AAPI: September 2025

DELHI, September 2025

Index of this Newsletter

INDIA

INDIA & THE WORLD

21. Rare Earth, Common Ground: India and China Realign amid US Tension
22. Renewed India–Poland Relations: A Historic Lecture at Gwalior's Scindia Research Centres
23. Rethinking the Ukraine Conflict: American Hegemony and the Rise of Multipolarity
24. DialogueNEXT 2025: Global Leaders Convene in New Delhi to Tackle Hunger Crisis
25. Modi Ishiba Summit India Japan Vision: India and Japan Unveil a Transformational Vision for the Indo-Pacific.

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DELHI, September 2025

NEWSLETTER, September 2025

INDIA

– GENERAL POLICY, INFRASTRUCTURES, COUNTRY FINANCES, ETC.

1. Revolutionizing Medical Education: AI and VR Transform Future Doctors in India

ETGov. 6 Sep. 2025

By integrating the timeless principles of teacher-led learning with the progressive potential of AI and VR, India can create an education ecosystem that is both rooted in its heritage and equipped for the future.

When Aarav, a first-year MBBS student, walked into his anatomy class, he expected the familiar setting of textbooks, chalkboards, and cadavers. Instead, his professor handed him a virtual reality headset.

Within moments, Aarav was no longer confined to static diagrams—he was exploring the chambers of the heart, tracing the flow of blood, and visualizing medical conditions in three dimensions. What once felt abstract had come alive, immersive and unforgettable. This was not science fiction but the new face of medical education in India, powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR).

Recently, at the convocation of the Central University of Tamil Nadu, Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu reminded us that “The National Education Policy brings together the best of tradition and modernity. In such a dynamic environment, those who can adapt and learn new skills will become leaders of change.” Nowhere is this vision more relevant than in healthcare education, where tradition, modernity, and innovation intersect with profound consequences for society.

For centuries, India has celebrated the teacher as the central figure of knowledge and wisdom. From the gurukul system to modern universities, educators have shaped generations not only through information but also through values and perspective. Today, this legacy encounters a new dimension: immersive learning environments where teachers retain their centrality but are empowered by tools that make abstract concepts concrete, complex skills repeatable, and learning measurable.

For students like Aarav, the transformation is life-changing. Instead of approaching their first patient with hesitation, they practice procedures dozens of times in safe, simulated settings, gaining confidence before entering a real clinical environment. Instead of grappling with purely theoretical knowledge, they experience medicine as lived practice—whether it is performing a central line insertion, conducting a laparoscopic procedure, or rehearsing emergency protocols.

Unlike earlier generations, they receive objective, AI-driven feedback on every movement and decision, ensuring that learning outcomes are precise and measurable. Most importantly, this progress is not confined to elite institutions. With scalable digital platforms, even students in smaller or rural colleges can now access the same quality of training as those in metropolitan centers, narrowing long-standing educational divides.

The story of this transformation is not about technology replacing teachers. On the contrary, it is about teachers becoming more effective guides, mentors, and role models. A professor with access to simulation tools is no less a teacher than one with chalk in hand; rather, they are a teacher whose capacity to explain, demonstrate, and inspire is amplified.

Mahatma Gandhi, who remained a lifelong learner of languages, scriptures, and skills as simple yet profound as spinning the charkha, showed us that education is a continuous journey. Today, teachers who embrace technology embody that same spirit of lifelong learning, setting an example for their students.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognizes this imperative. It emphasizes multidisciplinary, experiential, and technology-enabled learning, making it clear that the education system must evolve in step with the demands of the 21st century. By encouraging the integration of AI, VR, and other digital tools into curricula, NEP 2020 ensures that students are not passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in their own learning journey.

In the field of medical education, this alignment translates into something profoundly important: the creation of healthcare professionals who are not only well-informed but also practically competent, adaptable, and ready to meet the dynamic needs of society.

Globally, this shift is already underway. China, for example, has rapidly integrated AI and VR into its medical science education ecosystem. Virtual dissection labs, AI-assisted diagnostic training, and VR-based surgical simulations are being widely deployed in leading Chinese universities.

These technologies allow students to gain hands-on exposure to complex medical conditions at scale, reinforcing the principle that immersive learning reduces errors and enhances preparedness. For India, which is poised to expand its digital infrastructure and educational reforms, this offers both inspiration and urgency—highlighting the need to accelerate adoption to remain globally competitive.

The relevance of this transformation extends beyond individual careers. Better-trained doctors and nurses mean safer patients, reduced errors, and stronger public health systems. They also mean a generation of professionals who are confident, competent, and globally benchmarked in their skills. In a nation where healthcare access remains uneven, preparing students through cutting-edge training has implications for equity as much as excellence.

India is uniquely positioned to lead this change. With its rich tradition of valuing knowledge, its demographic dividend of young learners, and its ongoing digital transformation, the country has all the elements needed to become a global hub for medical education technology. By integrating the timeless principles of teacher-led learning with the progressive potential of AI and VR, India can create an education ecosystem that is both rooted in its heritage and equipped for the future.

On this Teachers’ Day, as we honor the mentors who shape the healers of tomorrow, we must reflect on how best to equip them. The task before us is not merely to celebrate teachers as custodians of tradition, but to empower them as architects of transformation. It is to ensure that every Aarav, no matter where he studies, can walk confidently into a future where learning is immersive, healthcare is safer, and education is truly without boundaries.

The story of Aarav is not just one student’s journey; it is a glimpse of what lies ahead when tradition and technology walk hand in hand, when policies like NEP 2020 support innovation with vision, and when teachers embrace the tools of tomorrow without letting go of the wisdom of the past. This is the promise of education that is innovation-driven, teacher-powered, and future-ready.

(The authors are Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and the CEO of a private enterprise; Views expressed are personal)

2. Bihar's Ambitious BIIPP-2025: A Game Changer for Global Investment and Job Creation

ETGov. 15 Sep. 2025

Bihar is entering a new phase of industrial transformation. With the launch of the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package 2025 (BIIPP-2025), the state has unveiled one of the most ambitious investment frameworks in the country—offering free or subsidised land, multiple models of financial incentives, and a target of creating one crore jobs in just five years.

At a time when global supply chains are diversifying and Indian states are competing for capital, Bihar wants to position itself as a serious investment destination.

To understand the vision behind this policy, the opportunities it opens, and the road ahead, Anoop Verma spoke with Mihir Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Bihar. In this conversation, he explains the economic and political imperatives driving BIIPP-2025, the reforms in land and incentives, and why he believes Bihar is today one of the most attractive states for investors in India.

Edited Excerpts:

What economic or political imperatives motivated the launch of BIIPP-2025 at this moment?

The Industrial Policy of 2016 did create some momentum, but the real push came after the pandemic. Suddenly there was a renewed focus on industries and on employment, and that is when we in the government felt it was necessary to move into what I call the second stage of Bihar’s industrial transformation. The government has set itself a very ambitious target of creating one crore jobs, and the Industries Department has to be at the heart of this effort.

If you look at Bihar’s strengths, the logic is quite clear. We have a young population, we have rich natural resources, and we occupy a strategic location in eastern India. The time has come to shift decisively from an agrarian economy to a more diversified industrial economy. There is also a unique global context right now. India is on a high-growth trajectory and global supply chains are diversifying.

Capital is looking for stable destinations, and Indian states are competing with each other to attract investment. We already have labour, resources, and infrastructure; what we need is capital. If we can bring that in, Bihar has the potential to grow rapidly. And finally, the most important reason is employment. We are consciously targeting industries that can create large-scale jobs—textiles, food processing, MSMEs, and large-scale manufacturing.

How does BIIPP-2025 build upon or differ from the earlier Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Policy 2016?

I would call this policy a 2.0 version of the earlier one. The 2016 policy laid the foundation, but we wanted to go further, to accelerate balanced development across districts and generate employment on a much larger scale.

One of the most important improvements is on land. Land has always been an entry barrier in Bihar. This time we have addressed it directly. If an investor puts in ₹100 crore and creates 1,000 direct jobs, we are ready to provide 10 acres of land free of cost. If the investment is ₹1,000 crore, the allotment can go up to 25 acres. We have also extended this benefit to Fortune 500 companies. For other investors, land will be made available at half the BIADA rates.

Another major difference is in the design of financial incentives. We have given three distinct choices to investors. Those who are in need of cheaper debt can opt for interest subvention combined with SGST reimbursement. Companies with very strong sales and a high GST outflow may prefer the option of GST reimbursement, which can go up to 300 percent of the project cost over 14 years. And then there are capital-intensive industries, such as those that require heavy machinery and infrastructure at the start. For them we have introduced a 30 percent capital subsidy.

Beyond this, the new package has doubled export subsidies from ₹20 lakh to ₹40 lakh a year, introduced employment-linked incentives, and made provision for common facility centres for industries. These are things the industry had long asked for, and we have now put them in place.

You mentioned the issue of land, which has always been a difficult issue in Bihar given the population density. How do you define “eligible industries” for free or discounted land, and how do you ensure transparency in allotment?

Land has historically been a sensitive subject in Bihar. But the state government has taken a proactive approach. About 15,000 acres of land have already been transferred or are in the process of acquisition for industrial use. This means every district will now have industrial areas earmarked, and the shortage of land will no longer be the constraint it once was.

The eligibility is linked directly to investment and employment. For example, ₹100 crore with 1,000 jobs entitles an investor to 10 acres of free land. If the investment is at the level of ₹1,000 crore, then 25 acres can be allotted. Fortune 500 companies are also eligible for ten acres. For others, as I said, the land will be provided at a fifty percent discount.

Just as important is the process. The entire allotment process is online and time-bound. Applications are made through the BIADA portal, and decisions are taken transparently. Investors can even join the meetings virtually and see how decisions are made. This ensures there is no room for favoritism. We wanted the process to be transparent and quick, and we have succeeded in creating that system.

Why did you design three distinct incentive models—interest subvention, GST reimbursement, and capital subsidy? How do investors choose among them?

The reason is that different industries have very different needs. A small or medium enterprise may struggle most with the cost of borrowing. For them, interest subvention and SGST reimbursement together bring down the effective cost of debt.

On the other hand, there are companies whose strength lies in their sales volume and who have to pay a high GST outflow. For them, the option of GST reimbursement—up to three times the project cost spread over 14 years—is very attractive. We have already seen in the past that industries such as cement or beverages, which face high GST rates, prefer this route.

Then there are capital-intensive industries, such as large manufacturing units. Their biggest hurdle is the upfront investment in machinery and infrastructure. For them, the capital subsidy makes the most sense. We advise industries about which model could suit them, but ultimately the choice rests with the investor, and they must make that decision at the time of application.

The policy sets an ambitious target of creating one crore jobs in five years. How do you plan to achieve this?

It is true that Bihar has historically been known as a source of migrant labour, both skilled and unskilled. Our aim now is to reverse that situation. The one crore jobs target is ambitious, but it is achievable because we are focusing on sectors that have high employment potential.

