India’s economy is poised to grow at a healthy 6.5% in FY26, withstanding global geopolitical challenges, according to Sanjiv Puri,President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
In an interview with PTI, Puri highlighted the resilience of the Indian economy, crediting a strong macroeconomic foundation, improving private investment, and easing inflation as key growth enablers.
“We are looking at 6.5%. This number is achievable, fundamentally because we’re starting from a position of strength,” said Puri.
Growth Drivers: Investment, Reforms & Resilience
Private investment is gaining traction across core sectors such as energy, transportation, metals, chemicals, and hospitality, signaling growing economic confidence. Puri noted that despite geopolitical uncertainties, the investment environment remains optimistic, though some caution may persist.
Several recent policy moves are also contributing to momentum:
- Lower interest rates
- Easing inflation
- Personal income tax concessions effective from April 1
- Robust public sector investment in the latter half of FY25
Trade in a Fragmenting World :
Addressing rising global protectionism and proposed tariff hikes by key economies like the US, Puri emphasized the urgency of bilateral trade pacts with strategic partners such as the US and EU.
“We must engage in trade agreements mutually beneficial and aligned with national interest,” he stated, advocating for a three-tier tariff structure to improve competitiveness in select sectors.
Focus on Domestic Strengths
Puri also stressed the importance of accelerating reforms in agriculture, climate adaptation, and domestic productivity to sustain long-term growth.
He pointed out encouraging signs from the rural economy, noting that while urban consumption has remained flat, it is expected to rebound in the coming quarters.
“The domestic drivers of growth must be our priority. They can buffer the economy against external volatility,” Puri said, adding that further interest rate cuts could further support growth.
Vizhinjam Port Tops Container Traffic in South and East India
In a major milestone for India’s maritime infrastructure, Vizhinjam Port has emerged as the top container-handling port in South and East India, according to a recent press release.
While Mumbai and Mundra continue to dominate the western coast, Vizhinjam is quickly gaining ground—thanks to its strategic location and cutting-edge operational efficiency.
“Automatic container handling played a key role in our success. Even in phase one—before the port is fully completed—we’ve surpassed expectations,” said a port official.
Key Highlights:
- Vizhinjam becomes No. 1 in container traffic among ports in South and East India.
- Automated container handling systems boosted performance from day one.
- Phase one not yet complete, yet the port is outperforming many fully operational peers.
- Handled 1 lakh containers last month, exceeding the designated capacity.
- Monthly traffic is expected to grow as the port ramps up operations.
- Strategic location making Vizhinjam a strong competitor to western giants like Mumbai and Mundra.
South African Citrus Exports to India Triple to 30,000 Tons
South Africa’s seedless citrus fruits—especially oranges and mandarins—are enjoying a surge in popularity in India, with exports tripling over the past five years. Backed by smart logistics strategies and growing consumer demand, the Indo-African fruit trade is entering a juicy new chapter.
South Africa exported 30,000 tons of citrus to India in 2024, up from 10,000 tons in 2019, capitalizing on demand for easy-peel, vitamin-rich fruits during India’s offseason.
However, challenges remain—from steep tariffs to cold treatment regulations. Yet, logistics players are rising to the occasion, creating efficient supply chains and unlocking the potential of the India–South Africa fresh produce corridor.
Key Highlights:
- Export Growth:
Citrus exports from South Africa to India surged from 10,000 tons in 2019 to 30,000 tons in 2024.
- Peak Season Advantage:
South Africa’s citrus season (June–October) avoids direct competition with India’s (November–March).
- Consumer Demand:
Rising middle-class income and a focus on health drive demand for premium, seedless citrus rich in vitamin C.
- Price Challenges:
A 30% import duty and restrictions on in-transit cold treatment inflate costs and risk product quality.
- Regulatory Developments:
India and South Africa are in talks to harmonize cold treatment protocols, potentially allowing in-transit processes and reducing spoilage.
