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.

  In a major milestone for India’s digital payments ecosystem, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) crossed 700 million transactions in a single day for the first time on August 2, 2025 . This marks the highest-ever daily transaction volume since the platform's launch. The surge reflects growing nationwide adoption of UPI for everything from small retail payments to large business transactions. Experts credit the increase to rapid smartphone penetration, ease of use, and the integration of UPI across government, financial, and commercial platforms. With this milestone, UPI further cements its role as a cornerstone of India’s digital economy and a model for real-time payments systems globally.

  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...

  The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is working on an Internet of Things (IoT)-ready version of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), paving the way for automated digital payments through smart appliances, connected vehicles, wearables, and other IoT devices. This next-gen UPI will enable frictionless machine-to-machine payments without human intervention, ideal for scenarios like paying tolls through smart cars or settling bills via connected refrigerators. The move aligns with India’s digital vision and is expected to revolutionize micro-payments across the smart tech ecosystem.

  Andhra Pradesh has ratified crucial Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to kickstart the development of the Quantum Valley Park in Amaravati. This strategic initiative aims to position the state as a hub for quantum computing and next-generation technologies. Chief Minister has instructed the IT Ministry to fast-track the project, ensuring that the park becomes operational by January 2026 . The park is expected to attract global tech firms, foster innovation, and create high-skilled jobs, marking a significant step toward transforming Amaravati into a tech-driven knowledge economy.

  Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has unveiled an ambitious vision to transform the state into a $3 trillion economy by the year 2047. Speaking at a recent event, he emphasized the government's commitment to long-term development, inclusive growth, and economic modernization. The CM outlined key focus areas including infrastructure development, industrial expansion, education, skill development, and digital transformation. He stressed the importance of innovation and public-private partnerships to drive sustainable growth. Reddy also called for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders — government, industry, and citizens — to realize this vision as part of India’s centenary celebrations of independence. The roadmap aims to position Telangana as a leader in economic performance and human development by mid-century.

  India is set to allow foreign companies, including those from the United States, to bid for government contracts under a reciprocal access framework. The move is aimed at promoting fair competition and boosting international trade ties. Officials say the policy will permit firms from countries that offer similar access to Indian companies in their public procurement markets. This step aligns with India's broader push to attract foreign investment while ensuring Indian companies receive equal treatment abroad. The decision is expected to benefit sectors such as defense, infrastructure, and technology, while reinforcing India’s commitment to transparency and global economic cooperation.

  India has officially overtaken Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, marking a significant milestone in the country's economic journey. According to recent global financial data, India's nominal GDP has now surpassed that of Japan, reflecting strong growth in sectors like services, manufacturing, and digital technology. This achievement highlights India's rising influence on the global economic stage and underscores its resilience despite global uncertainties. Experts attribute the growth to a combination of domestic reforms, robust consumer demand, and expanding exports. Meanwhile, Japan has faced slower growth due to demographic challenges and a prolonged period of economic stagnation. India now stands behind only the United States, China, and Germany in terms of GDP, signaling its growing role in shaping the future of the global economy.