Textiles and apparel are obvious examples, as they can absorb large numbers of workers, particularly women. Food processing and agro-based industries are another focus, given Bihar’s agricultural base. We are also promoting engineering goods and electronics assembly, where we see real potential. And, of course, MSMEs will be central to this entire strategy.

In addition, we are putting emphasis on IT and IT-enabled services. Bihar has a young and well-educated population, many of whom study outside the state. With better infrastructure and opportunities, we expect a number of them to return. Exports will also play a role—our handicrafts, makhana, leather products, and even locomotives are already finding global buyers. Together, these initiatives will create the scale of employment we are aiming for.

How will the export incentives of ₹40 lakh per year be administered, and which sectors will be prioritized?

The subsidy is available across sectors, but in practical terms we expect it will be used most by textiles, food processing, handicrafts, and agro-products. Engineering goods too have potential. To give a concrete example, locomotives are being manufactured in Bihar and exported abroad. Traditional crafts such as Madhubani textiles also carry the Bihar brand globally, and they will benefit from this scheme.

What kind of support mechanisms are available for patent registration and quality certifications?

Innovation and quality are essential if our industries are to compete globally. To encourage this, we reimburse fifty percent of the expenses involved in filing patents, including attorney fees. Similarly, we cover half the cost of obtaining quality certifications like GMP, ISO, BIS, and others, with a ceiling to support small and medium enterprises. This gives them the confidence to go to international markets with recognized standards behind them.

The policy is valid until March 2026. Are there plans to extend it so that enterprises can make long-term commitments?

At this stage, the package is deliberately time-bound, ending on March 31, 2026. The idea is to give an early-mover advantage and create quick momentum. After that, it will depend on the new government and the results achieved by this policy. For now, my message to investors is clear: those who act early will benefit the most.

Finally, what message would you like to give to the industrial sector about BIIPP-2025?

I would say that Bihar today is one of the most promising investment destinations in the country. It is a hidden gem. Infrastructure is expanding rapidly—expressways, waterways, and logistics links are being built. Water resources are abundant, which is not the case in many other states. Our educational institutions are producing excellent talent, and our labour pool covers the full spectrum from unskilled to highly skilled.

Most importantly, the package we have put together is among the most attractive in India. It is transparent, time-bound, and designed to respond to what industry has been asking for. The bureaucracy is proactive and committed, and we are welcoming investors with open arms. My message to industry is simple: this is the right time to invest in Bihar.

3. Empowering Grassroots: The Role of Philanthropy in Achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047

ET Gov. 21 Aug. 2025

India’s aspirations of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047 are both ambitious and achievable.

As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, we stand at a critical juncture in our national journey, a moment to reflect, recommit, and reimagine what true development means.

The vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 is not just a policy goal, but a collective mission to build a developed, inclusive, and equitable India in the coming decades. This vision cannot rest on government action alone. It demands catalytic partnerships where the state, civil society, corporate sector, and philanthropy work as systems architects of change.

According to the India Philanthropy Report 2025, family philanthropy is rapidly becoming a driving force in national transformation. With nearly 40% of private philanthropy attributed to family-led giving through Ultra High Net Worth individuals, High Net-Worth Individuals, and family businesses, the sector holds a historic opportunity to shape India’s development narrative.

Through structured giving models, institutional collaborations, and professionalised approaches, Indian philanthropy can unlock systemic solutions at scale, supporting grassroots capacity, enabling frugal innovation, and advancing inclusive progress that addresses root cause, not just symptoms.

This spirit of collaborative philanthropy—strategic, sustained, and solutions-oriented will prove pivotal in realising the Viksit Bharat promise. As we embark on this new chapter, we must move beyond transactional charity toward investing in long-term development infrastructure especially in India’s rural and underserved regions where the need is greatest.

Forging a Path to Viksit Bharat through Collaborative Philanthropy

India’s aspirations of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047 are both ambitious and achievable. This goal, however, cannot rely solely on government policies or economic reforms. A crucial element in this transformation is a dynamic and robust philanthropic sector that not only supports but also accelerates sustainable social change. In the face of increasingly complex development challenges spanning loss of livelihoods, healthcare, education, and climate resilience, the need for innovative, collaborative, and long-lasting solutions is more urgent than ever.

The Heart of Sustainable Development

Capacity building encompasses comprehensive support systems that provide NGOs with essential skills, mentorship, training, and organisational development. Many grassroot organisations doing commendable community work remain underfunded, overburdened and unable to scale effectively.

True empowerment means equipping organisations with governance structures, financial management, strategic leadership and organizational resilience. By focusing on enhancing these foundational capabilities, we enable NGOs to become future-ready institutions, capable of sustaining impact, and adapting to evolving challenges.

The Multiplier Effect

Empowering grassroots organisations with capacity-building creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond their immediate programs. Strengthened NGOs are better equipped to engage with local communities, governments, and other stakeholders, expanding their impact across regions and sectors. These organisations grow in strength and resilience and become influential advocates for systemic change. Their ability to shape public discourse and influence policy is magnified, enabling them to drive transformation on a much larger scale.

The ripple effect of this empowerment underscores the long-term value of investing in the capacity of grassroots organisations. As these organisations grow stronger, their ability to innovate, adapt, and scale their operations is significantly enhanced. This creates a virtuous cycle where resilient NGOs are better positioned to secure additional funding, expand their reach, and deliver sustainable, transformative social change.

Collaborative Philanthropy: A Pillar for Progress

Today’s philanthropy transcends simple donations to embrace multi-stakeholder partnerships among corporations, government bodies, NGOs and communities. This shift recognises that deep-rooted social challenges require collective action, leveraging diverse strengths, expertise, and influence to devise innovative solutions and address systemic issues.

As India strives toward Viksit Bharat, empowering grassroots organisations becomes both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity for national development. Through collaborative models, India can harness collective power to address pressing socio-economic challenges and drive large-scale transformation.

Viksit Bharat: A Call to Embrace Collaborative Philanthropy

Viksit Bharat rests on skilled, empowered, and sustainable organisations that possess the purpose, resources, and capability to drive impactful change for the communities and causes that need it most. These organisations must foster independence and effectiveness, ensuring every citizen has equitable access to rights, resources, and opportunities across our diverse and complex nation. This approach will be the catalyst for the systemic shifts needed to achieve true national development.

India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat is intricately tied to the strength and resilience of its development sector. Collaborative philanthropy offers a clear and actionable blueprint for how the sector can evolve to address the challenges of today and tomorrow. This approach aligns with the "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" philosophy, reinforcing the idea that inclusive growth stems from empowering organisations to thrive independently, strengthening the broader ecosystem.

In the years to come, there is a need to inspire more stakeholders to embrace the transformative power of collaborative philanthropy. By moving beyond transactional charity and focusing on long-term capacity building, India’s philanthropic sector can create lasting impact, drive socio-economic transformation, and play a crucial role in realising the nation’s vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047.

(The author is an IPS officer; Views expressed are personal)

4. Bright Side Stories: How Bihar Engineer Helped 25,000 Farmers Earn Rs 100 Crore With Cash Crops

Newsable Asianet news, 31 Aug. 2025, Divya Danu

Farming remains the backbone of India, but most farmers earn very little despite hard work. The rising input costs and unstable crop prices reduce profit margins. At certain level, the government schemes help, but many farmers still struggle to make farming truly profitable. No wonder, Bihar's Prabhat Kumar received an advice from his farmer father: 'Son, do whatever you want to do in life, but never become a farmer'. Following those words, Prabhat studied engineering, co-founded a healthcare company, and travelled to more than 25 countries. He achieved success, met influential people and won awards. But no matter where he went, his Bihari roots were pointed out, often with mockery. People would remind him of Bihar's poor image, and most expected him never to return.

Those words left a deep impact. Prabhat realised that instead of chasing only personal success, he had a responsibility to change the narrative of his state. In 2015, he returned to his hometown in Gaya district and launched SumArth, a non-profit organisation to improve the lives of farmers, according to a report published in The Better India.

How Prabhat changed farmers' mindset

Farming in Bihar had become unprofitable to the extent that many of Prabhat's cousins and friends wanted to leave for cities to work as security guards, earning only Rs 5,000-10,000 a month. Staying in villages and farming did not seem worthwhile. But Prabhat believed that Bihar's soil had the same potential as anywhere else. He convinced a few farmers to try horticulture crops like onions, pomegranates and grapes. He even promised that if the experiment failed, he would personally help them get jobs in cities.

In 2015, he sent 10 farmers to Maharashtra to study modern farming methods. There, they saw a single farmer earning up to Rs 15 lakh from just one acre of land by growing horticulture crops. This was an eye-opener. They realised how limited their own practices were and returned with new hope.

The onion revolution

Back in Bihar, the farmers chose onions as their first new crop. Prabhat advised them to use just 10 percent of their land for this experiment. To support them, he invested in building a low-cost onion storage facility with cross ventilation. The results were remarkable. Farmers invested Rs 4 per kg on onions and sold them for Rs 10 per kg, earning Rs 1 lakh per acre of land. With storage facilities, they could keep onions for six months and sell them when prices were higher. For the first time, farmers saw their incomes double.

Introducing mushrooms for extra Income

The onion storage units were lying empty for half the year. To use the space, Prabhat introduced mushroom cultivation, which is grown in winter. This turned out to be another breakthrough. “Traditional farming involves recurring expenses for one-time income. Mushroom farming is the opposite, you invest once to procure the bags and then earn daily," explains Prabhat. Farmers started earning steady and recurring income, which was new for them.

Expanding to more cash crops

After onions and mushrooms, farmers were trained to grow seed corn, baby corn, and strawberries. These crops gave quick returns and better profits. Encouraged by the success, more farmers joined hands with SumArth. In 2023, Prabhat set up Gaya's largest crop processing unit, with the capacity to handle 10,000 kg of produce every day. This allowed farmers to increase the shelf life of perishable crops from just 24 hours to up to 24 months, reducing wastage and ensuring better prices, reports The Better India.

End-to-end support for farmers

Prabhat’s approach goes beyond just introducing crops. SumArth provides complete solutions, helping farmers procure quality inputs, training them in modern methods, teaching them about seed treatment to prevent diseases, and creating a marketplace to sell their produce. What started with just 10 farmers has now grown into a network of 25,000 farmers across 500 villages in six districts namely, Gaya, Jehanabad, Arwal, Aurangabad, Nawada and Nalanda. Collectively, these farmers have earned Rs 100 crore in the past 10 years, including Rs 23 crore in the last financial year alone.

While proud of the progress, Prabhat says his mission is far from complete. "It is satisfying to see farmers double their income, but I want to help them earn five times more. We can do this by processing crops into value-added products, just like in progressive states such as Maharashtra," he says.

From being told never to become a farmer to helping thousands of farmers rewrite their future, Prabhat Kumar’s journey is a story of resilience, vision, and hope. His work is not just transforming agriculture in Bihar but also changing the way people perceive the state.