- Logistics Response:
Providers are investing in:
- Temperature-controlled shipping
- Fast customs clearance
- Domestic distribution networks via key ports (Nhava Sheva, Chennai)
- Urban Demand Centers:
Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are driving the trend toward high-quality imported fruits.
- Future Outlook:
With improved policies and logistics innovations, exports could exceed 50,000 tons in the next few years.
Steel on the Move: India’s April Exports Climb 12% YoY Amid EU Surge
India’s steel exports saw a strong year-on-year rise in April 2025, even as month-on-month figures showed slight softness. Here’s a quick snapshot of the developments:
Key Highlights:
- Total steel exports (including stainless steel) reached 725.54 thousand tons in April — up 11.7% YoY, but down 2.7% MoM.
- Exports to the EU surged by 33% MoM to over 358 thousand tons, the highest in 13 months, thanks to renewed EU import quotas.
- Shipments to the US and Saudi Arabia fell, as Indian producers redirected supplies to the EU and other regions.
- Flat steel products exports rose slightly to 556.5 thousand tons (+1% MoM), marking the highest since March 2024.
- Semi-finished steel exports climbed by 30% MoM to 78.64 thousand tons.
- Hot-rolled coil (non-stainless) exports dropped by 12% MoM, totaling 130.6 thousand tons.
- Long product exports plunged by 32% MoM to 90.4 thousand tons.
Market Dynamics:
- The EU import quota renewal in Q2 prompted Indian exporters to ramp up shipments to Europe
- US-bound exports face headwinds from steel tariffs, although Q1 shipments saw a temporary spike as buyers front-loaded purchases.
- China remains a dominant player, aggressively pricing its steel in global markets, influencing trade flows.
- India introduced a temporary 12% safeguard duty on select steel imports from April 21, 2025 for 200 days, aimed at protecting domestic manufacturers from import surges.
AM/NS India Wins 30-Year Deal to Operate 10 MT Captive Berth at Paradip Port
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Ltd (AM/NS India) has secured a major logistics win by bagging a 30-year concession to operate the CQ-III berth at Paradip Port. This strategic move strengthens the company’s supply chain integration, particularly for its expanded pellet operations.
Key Highlights:
- Concession Win: AM/NS India to mechanise and operate CQ-III berth at Paradip Port for 30 years, dedicated to handling 10 million tonnes (mt) of dry bulk cargo.
- Revenue Sharing: The firm will pay ₹62.20 per metric tonne of cargo handled, winning the berth through a government PPP tender under the captive policy.
- Strategic Asset Use: The berth is vital for feeding the adjacent Paradip pellet plant, which now has a doubled capacity of 12 mt.
- Historical Context: CQ-III was previously operated by Essar Ports. AM/NS acquired it in 2022 as part of a $2.05 billion acquisition from the Essar Group.
- Integrated Logistics: The 2022 deal included:
- A 25 mt captive port and 270 MW power plant at Hazira
- A16 mt terminal at Visakhapatnam Port with conveyor to AM/NS pellet plant
- A deepwater jetty at Paradip with conveyor link
- A 515 MW gas-based power plant and land for expansion
- Strategic Goal: These assets support AM/NS India's integrated steel and logistics operations across India, enhancing connectivity, cost efficiency, and export capability.
- Competitive Bidding: The reserve royalty rate was based on Jindal Steel & Power’s winning ₹54/ton bid for another berth at Paradip. AM/NS bid above this, showcasing its strategic interest in the asset.
India’s Largest Logistics Hub Taking Shape in Dadri — A Game-Changer for North India’s Freight Network
A groundbreaking Multi-Modal Logistics Hub (MMLH) is coming up in Dadri, Greater Noida, with the potential to revolutionize how freight moves across North India. Backed by a ₹2,464 crore investment in Phase 1, this mega-infrastructure project is being led by the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) and is touted as a transformative leap for India’s logistics landscape.
