foreign direct investment

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra affirmed India's commitment to market reforms despite global protectionism, highlighting liberalisation in key sectors and near-total FDI automatic route. He projected India as a dynamic powerhouse, crediting monetary policy for taming inflation with recent rate cuts. India's economy demonstrates resilience with strong growth, aiming to be a developed nation by 2047.

IKEA will launch smaller stores in India. This is a shift in strategy to reach more customers. The stores will be as small as 10,000 square feet. These stores will be in smaller cities and neighbourhoods. Customers can access the full catalogue online. Home delivery and pick-up options will be available. IKEA is also planning expansion in tier II cities.

The US administration is engaging in trade discussions with India, seeking to provide full market access for online retailers like Amazon and Walmart in India's burgeoning ecommerce sector, according to report from Financial Times. This push comes amid potential tariff increases and aims to address what the US considers non-tariff barriers, such as restrictions on foreign ecommerce enterprises and product inspections.

Amidst US-China trade tensions, India's telecom department has directed operators like Airtel and Jio to detail Chinese equipment in their networks, raising security concerns. While Chinese firms maintain existing 4G infrastructure, they're barred from 5G rollouts and new contracts.

The government's increasing role as a major buyer of gold and debt, coupled with its investments in capital goods and support for healthcare and software, has proven highly profitable for investors tracking its activities over the past five years

During his Southeast Asia tour, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged collaboration with Malaysia and regional neighbors amidst global economic uncertainties. He criticized protectionism, advocating for stronger China-ASEAN ties and a free trade agreement. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim echoed these sentiments, praising China's stability. Agreements were signed on trade, industrial parks, and agricultural exports.

Xi Jinping is advocating for free trade in Southeast Asia, portraying China as a source of stability. Welcomed in Vietnam and later in Malaysia, Xi emphasized opposing unilateral actions and maintaining global supply chains. Agreements were signed with Vietnam, including railway projects and increased agricultural exports. He will end his tour with a stop in Cambodia.

China's Xi Jinping is currently visiting Southeast Asia. He is advocating for free trade in his visit. He is portraying China as stable. He met with Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi. They discussed strengthening ties. Agreements were signed on supply chains and railway projects. Xi will also visit Malaysia and Cambodia. Discussions on a free trade agreement with ASEAN are expected.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Sri Lanka led to a tripartite agreement involving the UAE to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub. The project aims to enhance Sri Lanka's energy security and economy. This move counters China's significant investments in the region.

Aadit Palicha, co-founder of Zepto, defended the contributions of consumer internet startups in response to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's remarks. Palicha highlighted Zepto's creation of 1.5 lakh jobs, significant tax contributions, and investments in backend supply chains, while acknowledging the need for more foundational technological advancements in India.

Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated India's first GaN semiconductor fabrication unit in Nava Raipur, a Rs 1,143 crore investment by Polymatech Electronics. This facility will produce high-frequency chips for 5G and 6G telecom, creating jobs and boosting economic growth. Commercial production is slated for 2026, supporting 'Make in India' and 'Digital India' initiatives.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed concerns about climate change's impact on the state's agrarian economy. The government is collaborating with the World Bank to implement climate-resilient agricultural practices and exploring AI to enhance predictability. While the US tariff war's impact is moderate, Maharashtra maintains a strong fiscal position, attracting significant FDI.

Japanese firms such as Tokyo Electron and Renesas are collaborating with Indian partners to develop supply chains and invest in workforce development, aligning with government incentives for local manufacturing.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal shared that a German chemical firm plans to invest USD 1.5 billion in India. A state has already identified land for the investment, aimed at boosting FDI. The government’s efforts to improve business conditions and resolve legal issues were highlighted as attracting global investments.

ASAR Social Impact Advisors clarified that it received Rs 8 crore from USAID for services provided under a Clean Air Better Health project with CEEW. The company denied receiving any foreign direct investment and affirmed full compliance with legal requirements amid an ongoing investigation by authorities.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is under scrutiny in an ongoing investigation related to hedge fund operator George Soros. ASAR Social Impact Advisors received Rs 8 crore from USAID as foreign inward remittance while also being funded by the Soros Economic Development Fund.

President Trump’s new tariff plan includes a 10% universal tariff on imports, followed by country-specific tariffs. China faces the highest tariffs, up to 54%. India’s textile, electronics, and machinery sectors may benefit from competitive advantages. However, to capitalize on these opportunities, India must address structural issues and enhance manufacturing capabilities.

India and the US have agreed to hold sector-specific talks for a bilateral trade agreement aimed at doubling trade to USD 500 billion by 2030. Discussions will focus on increasing market access, reducing tariffs, and enhancing supply chains. The US seeks duty concessions in various sectors, while India is eyeing benefits for its labour-intensive industries.

The Finance Ministry has informed the Parliament about the risks tied to households moving deposits to market-linked instruments, highlighting potential financial losses and liquidity issues for banks.

London’s new growth plan aims to boost public services by generating £27 billion in tax revenue. The initiative targets increased productivity and investment, with significant contributions from Indian FDI and students, to revitalize the economy, create jobs, and raise household incomes.