5. Artificial Intelligence In Governance: Goa Government Introduces AI for Local Language Services

ETGov. 26 Aug. 2025

Goa government to use AI tools under Digital India Bhashini to offer services in Konkani and Marathi.

Getting government services in Konkani and Marathi could get easier in Goa. State govt has teamed up with the Centre's Digital India Bhashini division to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can translate and transcribe information in Konkani and Marathi.

If successful, people will soon be able to access govt documents, information about welfare schemes, healthcare data, or online applications in their mother tongue.

Under this new initiative, the Bhashini platform will be integrated into govt's digital services. It will offer features like translation, grammar and spell checkers, and even tools to help govt officials write in local languages. Over time, citizens will also be encouraged to contribute words and phrases, a process called 'Bhashadaan', to make the AI language model smarter and more accurate.

IT minister Rohan Khaunte, who signed the MoU, said that the focus is on making governance more inclusive.

The bigger goal is to build a strong AI ecosystem in Goa. The IT department plans to set up research hubs and encourage colleges, startups, and entrepreneurs to work on AI-based solutions for everyday problems, said Khaunte.

For rural Goa, the real change will be enabling people to engage with govt in the language people are most comfortable with. "We need to be committed to responsible AI. We must be mindful. AI must not widen the gap between those with access to technology and those without access," said the minister.

- Agriculture, Fishing and Rural Development

6. Gujarat tops in production and export of processed potatoes in India

The Hindu, 22 Aug. 2025

Production for 2024-25 season stands at 48.58 lakh tonnes, 25% of which was accounted by the processed potato segment

Farmer harvesting Red Potato, especially harvested for McCain French Fries at Deesa farm in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Gujarat recorded a total production of 48.59 lakh tonnes of potatoes in the 2024–25 season, which includes varieties cultivated for processing into French fries and wafers, officials said on Monday.

The State has emerged as the top producer of processed potatoes in India, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

The processed potato segment in Gujarat accounts for over 25% of the State’s total potato production. The remaining crop includes table varieties such as Kufri, which are commonly used in household cooking. Of the processed output, approximately 60% is used for wafer production and 40% for French fries.

“In 2004–2005, India produced less than 1 lakh tonnes of processed potatoes across 4,000 hectares. As of 2024–25, the production has risen to 11.50 lakh tonnes cultivated across 37,000 hectares. The increase reflects a tenfold rise in production and a ninefold increase in cultivation area,” officials said.

Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, and Aravalli are the leading districts in Gujarat for potato cultivation. In the 2024–25 season, these three districts together produced 38 lakh tonnes of potatoes over 1.19 lakh hectares, with an average productivity of 32.36 tonnes per hectare.

Banaskantha recorded the highest production with 18.70 lakh tonnes from 61,016 hectares at a productivity rate of 30.65 tonnes per hectare. In 2023–24, the district produced 15.62 lakh tonnes from 52,089 hectares, and in 2022–23, 15.79 lakh tonnes from 53,548 hectares.

“Sabarkantha followed with a production of 12.97 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, cultivated over 37,999 hectares with a productivity of 34.13 tonnes per hectare. Aravalli district produced 6.99 lakh tonnes from 20,515 hectares, with a productivity of 34.05 tonnes per hectare,” they said. 

Processing-grade potato varieties cultivated in Gujarat include Lady Rosetta, Kufri Chipsona, and Santana. These varieties are used by frozen food processors and quick-service restaurants and are also exported, particularly to Middle Eastern countries. The northern districts of Gujarat—Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, and Aravalli—are equipped with cold storage facilities that maintain the supply chain for processed potato products, officials said.

7. From Food Security to Growth Driver: Report Charts New Path for Indian Agriculture

Rural Voice, Aug. 20, 2025, R. Suryamurthy

The Twenty-Sixth Report on the “Roadmap for Indian Economic Growth in Light of Global Economic and Geopolitical Circumstances” describes agriculture as a key catalyst for growth

Agriculture, often described as the backbone of India’s economy, has been flagged as both a strength and a vulnerability in a new parliamentary report. The Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Bhartruhari Mahtab, has urged a careful rethink of farm-sector strategy, suggesting that while subsidies remain necessary for food security, the long-term focus must tilt towards investment in productivity and resilience.

The Twenty-Sixth Report on the “Roadmap for Indian Economic Growth in Light of Global Economic and Geopolitical Circumstances” describes agriculture as a key catalyst for growth. It commends the government’s new missions for pulses, cotton, fruits, vegetables, and high-yielding seeds, but cautions that incremental adjustments will not be enough to unlock the sector’s potential.

Harvest Gains Provide Breathing Space

Foodgrain production for 2024-25 is projected 6.5 percent higher than the previous year, supported by a robust rabi harvest and expanded summer sowing. Procurement has also been strong: 300 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat and 513.9 LMT of rice, taking combined grain stocks to 749 LMT—far exceeding the buffer requirement of 210 LMT.

With the India Meteorological Department forecasting above-normal rainfall, kharif prospects look bright, and inflationary pressures are expected to ease. The committee acknowledged these gains as a stabilising factor for the economy.

Yet, as Mahtab noted in the report’s introduction, India’s growth model must be anchored in resilience, not just favourable circumstances. “Agriculture cannot be left to muddle through on incremental adjustments,” he warned. “Without decisive investment, the sector risks being trapped between rising expectations and stagnant capacity.”

From Subsidy to Investment

The panel did not call for rolling back subsidies, recognising their role in ensuring food security through programmes such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and the “Bharat” brand distribution of essentials. However, it hinted at the limits of subsidy-heavy spending, stressing the importance of irrigation, storage, mechanisation, and seed technology to build lasting capacity.

The Budget 2025–26 initiatives—ranging from a six-year mission for pulses self-reliance to a five-year plan for cotton productivity—were cited as examples of how policy is beginning to move in this direction. The committee urged effective execution, tailored to local conditions, if these schemes are to succeed in raising rural incomes and reducing import dependence.

Integrating Agriculture with Broader Growth

The report situates agriculture firmly within the wider economic agenda. Food price stability, it argues, is critical to containing inflation, while rural prosperity is central to inclusive growth. Investments in cold chains, storage, and rural logistics are presented as necessary complements to crop-level reforms.

For Mahtab and his panel, the challenge is not to discard existing safety nets, but to gradually shift the balance. In their view, India’s agricultural future rests on careful sequencing: using today’s healthy harvests and grain buffers as an opportunity to lay down the foundations for tomorrow’s resilience.

A Cautious Path Ahead

The committee’s recommendations stop short of radical reform, but they do signal a change in tone. They suggest that India’s farm sector, long supported by subsidies, must now be strengthened by steady capital formation and climate-smart strategies.

With grain stocks secure and the monsoon outlook strong, the report frames the present as a rare window of opportunity. Whether policymakers seize it, as Mahtab warns, will determine whether agriculture emerges as a driver of growth—or remains a drag on India’s economic ambitions.

8. Smart Villages Maharashtra: Maharashtra to Develop 10 Smart Villages in Every Taluka, Says CM Fadnavis

ETGov. 26 Aug. 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday announced that 10 smart villages will be developed in every taluka of the state, equipped with advanced technology-based services in agriculture, health, education and other essential sectors.

Fadnavis was speaking at the launch of the country's first smart and intelligent village, Satanwari, in Nagpur district.

"Soon, 10 villages in every taluka of Maharashtra will be developed as 'smart' and 'intelligent'. In the first phase, nearly 3,500 villages will be transformed," he said.

The initiative has been implemented with the cooperation of the state government and Nagpur district administration in collaboration with Voice of Indian Communication Technology Enterprises (VOICE) and 24 Indian companies, stated a release from the Chief Minister's Office.

Through this initiative, Satanwari has become India's first Smart and Intelligent Village, equipped with modern technology-based services, it said.

Fadnavis said that the initiative is a revolutionary step to provide all essential facilities to villagers through technology.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, the BharatNet project was successfully implemented in villages across the country, and in Maharashtra, the MahaNet project followed, he said.

Now, with the help of Indian tech companies, villages will get access to 18 services, including telemedicine, smart education with AI, smart irrigation, drone-based pesticide and fertiliser spraying, banking services on wheels, and digital surveillance, Fadnavis said.

Farmers in Satanwari use drones and sensors for soil testing, spraying, and fertiliser management. Drinking water quality has improved, and health facilities are accessible through telemedicine.

"Satanwari will soon become a model village for the entire country," Fadnavis said, expressing hope that it would soon be recognised as one of India's most progressive villages.

Speaking on the occasion, State Revenue Minister and Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that following PM Modi's initiatives like smart cities and Digital India, Fadnavis has taken the ambitious decision to create smart and intelligent villages in Maharashtra.

9. Farmers’ Column | He lost his job in pandemic, and then pioneered teak revolution in Punjab

Indian Express, 31 Aug. 2025, Anju Agnihotri Chaba

Things looked bleak when Harwinder Singh Ghumman lost his job in the Covid-19 pandemic. The private firm where he worked, and which ran a teak nursery, had to shut shop. But soon, the very farmers he had once served began calling him directly for teak (sagwan) saplings.

“I realised, I already had the field experience and the farmer network. Instead of looking back, I decided to start my own nursery,” says Harwinder. With limited resources, the 49-year-old converted one kanal of land into a small nursery. “Today it has expanded to 5.5 kanal. I added 4.5 kanals to the nursery by purchasing the land from the income from the teak nursery itself. My brand ‘Vedic Hills’ is now known across Punjab and beyond”.

Once thought unsuitable for Punjab, teak is now proving a game-changer. At least 500 saplings can be planted in an acre — spaced 8x8 feet plant-to-plant and 10x10 feet row-to-row — at a cost of Rs 60,000 (Rs 50,000 for plants, Rs 10,000 on labour and other inputs). Annual maintenance comes to around Rs 10,000 for fertilizers, pruning, and anti-termite treatment. A 12-year-old tree can yield about 15 cubic feet of wood.

“When I started four years ago, teak’s rate was Rs 4,200 per cubic foot. Today, premium Red Burma teak fetches Rs 8,000–9,000 per cubic foot. Even if sold conservatively at Rs 2,000–3,000 per cubic foot, one tree will fetch Rs 30,000–45,000. From 500 trees on an acre, the income comes to Rs 1.5–2.5 crore in 12 years,” he says. In comparison, wheat and paddy together give only Rs 80,000–85,000 per acre per year. “The expenditure over 12 years on teak is not even Rs 2 lakh per acre,” says Harwinder.

A marginal farmer from Dhoot Kalan village in Hoshiarpur, Harwinder is a Class 10 graduate. Popularly known as “Dr Saab”, he now is recognised as a trailblazer in teak farming and nursery development.

Harwinder mainly works with Red Burma Teak (or Myanmar Teak), considered the king among varieties. “First, I procured around 5,000 plants from Bengaluru four years ago. These were developed in a tissue culture lab. Once they grew strong in my nursery, I sold most of them but kept some for further propagation,” he says.