Why It Matters:
Strategic Location
- Situated at the junction of Eastern & Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (EDFC & WDFC)
- Excellent connectivity to NH-34, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, and the upcoming Jewar International Airport
India’s Largest Logistics Hub
- Sprawling across 825 acres
- Designed to handle massive cargo volumes with world-class infrastructure
State-of-the-Art Facilities
- Container handling terminals for efficient cargo movement
- Bonded and general warehousing to support import-export activities
- Cold chain logistics for temperature-sensitive goods
- On-site customs clearance for faster processing
- Value-added services: packaging, de-stuffing/stuffing, processing, etc.
Seamless Multimodal Connectivity
- Direct rail connectivity via New Dadri station on the DFC network
- Internal rail yards to support in-hub cargo transfer
- Wide roadways dedicated truck bays for smooth vehicular flow
Aligned with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
- Part of the flagship Gati Shakti initiative
- Aimed at:
- Reducing logistics costs
- Boosting supply chain efficiency
- Accelerating industrial and regional economic growth
S&P Global: India’s Manufacturing Sector Attracting Rising Global Investment
A new study by S&P Globaltitled “India Forward: Transformative Perspectives” highlights India’s rising appeal as a global manufacturing hub. As international trade dynamics shift, India is emerging as a key beneficiary. Here’s what the report reveals:
Key Highlights :
- Strategic Momentum: India is well-positioned to capitalize on global trade realignments and tariff shifts, fueling accelerated growth in manufacturing.
- Supply Chain Advantage:
- Shift towards local sourcing and regional integration is boosting India’s attractiveness.
- India stands to gain fromsupply-chain diversification as companies reduce reliance on traditional manufacturing bases.
- Investor Magnet:
- Global investors are increasingly viewing India as a competitive and resilient manufacturing destination.
- The focus on technology advancement and high-quality job creation is drawing interest.
- Policy Push:
- Targeted government interventions are helping build domestic manufacturing capacity.
- These efforts are aimed at strengthening India's role in global supply chains.
- Economic Resilience:
- Despite a slowdown in FY25 real GDP growth, India remains the world’s fastest-growing large economy.
- Its moderate dependence on external trade offers some insulation from global volatility.
- Current Performance:
- Manufacturing contributes 18.2% to India’s real GDP.
- High-frequency HSBC PMIdata indicates India's manufacturing sector is resilient compared to global peers.
With a blend of policy reform, strategic location, and strong fundamentals, India is steadily becoming a preferred destination for global manufacturing investment. The road ahead looks promising for deeper integration into global value chains.
India Eyes Rapeseed Meal Export Revival to China Amid Widening Price Gap
India is positioning itself to reclaim its share in China’s rapeseed meal market, leveraging a significant price advantage over global competitors amid tightening supplies and rising international rates.
TheSolvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) has urged the Ministry of Commerce to engage Chinese authorities in relaxing import restrictions, which currently limit exports to just three Indian facilities approved by China’s customs administration.
With Indian rapeseed meal priced at $202/tonne (Ex-Kandla FAS) versus $308/tonne (Ex-Hamburg) internationally, Indian exporters see a strong opening to re-enter the Chinese market—especially as China faces supply constraints from its main suppliers, Canada and the EU.
However, the Indian oilmeal export sector is also contending with competition from Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), a protein-rich ethanol byproduct increasingly used in animal feed, which may impact traditional demand.
Despite record harvests in soybean and mustard crops boosting domestic meal supply, global price disparity continues to dampen export demand.
Key Takeaways :
- Price Edge: Indian rapeseed meal at $202/tonne vs international rate of $308/tonne, creating strong export potential.
- Limited Access: Only 3 Indian plants are currently approved by China for rapeseed meal exports.
- SEA's Appeal: Industry body urges government to push for relaxed Chinese import norms.
- Market Opportunity: Supply constraints in Canada and EU open doors for India in China’s animal feed market.
