India Observers

  Adani-run Mundra Port has handled its first export shipment of four high-tech locomotives manufactured by Wabtec India. The shipment is headed to Guinea, marking a milestone in India’s growing role as a global hub for advanced rail equipment manufacturing. Wabtec, a leading US-based rail technology firm, has been producing modern locomotives in India to serve both domestic and international markets. The successful dispatch from Mundra demonstrates the country’s increasing contribution to global supply chains and highlights Mundra Port’s capacity to handle large-scale, specialized cargo. This development also strengthens India’s reputation in the heavy engineering and transport manufacturing sector, aligning with the government’s vision to boost exports under "Make in India."

  The Karnataka government has announced plans to establish a new steel plant in Koppal district with an investment of ₹2,345 crore . The project aims to boost industrial growth in the region, generate local employment, and strengthen the state’s position in the steel sector. The upcoming facility is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while supporting ancillary industries such as logistics, fabrication, and engineering. Authorities said the project aligns with Karnataka’s broader vision of promoting industrial corridors and attracting large-scale investments to North Karnataka. Once operational, the Koppal steel plant will significantly contribute to the state’s economy and cater to both domestic and export markets.

  Apple’s biggest iPhone production facility in India, operated by Foxconn, has become fully operational and is rolling out the latest iPhone 17. The plant marks a major milestone in Apple’s strategy to expand manufacturing outside China and strengthen its presence in India. Located in Tamil Nadu, the facility is expected to play a key role in meeting both domestic demand and global exports. With the iPhone 17 now in production, India is set to emerge as a central hub in Apple’s global supply chain. The move also aligns with the Indian government’s push for large-scale electronics manufacturing under its “Make in India” initiative, creating thousands of jobs while boosting the country’s high-tech ecosystem.

  The Karnataka government has approved the establishment of a 6-acre Quantum City at Hesaraghatta, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The project is envisioned as a hub for advanced research, innovation, and startups in quantum technologies — including computing, communication, and materials science. Officials say the initiative will strengthen Bengaluru’s position as India’s leading science and technology capital while fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and global research institutions. The Quantum City is expected to attract significant investment, generate skilled jobs, and place Karnataka at the forefront of next-generation technologies.

  India has launched its first port-based green hydrogen pilot project at VO Chidambaranar Port, Tamil Nadu. The project marks a significant step in the nation’s push toward clean energy and maritime decarbonization. The initiative, part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aims to produce, store, and use green hydrogen for port operations and allied activities. It is expected to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support India’s target of becoming a global hub for green hydrogen production. Officials highlighted that the pilot project will serve as a model for other Indian ports, driving sustainable practices and boosting the nation’s energy transition.

  Japanese major Fujifilm Electronic has announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Gujarat. The move underscores India’s growing importance as a global manufacturing hub, particularly in electronics and high-tech industries. The proposed factory will not only strengthen Fujifilm’s presence in India but also boost local job creation and technology transfer. Gujarat, known for its robust industrial ecosystem and investor-friendly policies, has become a preferred destination for global players seeking to expand operations in Asia. This investment is expected to further enhance India’s position in the global supply chain while supporting the government’s “Make in India” initiative.

  Ashok Leyland, a leading Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer, has announced plans to invest ₹5,000 crore to establish battery manufacturing facilities in India. The company has entered into a strategic partnership with China Aviation Lithium Battery (CALB), one of the world’s top battery producers. The collaboration aims to develop advanced battery solutions to support India’s growing electric mobility sector, especially in commercial vehicles and buses. The investment will focus on setting up large-scale production, ensuring cost efficiency, and boosting India’s push for clean energy adoption. By joining forces with CALB, Ashok Leyland seeks to combine global battery expertise with local manufacturing capabilities, strengthening India’s position in the global EV ecosystem.

  India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to deepen their economic partnership with a bold vision of achieving $100 billion in trade by 2030. This ambitious target focuses on expanding beyond oil and precious metals, emphasizing growth in non-traditional sectors such as pharmaceuticals, Ayurveda, healthcare innovation, and advanced manufacturing. A key driver of this partnership is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which seeks to streamline trade processes, reduce barriers, and encourage cross-sectoral collaboration. The initiative highlights the pharmaceutical sector’s role in boosting bilateral trade, with efforts directed at faster drug approvals and research-driven cooperation. India’s heritage in Ayurveda is also emerging as a unique opportunity, catering to the UAE’s rising demand for health and wellness solutions. By leveraging their respective strengths, both nations are positioning themselves for sustainable growth, innovation, and investmen...

  Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is set to build one of the world’s largest renewable energy projects in Gujarat’s Kutch region. Spread over 5,50,000 acres , the project will be nearly three times the size of Singapore , marking a significant leap in India’s clean energy transition. The solar project aims to generate 20 GW of green energy , forming a key part of Reliance’s $10 billion commitment to renewable energy. The vast expanse in Kutch will house solar panels, energy storage systems, and green hydrogen facilities, aligning with India’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 . Experts say this mega-project could transform Kutch into a global hub for renewable energy, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen India’s position in the green economy.

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (August 29, 2025) underscored the importance of India-Japan cooperation for ensuring global peace and stability. Addressing the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum in Tokyo, PM Modi highlighted how the partnership has become a “symbol of mutual trust,” spanning sectors from metro projects to manufacturing, semiconductors, and start-ups. During his two-day visit to Japan, PM Modi held summit talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to expand bilateral ties in trade, investment, and emerging technologies. The two leaders are set to release a joint statement along with the “2035 Vision Statement” , upgrading the 2025 roadmap announced a decade ago with former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Marking 20 years of the annual India-Japan summit mechanism , this year’s meeting reflects the growing strategic and economic convergence between the two nations. Former Japanese Prime Ministers Yoshihide Suga and Fumio Kishida also called on PM ...

  Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced a massive investment of ₹70,000 crore in India over the next five to six years . The investment will be directed towards expanding manufacturing capacity, advancing green mobility initiatives, and strengthening the company’s R&D footprint in the country. Suzuki, the parent company of Maruti Suzuki, is looking to bolster its dominance in the Indian automobile market by focusing on electric vehicles, hybrid technology, and alternative fuel development. The move also aligns with India’s push for cleaner and sustainable mobility solutions. Industry experts say this is one of Suzuki’s largest commitments to India, underlining the country’s importance as a key global production hub. The investment is expected to generate jobs, boost exports, and accelerate India’s EV ecosystem.

  India is on track to emerge as the world’s fourth-largest electric car manufacturer by 2030, driven by strong policy support, growing investment in EV infrastructure, and rising consumer demand. The nation’s focus on domestic production, supported by incentives under schemes like FAME-II and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program, is accelerating growth in the sector.  With global automakers expanding operations and homegrown companies scaling up production, India is positioning itself as a major hub for affordable and sustainable electric mobility, contributing significantly to global EV adoption.

  Apple will continue its plans to manufacture iPhones in India, even after the US announced tariffs on certain Indian imports. Company sources indicate that India remains a key part of Apple’s supply chain strategy, aimed at diversifying production beyond China.  The move underscores Apple’s long-term commitment to India’s growing manufacturing ecosystem and its potential as a global export hub.

  India and Peru are expected to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025 or early 2026, paving the way for stronger economic and strategic ties between the two nations. The agreement, currently under negotiation, aims to enhance trade flows and reduce tariffs across key sectors. As part of the growing partnership, Peru has invited Indian companies to invest in its mining sector, particularly in critical minerals such as lithium and copper. The Latin American nation is encouraging joint venture exploration and technological collaborations to facilitate sustainable mineral sourcing and boost bilateral trade in high-demand resources essential for energy transition and digital technologies.

  The Odisha government has announced plans to develop a modern township named "New Cuttack," inspired by Gujarat’s GIFT City. This ambitious project will come up on the outskirts of the existing Cuttack city and aims to serve as a hub for financial, technological, and service-based industries. Envisioned as a smart and sustainable urban centre, New Cuttack will integrate modern infrastructure, global investment zones, and high-quality urban amenities. The initiative is expected to generate employment, attract private investment, and boost Odisha’s economic profile. Master planning for the city is currently underway, with consultations from national and international experts. The move aligns with the state’s broader push toward urban transformation and economic diversification.

  In a historic move, India and the United Kingdom signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) today, formalised in London in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also joined the signing ceremony. The deal, finalised on May 6, 2025, is projected to grow annual bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, add £4.8 billion to the UK economy, and raise wages by £2.2 billion each year in the long term. The FTA sets an ambitious goal of doubling trade to $120 billion by 2030, with an additional $40 billion expansion by 2040. Key provisions include India removing import taxes on leather, textiles, and footwear, while the UK slashes tariffs on whisky, gin, lamb, cosmetics, and farm goods. India will now permit UK car imports at just 10% duty, down from over 100%, raising domestic industry concerns. UK firms gain access to India’s telecom, insurance, and banking sectors, though India secured only limited visa concessions. Add...

  Japanese automotive giant Denso Corporation is set to invest ₹250 crore to establish a new electric vehicle (EV) component manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh. The announcement marks a significant boost to India’s EV ecosystem and aligns with the country’s growing focus on clean mobility and local manufacturing. The new plant will be located in Greater Noida and will focus on producing advanced components critical for EVs, such as power control units, inverters, and thermal management systems. Denso’s decision underscores India’s strategic importance as an emerging hub for EV production and technology. This investment is expected to generate employment opportunities and strengthen the Make in India initiative by promoting local sourcing and innovation in the green mobility sector. State officials welcomed the move, calling it a testament to Uttar Pradesh’s improved industrial environment and infrastructure readiness. The plant is expected to begin operations in 2026.

  Hitachi Energy has launched India’s first 400 kV synthetic ester fluid-filled transformer for Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL). This cutting-edge transformer marks a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in high-voltage infrastructure. Unlike traditional mineral oil, synthetic ester is biodegradable and offers a higher fire safety rating, reducing environmental and operational risks. This innovation aligns with India’s green energy goals and supports Power Grid's mission to build a cleaner, safer, and more efficient power transmission network. With this launch, Hitachi Energy reinforces its commitment to pioneering eco-friendly technologies in the country’s power sector.

  Cab rides may soon become costlier during rush hours as the Union government has approved a new policy allowing cab aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido to charge up to twice the base fare during peak times.  The revised guidelines aim to help platforms balance supply and demand more effectively. While companies argue the surge pricing model incentivizes drivers during high-demand periods, consumer rights groups have raised concerns over fare affordability and transparency. The final implementation will depend on state governments, who are expected to notify specific regulations soon.

  Adani Group has successfully commissioned India’s first fully off-grid 5 MW green hydrogen plant at Mundra, in Gujarat’s Kutch district. Powered entirely by solar energy, the plant incorporates an advanced Battery Energy Storage (BES) system to ensure round-the-clock operation. A key innovation at the facility is its closed-loop, automated electrolyzer system, enabling clean hydrogen production without dependence on grid electricity. This marks a significant step toward decentralized, sustainable hydrogen generation. The project sets a national benchmark and aligns with the goals of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), reinforcing India’s push toward energy independence and carbon neutrality.