Unlike many others, Harwinder does not have a tissue culture lab. Instead, he built cooling chambers (15x60 feet) and adopted cloning method, which ensures the new plant retains 100% of the mother plant’s features. Each chamber produces 4,000–5,000 plants per batch in 45 days. The saplings are then shifted to a green net house and then in open for hardening and later pruned when they reach 5–6 inches. “I repeat the pruning cycle 5–6 times over 12–18 months. By the time they are ready, the mortality rate is nearly zero. If tissue culture plants are directly planted in soil, mortality exceeds 50%,” he explains.

He calls it “an FD (fixed deposit) for farmers.” Small farmers, he says, can plant 150 saplings along the boundary of a one-acre field. “This will give them Rs 30 lakh to Rs 45 lakh in 12 years,” he adds.

Harwinder lists multiple varieties of teak — Jangli, MP, Assam, UP, Australian, Sudanese, Nigerian, and the Red Burma, which he favours. “Red Burma teak has six oil layers, the maximum among all types. Its shine improves with age, and its durability in seawater makes it the world’s most valuable wood. It is widely used in houses, furniture, and especially shipbuilding,” he says.

On cultivation, he explains: “Teak can be planted in all soil types except waterlogged areas. In sandy soils, irrigate weekly; in clay or loamy soils, monthly. No irrigation is needed in winters or monsoons. It can survive temperature ranging zero to 55 degrees. Use one-year-old cow dung manure, NPK, fungicides, and anti-termite treatment. The planting season is mid-February to August. Prepare 2x2 feet pits with manure and fungicide 10 days before planting. In the first three years, the tree gains height; in the next 7–9 years, it develops girth, reaching 36 inches diameter and 45–50 feet height.”

Intercropping is possible in the first two years. “Earlier it was believed teak matures in 35–40 years. Now, with modern techniques, it matures in nine years, though for best results one should wait 12 years. It is not a hard crop but it demands precision,” he says. Environmentally too, it is significant: “It consumes nearly 10 times more carbon dioxide than eucalyptus and poplar.”

From his 5.5 kanal nursery, Harwinder now sells about 20,000 plants annually. After deducting expenses of Rs 5–6 lakh, his net profit is Rs 14–15 lakh — a remarkable achievement. “So far, I’ve supplied 50,000 plants. I aim to reach one lakh plants annually in a few years,” he says.

His nursery provides employment to 5–6 people almost year-round. He has supplied saplings for large-scale plantations, including 12 acres near Susan Gurdwara in Bhogpur (5,000 trees), and even to NRIs. “One US-based NRI planted 500 teak saplings in Jalandhar through me,” he says, while adding that with plants we ensure that crop gets 100% results and provide all technical know-how and follow ups.

Today, not a single district in Punjab is untouched by his plants. Through his YouTube channel Vedic Hills, Harwinder also educates farmers on teak plantation, positioning himself as both a farmer-entrepreneur and a resource person.

At first glance, teak (Sagwan) may not seem to belong in Punjab’s fields. The state’s agricultural landscape has long been dominated by wheat, paddy, maize, sugarcane, and cotton. Teak, a high-value timber tree, is more often associated with tropical and coastal regions of Southeast Asia and some parts of India. Yet, in recent years, commercial teak farming has quietly taken root in Punjab. At the centre of this shift stands a farmer from a small village who turned an unconventional idea into a pioneering success story.

10. Kerala to bring ‘game changer’ Bill to legalise lease farming

Indian Express, 31 Aug. 2025, Shaju Philip

The Kerala government is all set to introduce a Bill to give legal sanctity to lease farming – a move that officials expect will be a game changer for a state where large tracts of land remain fallow.

According to officials, lease farming will give a big boost to agriculture start-ups, which need large tracts of land for hi-tech and scientific farming. Mechanisation of agriculture will also get a fillip once large tracts of land are available for commercial cultivation.

The official added: “Banks and financial lenders in Kerala have been demanding a legal stamp for tenant farming for better credit flow to the agriculture sector”.

Kerala, according to one official, has vast tracts of land due to various reasons – migration of youths, labour shortage and declining agricultural income.

Tenant farming is a system in which landowners lease out their land to those who don’t own them. The terms of lease farming include that a tenant pays the landowner for cultivating the land for a period agreed between them.

According to sources, the state currently has 1,03,334 hectares of fallow land, of which 49,420 ha are permanently fallow. The remaining 53,914 ha have been classified under ‘current fallow’, or lying unused in recent times.

“In Kerala, 35 percent of horticulture and vegetable production is through tenant farming, though such practices violate the provisions of Kerala Land Reforms Act. At present, tenant farming is done according to an agreement between a land owner and a tenant for a particular period. By legalising this contract, tenant farmers will be able to access bank loans, crop insurance and other benefits,” the official said, calling it a “win-win” for both sides.

In Kerala, discussions for such a law have been ongoing at various levels.

“Many expatriates have left their land fallow in Kerala as they cannot run the routine farm works. Aged farmers also find it difficult to keep farming going on. Once legal provisions for lease farming are in place, such people will be ready to hand over their land for lease farming even as the ownership on land remains intact,” one official said, adding that cultivable land is also available with various departments.

Kerala is introducing a Bill for tenant farming nine years after the NITI Aayog released the Model Land Leasing Act in 2016. It was meant to give a legal framework for lease farming. Subsequently, states such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Andhra Pradesh framed lease farming laws.

- Industry and Manufacture

11. India's Potential in the Global Data Centre Market: Opportunities and Challenges

ET Gov. 29 Aug. 2025

The proliferation of digital information in the 21st century has accelerated the demand for data storage and processing capabilities globally. As corporations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, the need for robust data infrastructure has become paramount.

Data centers, which are emerging at a fast rate, represent the foundational infrastructure that fuels many digital services that individuals, businesses, and governments rely on every day. This backbone of the digital economy is poised for significant growth as the demand for cloud computing and AI accelerates. Countries across the world are already seeing a surge in interest and investment from hyperscalers and colocation providers looking to build out data centers.

It is expected that by 2030, globally companies will invest almost $7 trillion in capital expenditures on data center infrastructure. More than $4 trillion of it will go toward computing hardware investments, with the balance going toward areas such as real estate and power infrastructure.

Among the countries vying for their share of this burgeoning market, India stands out as a promising contender for establishing data centres but presently, in the list of top 15 data centers, India has only one that too at the 12th position. China and USA share the top data centers while Europe register their presence with 3 data Centers in the list.Among the existing data centers, Google Data Center at Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA, costs the highest, its cost being over $5.5 bn.

A typical large data center (around 250,000 square feet, for example) can add up to 1,500 workers on-site during the construction phase, requiring a crew of site developers, equipment operators, construction workers, electricians, and technicians, many earning wages upward of Rs. 6,00,000 per year (not including overtime). Many of these jobs do not require a college degree.

For steady-state operations, more than 50 jobs can be created (for example, facility managers, engineers, technicians, and facility maintenance staff). Additionally, for every job inside a data center, an extra estimated 3.5 jobs are created in the surrounding economy (such as through upgrades to supporting infrastructure). However, it should be recognised that Data centres require large areas, guzzle high amounts of electricity, gulp enormous amounts of water and cost heavily.

The rise of AI uses and cloud computing has transformed how businesses manage their IT infrastructure. With organizations increasingly moving to the cloud, whether in public, private, or hybrid environments, the demand for data centers capable of hosting cloud services has boomed.

As per a report by Gartner, public cloud services in India are expected to grow significantly, creating immense opportunities for data centers that can support this shift. Geographically, India serves as an advantageous location for data centers catering to the Asia-Pacific region. Its time zone overlaps slightly with western countries while remaining distinct enough to provide international services round the clock. This geographical advantage aids in disaster recovery strategies and enhances global operations for multinational corporations.

Data centers are much more than being mere storage facilities; they are highly sophisticated environments equipped with servers, networking equipment, storage systems, and critical infrastructure for security, cooling, and power supply. India has a unique confluence of factors such as a vast digital consumer base, a burgeoning cloud computing market, and relatively low operational costs that make it an attractive destination for data center investment.

However, as with any significant undertaking, establishing data centers in India comes with its own set of challenges.

According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), India's internet user base surpassed 800 million this year. This rapid growth has created an unprecedented demand for data storage, management, and processing capabilities.

Though the digital transformation wave in India has led to increased data consumption fuelled by a growing number of internet users, smartphones, and affordable data plans, there is a big constraint in getting land and adequate power for Data Centers.

A draft National Data Centre Policy was proposed by MeitY which was circulated by the Government of India. This draft outlines a comprehensive strategy for scaling India’s data centre ecosystem. The key components include Data Centre Parks which are designated secure zones with pre-built infrastructure like roads, power, water, and connectivity that will have Infrastructure Status enabling long-term, low-interest financing for the sector.

The center will have time-bound, Single-Window Clearances which should result in streamlined approvals to accelerate setup. The draft policy provides for Data Centre Economic Zones (DCEZs), i.e. the Central scheme will cater to at least four nationwide zones clustering hyperscale centers, cloud providers, IT firms, and R&D units. The power is stipulated to be provided by Green Power sources encouraging on-site renewable generation to mitigate power consumption concerns avoiding grid requirements.

The data centers, which will be functioning under ESMA, to ensure operational continuity in crises having a Make-in-India Push by incentivizing local manufacturing and MSME/start-up participation in the equipment ecosystem. The skilled manpower will be developed in collaboration between MeitY, MSDE, and academia to man these data centers. In addition to the Central Government, the State Governments, too, are creating their own Data Center policy and are vying for investment in Data Centers.

As of now, 100% FDI is permitted in data centre operations, except for entities from restricted countries; they require prior approval from the government. The 2020 Other Service Provider (OSP) guidelines no longer require registration for pure data centres; only voice-based BPOs are covered under it. Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023) is not data-centre specific but data centres serving as processors must comply with this law particularly around cross-border transfers, security safeguards, and breach reporting.

National Cyber Security Policy (2013) mandates adherence to cybersecurity standards, incident response, and resilience for critical infrastructure including data centres. TRAI Recommendations (2022) advocates for unified licensing, infrastructure status, DCEZs, and a national policy to streamline the ecosystem. Data centres must comply with environmental clearances, BEE energy norms, local building codes, fire and safety regulations, and green building standards.

The Indian government has increasingly recognized the importance of data centers for economic growth. Their initiatives like "Digital India" and "Make in India" aim to promote investment and development in technology infrastructure. Furthermore, the introduction of favourable policies, tax incentives, and easing of foreign direct investment (FDI) norms has enhanced interest among investors.

India’s policy landscape for data centres is rapidly evolving; it has moved from national blueprints (2020 Draft Policy) to infrastructure recognition (2022), and state-level incentive programs (2021–2025). The key priorities include streamlining approvals, ensuring energy-efficient and secure operations, supporting start-ups/AI capacity, and reconciling central and state incentives.