- DDGS Disruption: Rise of ethanol byproduct DDGS is reshaping feed industry demand and competing with traditional oilmeals.
- Production Boost: Record soybean and mustard harvests have increased meal availability in India.
- Export Slowdown: Export demand remains weak due to uncompetitive international pricing.
- April Export Stats:
- Total oilmeal exports: 4,65,863 tonnes (up from 4,65,156 tonnes in April 2024)
- Rapeseed meal exports: 2,13,023 tonnes
- Soybean meal exports: 2,30,743 tonnes
India Gears Up for Global EV Leadership with Bold Vision and Rapid Growth
India is shifting gears towards a cleaner, greener future, setting the stage to become a global leader in electric vehicles (EVs). With one of the world’s largest automotive markets and a fast-growing population, India is driving innovation and investment in EV technology at an unprecedented pace.
The nation’s EV market is on a high-voltage growth track—expected to surge from ₹27,417 crore (US$ 3.21 billion) in 2022 to a staggering ₹9,73,589 crore (US$ 113.99 billion) by 2029. Former NITI Aayog CEO and G20 Sherpa, Mr. Amitabh Kant, emphasized the urgency of transitioning to sustainable mobility, warning that delay could cost India its shot at becoming the world’s top EV manufacturer.
By 2030, India aims to have:
- 30% EV market penetration
- 80 million EVs on the road
- A booming EV battery market worth ₹2,36,586 crore (US$ 27.70 billion)
Government initiatives like the PM E-Drive scheme> are accelerating progress by offering incentives, infrastructure development, and industry partnerships. The government’s ‘7C Vision’ – Common, Connected, Convenient, Congestion-free, Charged, Clean, and Cutting-edge – is paving the way for affordable financing and a robust charging ecosystem.
Key Highlights: India’s EV Revolution
- Explosive Market Growth:
From ₹27,417 crore (2022) to ₹9,73,589 crore (2029) – a 35x increase in market value.
- Ambitious National Target:
80 million EVs on Indian roads by 2030 with a 30% share in overall vehicle sales.
- Battery Market Surge:
Projected to grow from ₹1,43,233 crore (2023) to ₹2,36,586 crore (2028).
- Policy & Infrastructure Push:
PM E-Drive scheme, state incentives, and industry-government collaboration are accelerating EV adoption.
- Charging Network Expansion:
Over 12,000 public charging stations in operation; 1.32 million needed by 2030.
- 7C Vision for EV Mobility:
A strategic framework promoting sustainability, convenience, and innovation.
- Industry Leaders in Action:
Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra lead the charge, with strong support from JSW and Reliance Infrastructure.
- Future Projections (S&P Global Mobility):
EV penetration to hit 19% by 2030 and 32% by 2035.
- Collaborative Ecosystem:
Joint efforts in local manufacturing, battery R&D, and skill development are essential for long-term success.
With strong policy support, industry commitment, and an innovation-driven mindset, India is well on its way to becoming a global powerhouse in electric mobility—clean, connected, and future-ready.
India–UK FTA Set to Double Apparel and Textile Trade by 2030
India’s apparel and home textiles exports to the UK are on track to see a major boost, with trade volumes expected to double over the next 5–6 years. This surge is attributed to the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations, according to a report by credit rating agency ICRA.
Key Highlights :
- The India–UK FTA is projected to become operational in calendar year 2026, pending legal review.
- In CY2024, the UK imported $1.4 billion worth of apparel and home textiles from India.
- This accounted for a 6.6% share of the UK’s total textile imports.
- Currently, UK imposes 8–12% duty on apparel and home textiles from India.
- The FTA will eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian goods, including textiles.
- To meet growing demand, new manufacturing capacities are expected to be added in 4–5 years
With zero tariffs and strategic capacity building, the FTA could unlock a new era of textile trade growth between India and the UK.
