Nearly 50% of Indians are concerned about the use of artificial intelligence given the rise in cybercrime and fraud.

According to a report by Kantar, Indians believe it can cause potential threats to economic security and the resulting personal financial instability.

The report has been released ahead of the Union Budget 2025, which will be announced on 1 February. The findings reveal that 59% of Indians cite rising inflation as their primary concern.

67% of Indians believed the 2024 budget met their expectations. This decreased from 70% in 2023 and 73% in 2022 indicating a gradual decline in public alignment with the budget over time.

Amid the recent drop in India’s GDP numbers at 6.4% (down from 8.2% the previous year), 53% Indians believe that India’s economy will still grow faster than the previous years, but this number has also declined from 57% for 2024.

• In terms of tax exemptions the report reveals that there is a belief that the basic income tax exemption limit will be increased from the current INR 3 lakhs figure. It adds that the citizens either want an increase in the threshold limit of the highest tax slab from current INR 15 lakhs or a decrease in the highest tax rate of 30% applicable on income over this limit.
• Other findings from the report which was conducted across 2,500 consumers from males and females aged between 21-55 years across 16 key Indian cities, reveal:
• In-line with the recent market fluctuations, 62% Indians expect the BSE Sensex to stay between the 81000-90000 range in 2025. 
• Digital payments (UPI & e-wallets) becoming the norm for 60% of consumers for everyday transactions. This is up by 7% over the previous year.
• Concerns around climate change and its impact on the future is leading Indian consumers to become progressively open towards electric mobility. Among those intending to buy new vehicles (either 2W or 4W) post 2024, a sizeable proportion (59%) are considering an EV purchase. 
• Personal financial instability, workplace stress, social media pressures, and cyberbullying are among the leading contributors to mental stress in India.
• Following Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. elections, 53% of Indians believe it will positively impact India’s exports of products and services, while 20% adopt a wait-and-watch approach.

Deepender Rana, executive managing director - South Asia, insights division, Kantar, said, "India's 2025 Union Budget comes at a time of shifting consumer sentiment and evolving priorities. While 67% Indians felt the last year’s budget aligned with their needs, this sentiment has gradually declined over the last three years, coinciding with a slowing GDP. With inflation and financial security concerns on the rise, citizens are looking for tax relief, enhanced medical insurance benefits and measures to address the challenges posed by AI misuse. The upcoming budget represents an opportunity to address these challenges and support India’s economic momentum."