The government’s move toward standardisation through certifications signals growing strategic focus, although the industry emphasizes the need for flexibility and alignment with global benchmarks.

The U.S. has imposed effective duties on many Indian exports to ~50% (after an additional 25% layer), effective Aug 27, 2025 which may result in devaluation of Indian Rupee that in turn will increase the cost of Data Centres in India as India still imports most servers/storage (HS 8471), DC capex (IT kit, electricals like UPS/PDUs, some switchgear) from US companies.

The tariff may not hurt much (except exchange rate) but if Trump further escalates the trade war and imposes restrictions on export of such goods, Indian businesses, especially IT sector will suffer and the journey of Digital India will decelerate.

(The author is Former CEO, SIL, presently Distinguished Professor, FSM; Views expressed are personal)

12. Transforming IPOs in India: SEBI's Revolutionary Pre-IPO Trading Platform

ETGov. 8 Sep. 2025

SEBI's plan to introduce a regulated pre-IPO trading platform is a bold and progressive step towards modernizing India's capital markets.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), is mulling a transformative move that could reshape the Indian Initial Public Offering (IPO) landscape. In a bid to enhance transparency, protect investors, and streamline the price discovery process, SEBI is exploring the introduction of a regulated platform for pre-IPO trading.

This initiative, if implemented, would provide an official, transparent alternative to the currently unregulated grey market, which has long been the only avenue for investors to trade shares of companies before they list on public exchanges. Given the significance of this move, we examined its potential benefits and the significant impact it could have on companies, investors, and the Indian market as a whole.

What is it? At its core, a regulated pre-IPO trading platform would be a formal, official venue for the trading of shares of unlisted companies that are on the verge of launching an IPO. Unlike the informal and opaque grey market, which operates on word-of-mouth and private agreements, this platform would be governed by SEBI's rules and regulations. It would require companies to make necessary disclosures, ensuring investors have access to crucial information before making a trade.

The proposed platform would likely operate on a pilot basis, initially targeting a specific window of time i.e., the period between the closure of an IPO subscription and the official listing of the shares. This is precisely the time when the grey market premium (GMP) currently thrives, often without any formal safeguards or accountability. A regulated platform would bring this activity under the formal purview of the law, with all transactions executed through demat accounts and supervised by the regulator.

Why is SEBI pushing for this change? SEBI's move is a direct response to the rapid growth of India's IPO market and the associated challenges. The regulator has identified several key issues that this new platform aims to address. Firstly, it seeks to enhance investor protection and transparency. The grey market is a high-risk environment, lacking a formal grievance redressal mechanism and susceptible to fraud.

A regulated platform would mandate disclosures and provide a layer of security that is currently absent. Secondly, it aims to address the opaque grey market. This market operates in a regulatory vacuum, and regulating this segment would not only provide a safer trading environment but also help the government collect its fair share of taxes. Thirdly, the platform would facilitate better price discovery. Instead of relying on the unverified ‘grey market premium’ prices would be determined by actual demand and supply in a regulated environment.

This would give both the company and investors a more realistic understanding of the share's value. Finally, it serves to create a solid foundation for capital formation by broadening market participation and allowing pre-IPO companies to tap into a wider pool of investors.

The benefits: The introduction of a regulated pre-IPO trading platform would bring a host of advantages for various market participants. For investors, the primary beneficiary, it would provide a transparent and secure way to trade pre-IPO shares, significantly reducing the risks of fraud and non-delivery. With mandated disclosures, investors would be better equipped to make informed decisions.

This would also open up a new investment avenue for a wider range of investors. For companies, a regulated platform could serve as a valuable tool for gauging market interest and validating their valuation before the IPO. It could also provide an opportunity for existing shareholders, such as employees and early-stage investors, to partially monetize their holdings in a transparent manner.

Furthermore, a successful pre-listing trading phase could generate positive momentum and investor confidence leading up to the IPO. The overall market would benefit from increased transparency and reduced systemic risk, as the formalization of a previously unregulated segment would bring order and discipline.

Way forward: While the plan is a welcome step, its implementation would require careful consideration of several potential impacts and challenges. One major impact is the potential for reduced IPO volatility. By allowing a controlled pre-listing price discovery, the platform could help reduce the extreme price swings often seen on an IPO's listing day.

Over time, a regulated and reliable alternative could lead to the eventual abolition of the grey market, which would be a significant win for investor protection. The formalization of trades would also ensure that they are properly taxed, leading to increased revenue for the government. However, challenges remain. SEBI would need to carefully define the rules, including eligibility criteria and disclosure requirements.

There is also a risk of information asymmetry between large institutional investors and retail participants. The creation of a new trading platform would also require significant operational and technological infrastructure. Lastly, even with regulation, the platform could still be prone to speculation, and the regulator would need to implement measures to curb excessive activity and ensure the platform serves its primary purpose of orderly price discovery.

SEBI's plan to introduce a regulated pre-IPO trading platform is a bold and progressive step towards modernizing India's capital markets. It reflects the regulator's commitment to adapting to market dynamics while keeping investor protection at the forefront. By providing a transparent and secure alternative to the grey market, this initiative has the potential to fundamentally change how IPOs are perceived and traded in India.

If successful, it could usher in a new era of trust and efficiency, strengthening the foundation of the Indian capital market and attracting a new generation of investors.

(Saravanan is a professor of finance and accounting at IIM Tiruchirappalli and Williams is the Head of India at Sernova Financial; Views expressed are personal)

13. DRDO Empowering MSMEs for Defence R&D in Uttar Pradesh

ETGov. 8 Sept. 2025

DRDO's Defence Technology and Test Centre (DTTC), Lucknow, conducted a conclave at Amausi Campus to apprise and collaborate with MSMEs and start-ups for Defence R&D and production to further develop the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, according to a release by the Ministry of Defence on Saturday.

More than 100 participants from various MSMEs, Start-Ups, and Laghu Udhyog Bharti deliberated on aspects of Skill Development, Funding for R&D, Technical Consultancy, and technology development and transfer by DRDO.

In his inaugural address, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat described the DTTC as a brainchild of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, which is today bearing fruit for the benefit of industries, the release stated.

He informed the MSMEs about various technologies & industry-centric policies relevant to them. He said that it is the opportune time for MSMEs to engage in Defence R&D. He assured that DRDO will provide all possible support to MSMEs to make the nation Aatmanirbhar Bharat, leading to Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Defence Minister has complimented DRDO and the MSMEs for organising the conclave and appreciated the important role played by MSMEs to realise Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the release said.

The dignitaries who attended the event include DG (Naval Systems & Materials) RV Hara Prasad; DG (Technology Management) LC Mangal and DG (Human Resources) Mayank Dwivedi, the release added.

14. India's Semiconductor Mission 2.0: Government to Fast-Track Approval and Double Financial Outlay

ETGov. 9 Sep. 2025

The government is planning to fast track approval of the next iteration of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM 2.0) with a cabinet note expected to be tabled by the end of October, government officials and industry executives said.

ISM 2.0 is likely to broaden the scheme's support to include compound semiconductor fabs, advanced packaging, display fabs, capital equipment manufacturing, specialised chemicals & gas suppliers and fabless design companies, covering the entire semiconductor value chain, they said.

The industry has requested the government to double the financial outlay for the next iteration to $20 billion (about ₹1.76 lakh crore) to attract more projects. The outlay has not been finalised yet, with the government expected to undertake more stakeholder consultation to gauge interest from the industry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a roundtable discussion with global semiconductor industry executives at the recently-concluded Semicon 2025 where the industry gave feedback on the ongoing projects and provided their inputs for the next iteration.

"The government has committed to fast track the approval for the ISM 2.0 scheme during the recent roundtable. The industry has sought substantially higher financial support, almost double the outlay compared to the previous scheme," an executive present in the discussions told ET.

Government officials said that while the outlay has not been finalised, it is likely to exceed the previous outlay just to match the $10 billion figure under ISM 1.0, because the rupee has now further depreciated against the dollar.

Due to the broader scope, the incentives under the scheme will vary for each category, with the highest subsidies reserved for those setting up fabrication units for silicon wafers, while compound semiconductor units, which are relatively less capital intensive, will receive lesser subsidies, officials said. A portion of the outlay will also be earmarked for fabless semiconductor designs and MSMEs, officials said.

"The scheme is in its final stages of being drafted and a cabinet note is expected to go to the union cabinet for approval by the end of October, with applications expected by the end of the year," a government official told ET, asking not to be named.

Industry executives said projects which have been approved under ISM 1.0 will now look to set up a local supply chain to procure materials, chemicals and gases locally, in a bid to compete in the global markets.

"We are trying to bring our overseas suppliers for necessary materials like chemicals and gases to India. The goal is to have local suppliers who can provide quick support, which is crucial for reacting to customer demand and reducing long turnaround times," an executive in charge of procurement and supply chain for a semiconductor manufacturer told ET on condition of anonymity.

15. E20 Fuel: Gadkari pitches for additional discount to vehicle buyers submitting scrappage certificate

ETGov. 12 Sep. 2025

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday urged the automobile industry to consider offering additional discounts to customers who submit a scrappage certificate while buying a new vehicle.

The Road Transport and Highway Minister also said that he has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to give GST relief to those buying a new vehicle after scrapping their old vehicle.

The minister also hit back at the campaign against the E20 fuel (20 per cent ethanol blended petrol), saying the campaign was politically motivated against him.

"This social media campaign was a paid campaign. It was against ethanol, and it was to target me politically," he said, speaking here at the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Opposition Congress recently levelled conflict of interest allegations against Gadkari, claiming that he has been "aggressively lobbying" for ethanol production while his two sons are involved in firms that produce ethanol and "benefited" from the government policy.

On the vehicle scrappage policy, Gadkari said it was a "win-win" for both industry and the government, as this could help the private sector also with the availability of scrap metals, which are imported.

The automobile industry is "still not fully listening to me" on this, the minister said, adding that it is for the benefit of the industry.

"If you will give some discount to those who will scrap the vehicle, to buy a new vehicle, then your turnover will increase a lot," he said, adding, "The government will also get GST. And the pollution of the country will be reduced. So you should definitely contribute to this."

The minister asked the industry to consider offering "good discounts" to those buying a new vehicle after submitting a scrap certificate of the old vehicle.

He said that at present, an average of 16,830 vehicles are being scrapped monthly, and the private sector has invested ₹2,700 crore.

"The steel scrap that we import into our country is 60 lakh tonnes. And apart from this, the very important metals, due to which there is a shortage, which you have to bring from outside, can also get from scrapping," he said.

Gadkari added that only 6 per cent of aluminium has been made available through imports.

"If all vehicles are scrapped, then through GST, the new additional vehicles that people will buy will benefit the state governments and the Indian government by ₹40,000 crore," he said.

The automobile industry will also benefit from the additional demand which will be created after scrapping.

