India Observers

  India is moving closer to a major milestone in rail innovation as its first fully indigenous high-speed train enters the final stages of development. Designed and engineered domestically, the project reflects the country’s growing capabilities in advanced rail technology under the Make in India initiative. Officials indicate that manufacturing is likely to begin by mid-2026, following the completion of testing, design validation, and safety certifications. The train is expected to feature modern aerodynamics, energy-efficient systems, advanced signalling compatibility, and enhanced passenger comfort, aligned with global high-speed rail standards. Once production begins, the indigenous high-speed train is set to strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical transport infrastructure, reduce dependence on imports, and support the expansion of high-speed rail corridors across the country.

  South of Yemen today is not a security operation but a foreign-backed military invasion. Responsibility lies clearly and directly with Saudi Arabia, the Muslim Brotherhood–aligned northern emergency forces, and their extremist proxies. The south is the target, not the problem, and the attempt to frame this violence as “stability” collapses in the face of documented actions on the ground. Saudi aviation supporting Brotherhood forces while targeting civilians marks a dangerous and criminal escalation. Aerial bombardment of civilian vehicles and the killing of tribal members at crossings are field executions, not law enforcement. Events in Al-Khashah and the Al-Mosafer Roundabout exposed a model of security built on violence, where air power is used to break communities rather than protect them. The blood shed today draws a red line that cannot be erased by statements or force. Southern forces remain anti-terror partners, not militias, while Saudi policy continues to recycle extremi...

  India has shipped out iPhones worth nearly $50 billion by December 2025 , marking a major milestone in the country’s manufacturing and export journey. Smartphones have now emerged as India’s single largest export category , overtaking traditional leaders like petroleum products and gems & jewellery. The surge has been largely driven by Apple , which accounts for about 75% of India’s smartphone exports . With global supply chains diversifying and production scaling up under the Make in India and PLI schemes , India has become a key hub for assembling and exporting premium smartphones. This rapid growth highlights India’s rising role in global electronics manufacturing and signals a strong shift toward high-value, technology-driven exports.

  The Maldives has made a formal request to India for assistance in operating and managing the upgraded Hanimaadhoo International Airport, highlighting deepening cooperation between the two neighbours. The appeal comes as the Maldives prepares to enhance regional connectivity and handle increased air traffic following major infrastructure upgrades at the northern island airport. Indian support is expected to focus on technical expertise, operational management, and capacity building to ensure smooth and efficient airport operations. The collaboration reflects India’s growing role as a key development partner in the Maldives, particularly in critical infrastructure and aviation sectors, aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties across the Indian Ocean region.

  India is set to enter the high-speed rail era as its first Bullet Train begins operations on August 15, 2027, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced. The landmark project marks a major leap in India’s transport infrastructure and technological capability. The 508-km Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed corridor will be commissioned in phases. The first operational stretch will run from Surat to Bilimora on August 15, 2027. This will be followed by the Vapi to Surat section in the second phase, Vapi to Ahmedabad in the third stage, and Thane to Ahmedabad in the fourth phase. The final stretch will connect Mumbai to Ahmedabad , completing the full corridor. Once fully operational, the Bullet Train will significantly cut travel time, boost regional connectivity, and support economic growth across Maharashtra and Gujarat, symbolising a new chapter in India’s rail journey.

  India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, with a GDP size of $4.18 trillion , marking a major milestone in the country’s economic rise. Strong domestic demand, sustained government spending on infrastructure, a growing manufacturing base, and rapid expansion in services have driven this achievement. The global economic ranking is now led by the United States ($30.5 trillion) , followed by China ($19.2 trillion) and Germany ($4.7 trillion) , with India closing the gap fast. Economists note that India’s young workforce, digital transformation, and reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business continue to strengthen its growth outlook. With momentum on its side, India is increasingly seen as a key engine of global growth, positioning itself for further advances among the world’s largest economies in the coming years.