing for significant changes in its budget wishlist for 2025-26. Positioned against global economic uncertainties and geopolitics, the body has advocated for revisions in safe harbour rules and broader utilization of SEZ reinvestment reserves.

A major part of NASSCOM's agenda is the creation of a central deeptech fund to uplift India's startup ecosystem. The body also seeks a comprehensive grant framework to support core technology validation and market entry for deeptech innovations.

Further, NASSCOM recommends extending tax deferment benefits on ESOPs to all DPIIT-recognized startups, as well as enhancing access to "patient capital" for deeptech firms, to foster long-term investment in the sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)