"So, looking at both these win-win situations, if you support the scrapping certificate in some of the incentives, then I think it will take our country and this industry forward, and your production cost will be reduced," he said.

Moreover, scraps will be recycled, creating 70 lakh additional jobs. Through scraps, metals such as steel, lead, aluminium, platinum, palladium, etc, will be obtained from it.

Further, Gadkari said he has requested the Prime Minister to provide some GST relief to those consumers who buy a new vehicle after getting their old vehicle scrapped.

"A day before yesterday, I requested the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister to increase scrapping, vehicles that will be scrapped, and new vehicles will be bought, so we can think about GST (reduction). So think about it. We have also put this in front of the Finance Minister," he said.

On concerns about ethanol-mixed E20 fuel expressed by experts and consumers, the minister said there is no truth in it and everything has been clarified. Ethanol helps cut imports, and is cost-effective, pollution-free and indigenous, he added.

"Farmers will benefit by ₹45,000 crore. Our agricultural growth rate is very low. So, this diversification of agriculture towards the energy and power sector is not wrong for the benefit of farmers," said Gadkari.

On air pollution from vehicle emissions, he said India, which directly jumped from BS IV to BS V, will maintain its "global alignment for adoption of BS7 norms".

"We will go along with the international standards - the European standards. We will not go beyond that," he said.

He also raised his concerns over road safety and said there are 5 lakh accidents and 1.8 lakh deaths, in which 66 per cent are from the 18-34 age group.

According to the minister, the auto industry has benefited a lot from the reduction of duty in the recent GST rationalisation and assured support to the industry.

"The Indian auto industry has now become number 3 in terms of size, and I believe in the capability of all of you, that if all of us work together, then we can go to number 1 in the world in the automobile sector," he added.

- Services (Education, Healthcare, IT, R&D, Tourism, etc.)

16. Every disease can be treated for free with the Ayushman card. Know what the rules are in the scheme

Newspoint, 31 Aug. 2025

Every disease can be treated for free with the Ayushman card. Know what the rules are in the scheme

Ayushman Bharat Yojana helps a lot in the treatment of serious diseases. It provides a cover of up to Rs 5 lakh treatment. Many people have a question in their mind that does it treat all diseases?

Health is the most important part of every person's life. A lot of people spend a lot of money on diseases. That's why people already carry health insurance. So that there is no burden on the pocket. But many people do not have money for health insurance. For these poor needy people, the government runs Ayushman Yojana. Which can give people relief from the worry of treatment.

Will every disease be treated with Ayushman card?

Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, eligible families of the country are given annual health insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh. The biggest question in people's minds about the Ayushman Bharat card is whether every disease will be treated for free with it. Can cardholders get treatment for all serious diseases and major operations for free?

So let us tell you that this card does not cover the treatment of every small or big disease. Only some special diseases and procedures have been included in the list. While some have been excluded. In such a situation, it is important that people first know about its guidelines and the included diseases whether they are treated under the scheme or not.

These diseases are treated

Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, many serious diseases can be treated for free. This includes heart disease, cancer, neurological diseases, kidney and urinary problems, liver and stomach diseases, respiratory problems, bone and joint problems.

Apart from this, gynecological and obstetric services, children's diseases, infectious diseases, hormonal and metabolic diseases and mental health problems are also covered in it. In this way, this scheme gives great relief to the patients and makes the treatment of serious diseases easier by saving them from financial burden.

17. Cameroon’s Fish Farming Revolution: AfDB-Backed Project Boosts Production, Innovation and Livelihoods

Team RuralVoice Sep 8, 2025

Fish farming in Cameroon is undergoing a transformation through the AfDB-financed Livestock and Fish Farming Value Chain Development Project (PD-CVEP). By introducing improved African catfish broodstock, training 280 farmers, and upgrading markets, the initiative aims to raise fish production by 10,000 tons by 2027, reduce imports, and empower women and youth, creating a sustainable aquaculture ecosystem.

Along the coast and in south-western regions of Cameroon, fish ponds have become not only centres of production but also hubs of opportunity and economic transformation. A new dynamic is bringing hope to fish farmers, including young people and women, thanks to the Livestock and Fish Farming Value Chain Development Project (PD-CVEP in the French acronym), financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to the tune of 84 million euros and implemented by Cameroon’s Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries.

This transformation has been driven by a strain of the African catfish (clarias), which has the advantages of rapid growth, low fat content, and low mortality. The strain was developed by Cameroon’s Agricultural Research Institute for Development. The fish are superior to earlier varieties in several ways: they reach a harvest weight of 350–500 grammes in just five to six months, compared to eight or nine months for earlier strains; the fry have a survival rate of 80 to 85%, compared to around 60% previously; and each female can produce 15,000 to 20,000 fry per cycle, with up to three cycles per year.

A total of 2,600 broodstock fish were delivered to 50 hatcheries selected for the pre-extension phase of the Project. The aim is to improve the genetic quality of the fish, strengthen the autonomy of fish farmers, and respond to food security challenges.

The pilot hatcheries have used the broodstock to produce and sell more than 115,000 fry since October 2024, mainly to be grown to full size. Results in the pre-extension phase have been very encouraging. Most of the hatcheries have reported satisfactory performance. Some of the broodstock, which were still immature when received, required a period of about three months for further growth, which was incorporated into the production schedule.

“The support given by the Project is encouraging us to go further. We have real motivation to continue what we’ve started. We thank all the partners who have made this progress possible. Today, I feel better equipped to make a profit from fish farming,” says Fanta Njifondjou Oumarou, a woman fish farmer in Limbé, a coastal town in north-western Cameroon.

The project goes far beyond the provision of broodstock. It is part of an integrated vision for the development of fish farming. A total of 280 fish farmers from different regions of Cameroon have received comprehensive training in all aspects of the value chain, from floating cage farming to reproduction, hatchery management, aquaculture feed, and business management. The aim is to strengthen the technical capacities of stakeholders, their economic resilience, and the quality of products offered on the local market.

The strategic objective of the Livestock and Fish Farming Value Chain Development Project is to increase annual national fish production by 10,000 tons by 2027, reducing dependence on imports and improving food security. To achieve this ambition, an AfDB mission in April 2025 recommended accelerating the supply of improved clarias and tilapia broodstock to enrich the gene pool. A total of 15,000 broodstock (12,000 clarias and 3,000 tilapia) are to be delivered under an agreement signed with the Agricultural Research Institute for Development.

A tripartite system involving the Institute, the Project, and the Ministry works closely with regional fish farming associations to ensure rigorous monitoring of the use and performance of broodstock. Quarterly technical reports, supported by a digital data collection system, enable monitoring of production levels, beneficiary satisfaction, and training effectiveness.

“We have received certified broodstock with very good yields. These are reliable strains that grow faster and avoid many of the problems associated with the irregularity and lack of traceability of the old strains. This will transform our production,” explains Hermine Kemedeu Tchuileu, a beneficiary based in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital.

Market demand is also undergoing a transformation. Market traders and restaurants appreciate the improved quality and taste of the fish produced from the new clarias broodstock.

“The flesh stays firm after grilling because it contains less fat than older strains. The flavour appeals to customers and my income has increased significantly,” says Ms. Moukoudi Mbappé Dolie, who sells grilled fish in Douala.

A field visit to the Deïdo and Dakar markets in Douala highlighted the difficult working conditions of fishmongers in Cameroon. This led to the inclusion in the Project of an upgrading plan for sales facilities, including the installation of hygienic counters, access to ice and running water, and proper security.

“The project gives us hope. Working in better conditions isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Clean and secure counters will help us to preserve the fish better and to sell with dignity,” says Marthe Epoko, a vendor at the Deïdo market.

In the longer term, ongoing improvements to fish farms in Bamenda, Yaoundé, and Foumban will significantly strengthen the national supply of quality fish fry. These regional hubs will become strategic supply centres for hundreds of fish farmers across the country.

As can be seen, the PD-CVEP is more than a one-off support project. It is a genuine local development ecosystem, rooted in resilience, training, innovation, and inclusion. It is fully in line with Cameroon’s national policy for rural transformation.

“We will provide close support to the beneficiary hatcheries. It is essential that traceability, broodstock performance, and the quality of the fry are guaranteed. This project is crucial for the future of our aquaculture sector,” emphasizes Victor Viban Banah, regional delegate of the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries for Cameroon’s coastal region.

(Disclaimer: This article has been distributed by the APO Group. Rural Voice publishes it in good faith and for informational purposes only. Rural Voice does not verify the accuracy of the content and shall not be held liable for any errors, omissions, or misrepresentations contained herein.)

18. Data Exclusivity: A Threat to India's Patent System and Public Health

ET Gov. 26 Aug. 2025

For India, the answer must be clear. Public health is not negotiable.

In recent free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations—whether with the United Kingdom, or in ongoing discussions with Switzerland and others—a recurring demand has surfaced under pressure from multinational corporations (MNCs), particularly in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors.

These lobbies seek to dilute India’s patent regime by introducing data exclusivity, a concept India has so far resisted. Disturbingly, there are signals from official circles that the government may be considering concessions. Such a move, if realized, would erode the balance carefully built into India’s patent system and place public health, domestic industry, and national sovereignty at risk.

India’s Patent System: A Delicate Balance

India’s patent law, even after its TRIPS-compliant amendments in 2005, is regarded globally as a model of balance: it encourages innovation while safeguarding affordable access to essential medicines.

Provisions such as Section 3(d)—which prevents the “evergreening” of trivial modifications to old drugs—along with compulsory licensing and the absence of data exclusivity, have protected both public health and industrial growth. These safeguards, painstakingly built through bipartisan consensus, embody India’s commitment to its citizens and to the developing world.

Yet, developed countries and their corporations continue to demand that India rewrite its patent law and adopt data exclusivity. To understand why this is so damaging, one must first grasp what data exclusivity entails.

What Does Data Exclusivity Mean?

Data exclusivity grants originator companies exclusive rights over the clinical trial data submitted to regulators for marketing approval of drugs. In practice, this means that even after a patent expires, generic manufacturers cannot rely on that data for a fixed period—usually 5 to 10 years. They would either have to wait or repeat the trials themselves, an ethically questionable and prohibitively expensive process.

Thus, data exclusivity is nothing less than a second monopoly layered upon the first, extending market exclusivity far beyond the 20-year patent term. For patients, this translates into prolonged high prices; for generic manufacturers, delayed entry into the market.

Why India Must Resist

India is celebrated as the “pharmacy of the developing world.” From HIV/AIDS drugs in Africa to affordable cancer therapies across Asia and Latin America, Indian generics have been lifelines. Allowing data exclusivity would jeopardize this role. As the Prime Minister often speaks of Atmanirbhar Bharat, it is worth recalling that self-reliance is impossible if India’s ability to supply affordable medicines is compromised.

The costs are not abstract. Delaying generics keeps essential drugs beyond the reach of millions of patients in India and abroad. It also threatens the introduction of biosimilars, a promising class of medicines crucial for treating non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes.

The Case Against Data Exclusivity

Erosion of Access and Affordability: Patent terms already last two decades. Adding a further shield of exclusivity effectively extends monopoly pricing and delays affordable access. This is directly at odds with the constitutional mandate to protect public health.

Harming Domestic Industry: India’s generic and chemical industries—comprising thousands of small and medium enterprises—depend on timely entry after patent expiry. Data exclusivity would increase costs, weaken competitiveness, and diminish India’s export strength.

Evergreening by Another Name: Even if patents are rejected or lapse, companies could invoke exclusivity over regulatory data to block generics. This is a backdoor route to evergreening.

Ethical Concerns: Forcing generics to repeat clinical trials is scientifically unnecessary and ethically indefensible. It exposes human participants to risks for results already established.

Strain on Public Finances: Government schemes such as Jan Aushadhi and Ayushman Bharat rely heavily on affordable procurement. If generics are delayed, public funds will be diverted to overpriced drugs, straining an already stretched health budget.

Strategic Dependence: Strengthening the monopoly of foreign MNCs risks turning India into a net importer of high-cost medicines. This undermines Atmanirbhar Bharat and weakens national sovereignty.

The Global Context

It is worth recalling that TRIPS does not mandate data exclusivity. It requires only protection against “unfair commercial use” of data. Data exclusivity, therefore, is a TRIPS-plus provision—a demand advanced countries insert into FTAs to expand corporate privilege. Accepting it is neither a legal necessity nor a strategic imperative; it would be, quite simply, a policy surrender.

The evidence from countries that have adopted data exclusivity is sobering. The United States and European Union, both of which enforce such provisions, face notoriously high drug prices that burden both households and public treasuries.

In contrast, countries like Brazil, South Africa, and Thailand have resisted such demands, prioritizing public health. India too has historically led the developing world in rejecting TRIPS-plus obligations, safeguarding not only its own citizens but also millions globally who depend on Indian medicines.

National Interest at Stake

Advocates of data exclusivity argue that it will attract foreign investment in research and development. Yet no empirical evidence supports this claim. On the contrary, by raising entry barriers for domestic firms, it discourages indigenous R&D and entrenches dependence on costly imported medicines.

India’s patent system is globally respected for its equilibrium between innovation and access. Diluting it by introducing data exclusivity would serve foreign corporations, not Indian patients or domestic industry. It would weaken India’s status as the pharmacy of the developing world, increase dependency on multinational suppliers, and compromise our ability to safeguard public health.

Public Health First

In the end, the debate on data exclusivity is not a legal technicality—it is a question of national priorities. Do we side with corporate monopolies, or with the millions who depend on affordable medicines? Do we weaken our domestic industry, or strengthen its ability to innovate and compete? Do we align with TRIPS-plus pressures, or uphold our sovereignty and our constitutional duty to protect health?

For India, the answer must be clear. Public health is not negotiable. The patent system we have is the outcome of careful deliberation and hard-won consensus. To dilute it now would endanger lives, burden the economy, and compromise the nation’s independence.

If India is to remain true to its role as the pharmacy of the developing world, the principle must be simple and unwavering: innovation yes, monopolies no; access yes, exploitation no. Data exclusivity must be rejected—firmly, decisively, and in the national interest.

(The author is Former Professor, PGDAV College; Views expressed are

19. IIT Roorkee scientists reveal how this common herb could defeat world’s most dangerous superbugs & enhance antibiotic power

ET, 23 Aug. 2025

IIT Roorkee scientists reveal how this common herb could defeat world’s most dangerous superbugs & enhance antibiotic power

A research team at IIT Roorkee has found that a natural compound called thymol may help weaken stubborn superbugs and improve the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Thymol is a plant-based substance commonly found in thyme. The study suggests it can target persister cells, bacteria that survive treatment and cause long-lasting infections, especially in Acinetobacter baumannii. This bacterium is known for causing persistent and chronic infections in hospitals.

Thymol produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that stress and weaken bacteria. It also blocks bacterial efflux pumps, which can help antibiotics like meropenem work better.

While these findings are encouraging, more research and clinical trials are needed to confirm thymol’s use in real medical treatments.

Professor K.K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, said, “Antimicrobial resistance is a major global problem. This study shows how natural compounds could help overcome persistent infections. It reflects our commitment to research that tackles important health challenges.”

The next stage of research will focus on improving the thymol and meropenem combination and testing its potential through further studies.

If successful in clinical trials, this approach could become a new weapon against antibiotic-resistant infections, the team said.

Inputs from agencies

20. Reclaiming our leadership in safe drugs

Financial Express, 23 Aug. 2025,

India has long been celebrated as the “pharmacy of the World” We supply over 60% of global vaccine demand, 40% of generic medicines to the US, and 25% of all medicines to the UK. More than 200 countries import Indian pharmaceuticals. Our affordable, high-quality medicines have saved millions of lives across the globe, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to essential drugs would otherwise remain a distant dream. Within India too, this industry has played a pivotal role in ensuring affordable medicines for our vast population, contributing to the success of initiatives like Jan Aushadhi and Ayushman Bharat.

This is not a minor regulatory issue, but a public health emergency. Behind these statistics lie real human tragedies—cancer patients receiving ineffective chemotherapy, children dying from contaminated cough syrups, and families ruined by prolonged illness and misdiagnosis. Last year, international headlines linked Indian-made cough syrups to the deaths of dozens of children in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon, triggering global concern and undermining India’s pharmaceutical credibility.

These fake drugs not only fail to cure, they cause direct harm. They accelerate the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance, making routine infections harder to treat. They compromise treatment for chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart conditions. Most insidiously, they erode the trust patients place in the healthcare system, a trust that is difficult to rebuild once broken.

(By Indu Bhushan, Senior associate, Johns Hopkins University, and founding (ex) CEO, Ayushman Bharat)

India and the World

21. Rare Earth, Common Ground: India and China Realign amid US Tension

ET, 20 Aug. 2025

China has lifted restrictions on the export of rare earth magnets, fertilizers and tunnel boring machines to India in a diplomatic breakthrough, signaling a warming of ties between the Asian giants in the face of US tariff threats.

TIL Creatives

China has lifted restrictions on the export of rare earth magnets, fertilisers and tunnel boring machines to India in a diplomatic breakthrough, signaling a warming of ties between the Asian giants in the face of US tariff threats.

With shipments of the critical inputs getting underway, the initiative to ease tensions to stabilise ties comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to China, his first in seven years, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at the end of the month.

The development took place at the meeting that visiting Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi held with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Monday.

The minister assured Jaishankar that China would address India’s need for rare earth magnets, fertilisers and tunnel boring machines, a source said. ET has learnt that shipments of these items have already begun.

On Tuesday after Wang Yi called on the PM, Modi said he’s looking forward to his next meeting with the Chinese President in Tianjin on the margins of the SCO Summit. “Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other’s interests and sensitivities. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity,” PM Modi wrote on X.

The Jaishankar-Wang Yi talks covered economic and trade issues, cross-border pilgrimage, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges. This was the second time since July that Jaishankar had discussed the issue of trade restrictions with Wang Yi.

ET had reported August 14 that India and China may discuss a trade package covering supplies of critical rare earth magnets, fertilisers and pharmaceuticals ahead of the Prime Minister’s proposed China trip. The first sign of a thaw in Sino-Indian ties since 2020’s border tensions comes as the Trump administration has taken a more accommodating view toward Beijing by extending a trade truce and delaying the imposition of tariffs by another 90 days on August 11, besides moving to lift curbs on the export of high-end chips to China. Trump has been more aggressive against India, threatening to double tariffs to 50%, putting in doubt the visit by a US trade team to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement.

India’s automobile and electronics industries, including companies such as Bajaj Auto and industry association Electronic Industries Association of India, have repeatedly flagged shortages of rare earth magnets, warning of production getting hit.

In April, China mandated special export licences for seven rare earth elements and related magnets. Rare earth minerals are considered vital for high-end technology products, including electric vehicles (EVs), drones and battery storage. China has been a dominant player in the critical minerals supply chain globally. China’s fertiliser curbs disrupted di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) supply during the rabi season. Beijing had stopped exports without an official notification, having been a prominent supplier of DAP to India until FY24. Imports from China crashed to 840,000 tonnes in FY25 from 2.29 million tonnes in FY24. Nothing has come to India since January this year. With China's move, Indian DAP stocks are likely to grow, ensuring timely distribution for the cropping cycle. This will relieve pressure on India's procurement channels, sources said.

22. Renewed India–Poland Relations: A Historic Lecture at Gwalior's Scindia Research Centres

ETGov. 26 Aug. 2025

The Scindia Research Centre, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Gwalior, recently hosted a special lecture on the theme “India–Poland Relations: A Friendship that has Lasted for Centuries.”

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Piotr Antoni Schwitalski, Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in New Delhi and former Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland. His presence in Gwalior marked not just an academic engagement but a symbolic reaffirmation of ties that reach deep into the annals of history.

The gathering, hosted by Arunansh B. Goswami, Head of the Scindia Research Centre, and attended by eminent professors, scholars, and students of IITTM, provided a platform where history, diplomacy, and memory converged. For the young audience, it was not merely a lecture but an initiation into the shared legacy of two nations that have often walked together in moments of trial and triumph.

A Historical Bond Forged in Struggle

Dr. Schwitalski, in his address, traced the arc of India–Poland relations—highlighting cultural resonances, diplomatic cooperation, and the evolving contours of India’s engagement with Europe. He reminded the audience that history is not merely about the past but a living current that shapes the future. The students, in turn, engaged him in a spirited question–answer session on contemporary international relations, situating Poland and India in the larger European and Asian context.

What gave this lecture its special poignancy was Gwalior’s own connection to Poland. The horrors of Nazi occupation in 1939 remain etched in Polish memory: the defeat of the Polish army, the brutal repression of its people, and the resilience with which they fought against tyranny.

During those years, Maharaja Jiwajirao Scindia of Gwalior extended not only moral but also significant material support to the Allied cause, contributing to the eventual defeat of the Nazis. In doing so, Gwalior became, in its own way, part of Europe’s struggle for freedom.

Encounters Across Continents

The ties, however, were not only martial but also deeply personal. Count Joseph Mikołaj Potocki, scion of one of Poland’s most distinguished families, once visited Gwalior and Guna where he met Madhavrao Scindia. In his travelogue, Count Potocki recorded with vivid intimacy his impression of the young Maharaja:

“He (Madho Rao Scindia) stood up for our meeting, greeted us politely with a handshake and invited us to sit next to him. A nice boy, with eyes black as coal, with dark skin, grown for his age. He was obviously confused at first and did not know how to start the conversation. However, he quickly got used to himself and began to play me with short questions in a fun way: what’s my name, where I’m from, etc.”

These words, simple yet evocative, capture not only the personality of Madhavrao Scindia but also the warmth of Indo-Polish encounters across the centuries—encounters where hospitality and curiosity dissolved the barriers of geography.

Cultural Crossroads

The relationship between the two nations also extends into the realm of art and culture. The Gaekwad family, to which Priyadarshini Raje Scindia belongs, nurtured connections with Polish artists such as Fredda Brilliant and Stefan Norblin, whose works enriched Indian cultural life. Such exchanges remind us that diplomacy is not confined to embassies and treaties; it is equally shaped by painters, sculptors, and musicians who carry the spirit of one civilization into another.

A Friendship for the Future

As Dr. Schwitalski emphasized, the trajectory of India–Poland relations today is not merely backward-looking but forward-facing. Both countries, with their traditions of resilience, democracy, and cultural richness, have before them a wide canvas for multi-sectoral cooperation—in trade, education, defence, technology, and cultural exchange.

The lecture in Gwalior was thus not only an academic exercise but also a gesture of remembrance and renewal. It reaffirmed that India and Poland are bound by more than treaties; they are bound by shared memories of struggle, solidarity, and the human instinct to seek friendship even in the harshest of times.

In the words of Dr. Schwitalski, India and Poland remain “two friendly countries with great scope of cooperation.” The task now is to carry this friendship into the future with the same courage and imagination that once united them in the past.

Gwalior as a Bridge of Memory and Meaning

That this lecture was held in Gwalior is no accident of scheduling. The city has long stood at the confluence of history and destiny—its palaces echo with tales of courage, its archives preserve fragments of encounters that link India to distant lands. For Poland, Gwalior is not a remote Indian city but a place where solidarity once crossed oceans, where a Maharaja’s resolve touched the fate of a beleaguered European people.

By hosting Dr. Piotr Schwitalski, Gwalior reclaimed its place as a bridge between past and present, between India and Poland. It reminded all gathered that diplomacy is not only conducted in chancelleries and capitals but also in the warmth of human memory and the continuity of cultural dialogue.

As students and scholars listened to the stories of shared struggle and future cooperation, Gwalior itself became a living testament to the idea that friendship between nations, when rooted in history, can endure for centuries and illuminate the road ahead.

23. Rethinking the Ukraine Conflict: American Hegemony and the Rise of Multipolarity

ETGov. 12 Sept. 2025

The Russia-Ukraine war is not a clash of civilizations or a simple struggle for territory. It is a proxy battle in America’s quest to maintain global hegemony.

Russia's Special Operations in Ukraine, which has raged since February 2022, is a cauldron of great power competition. Far more than a regional conflict, it is a proxy war serving American hegemonic interests.

It reflects a decades-long U.S. strategy as espoused by Zbigniew Brzezinski in his book The Grand Chessboard: American Primacy and Its Geostrategic Imperatives (1997), to retain global dominance, contain Russia, and prevent emergence of any single Eurasian power capable of dominating the continent. In this ‘hegemony of new type’ US intends to retain its supremacy as an Indispensable Nation through a unique combination of military, economic, and political leadership.

The aspect of the rise of multi polarity leading to disorder, rivalry, and potential conflict, is deeply embedded in various U.S. strategy documents and the speeches of successive Presidents and Secretaries of State.

The Roots of Hegemonic Conflict

The origins of the Russia-Ukraine conflict are deeply intertwined with the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy since the end of the Cold War. As the Soviet Union collapsed, the United States emphasised the role of military power in achieving victory in the Cold War and sought to consolidate its ‘sole superpower’ status by maintaining security dependence on its allies by anchoring them firmly within NATO.

It unilaterally assumed the role of a global policeman, promoting its interests by any means necessary, without taking into account the opinion of the international community. For Moscow, NATO enlargement in particular, has been a red line. It has repeatedly warned that further eastward expansion—especially into Ukraine—would be seen as an existential threat. Despite warnings from scholars and diplomats about the risk of major power conflict, Washington continued to push for NATO expansionism.

This hegemonic drive was not simply about security; it was a quest for maintaining unipolarity. The United States, as the ‘indispensable nation,’ sought to shape the world order to its liking, ensuring no peer competitor could arise. Russian resurgence, Chinese ascent, and even European autonomy were to be checked. Ukraine’s ‘Western orientation’ thus became a strategic prize, a bulwark against Russian influence and a lever to destabilize Moscow’s near abroad.

The U.S. as a Conflict Architect

U.S. policy toward Ukraine did not begin in 2022. Since the 2004 Orange Revolution and especially after the 2014 Euromaidan, the United States has systematically deepened its strategic footprint in Kyiv. The CIA and other agencies rebuilt Ukraine’s intelligence services, while American NGOs and media organizations shaped civil society narratives.

The U.S. provided military training, arms, and, crucially, a military command structure for Ukraine’s armed forces—centred in Germany, not Kyiv. At every level, Ukraine’s sovereignty has been compromised, creating a dependency that serves Washington’s geopolitical ends. MINSK I(September 2014) and MINSK II(February 2015) agreements, with their declared aim to end the war, establish ceasefire, withdraw heavy weapons and pave the way for elections, were never supposed to be implemented.

As per German Chancellor Angela Merkel in an interview with Die Zeit in December 2022, these agreements were intended to pause the violence and thus provide Ukraine with time to recover and strengthen its military and political resilience.

The conflict escalated in 2022 not by accident but by design, as the west failed to take into account Russia's objections to the expansion of military alliance ‘NATO’ to its borders. Also, United States intransigence during the diplomatic parleys of providing any formal guarantee that Ukraine would never join the alliance, finally tipped the scale.

As the Russian Special Military Operations escalated, the U.S. reaction was swift and ferocious: sanctions, military aid to Ukraine, diplomatic isolation, and a media campaign framing Russia as the aggressor. But the underlying goal was not Ukrainian sovereignty—it was to weaken Russia as a global actor and to undermine the Moscow-Beijing axis.

Strategic Sequencing: The Art of Hegemonic Warfare

As per the some geo-political analysts, central to U.S. strategy is the concept of strategic sequencing. Faced with two peer rivals—Russia and China—the United States lacks the resources to confront both simultaneously. Instead, it seeks to “tie down” Russia in Europe, stretching its military and economic resources, while pivoting to Asia to check China’s rise. Subsequently it may circle back to Russia. Thus, Trump’s diplomatic overtures are more about rebalancing priorities than genuine peace efforts.

Russia is already engaged in a costly war. By giving additional resources to Ukraine and implementing world-wide sanctions, the U.S. intends to weaken Russian power, buy time for its own defense-industrial mobilization, and signal resolve to allies and adversaries alike. This approach is codified in think tank papers and policy circles, emphasizing a ‘division of labor’ in which European allies bear the brunt of supporting Ukraine, freeing up U.S. assets for the Indo-Pacific.

But this is a high-stakes gamble. The war has already cost over $300 billion, with thousands dead and over 10 million displaced. The U.S. has provided a major share of military aid, but European contributions, when aggregated, now surpass American totals. The human and economic toll is staggering—yet, from Washington’s perspective, the price is worth paying to degrade a rival and maintain its unrivalled status.

The Division of Labor: Europe as a Proxy

A hallmark of U.S. strategy is the division of labour. The successive U.S. administrations, including Trump’s, see Europe which is reluctant to shoulder the full burden (and costs) of continental defense, not as an equal partner but as a set of proxies.

It is expected to do the U.S. bidding and shoulder the burden of containing Russia. This is not altruism—it is realpolitik. The destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines, which severed Europe’s energy ties with Russia, was a clear signal; the U.S. would not tolerate an independent European energy policy, even at the cost of European prosperity and stability.

After the pipeline sabotage, Russian gas flows shifted eastward, while Europe plunged into recession and energy insecurity. The strategic decoupling was complete: Europe lost its leverage over Russia, and Russia lost its largest energy market. Meanwhile, the U.S. secured new LNG export deals with Europe, albeit at much higher rates, further binding the continent to American interests.

The division of labor extends to military burden-sharing. Europe is expected to fund, arm, and—if necessary—fight on behalf of Kyiv, while the U.S. retains strategic command and global maneuverability. This arrangement is unsustainable. Europe’s militaries are underfunded, its populations war-weary and declining, and its political leadership weak and fragmented.

The U.S. is now signaling a desire to reduce its military footprint in Europe, urging Europeans to take more responsibility for their own defense. But as the Munich Security Conference revealed, Europe is unprepared for this shift, and Kyiv fears being abandoned in any U.S.-Russia deal.

The Battlefield: Attrition, Collapse, and the Limits of Proxy War

On ground, the war has settled into a grinding war of attrition. Russia’s strategy—dubbed “aggressive attrition” by analysts—focuses on degrading Ukraine’s manpower, industrial base, and political will. Large-scale drone and missile strikes target energy infrastructure, logistics hubs, and military depots. The goal is not to seize territory rapidly but to exhaust Kyiv’s capacity to resist.

Ukrainian forces, meanwhile, are stretched perilously thin. Entire sectors of the front are unmanned, reserves have been depleted and the ability to regenerate effective fighting units has reduced drastically. High attrition rates for officers make regeneration of forces nearly impossible. Desertions, while difficult to quantify, appear to be rising as morale sags and the prospect of victory fades. The conflict is entering a phase where collapse could be sudden and irreversible.

Western analysts and reports are often fixated on territorial gains, but under modern conditions these are poor metrics for success. The real indicators are manpower, industrial output, and political cohesion—all of which seem to be positively trending against Ukraine. As in Syria, where years of stalemate gave way to sudden collapse, a similar situation may emerge in Ukraine, with Russian forces breaking through weakened defenses and advancing rapidly once a tipping point is reached.

The Multipolar Challenge

The war has accelerated the emergence of a multipolar world. Russia, despite Western sanctions, has deepened ties with China, Iran, and the Global South. These states reject the U.S.-led rules based international order, considering it as a vehicle for American dominance rather than collective security. Even within Europe, there are signs of dissent with the rising anti-American sentiment, calls for strategic autonomy and reluctance to follow Washington’s lead unconditionally.

The Global South, in particular, has refused to take sides, viewing the conflict as a Western proxy war with little relevance to their interests. BRICS expansion and the growth of alternative financial and diplomatic networks suggest that U.S. hegemony is fraying at the edges. The days of unquestioned American leadership are waning, and the costs of maintaining it are rising.

Mineral Resources and Economic Interests

Beyond geopolitics, the war is also about resources. Ukraine possesses vast reserves of critical minerals—lithium, titanium, rare earths—essential for advanced technology and defense industries. The U.S. seeks to secure access to these resources, reducing dependence on China, which currently dominates global supply chains. Reports suggest that the Trump administration is negotiating directly with both Ukraine and Russia over mineral rights, seeking to exclude European partners from the spoils.

This mercantilist approach underscores the transactional nature of U.S. policy. While publicly framed as a defense of democracy, the conflict is also a battle for economic advantage and strategic resources. Ukraine’s future, in this calculus, is less important than its utility as a pawn in the great game.

The Illusion of Diplomacy

Despite periodic peace talks, genuine diplomacy remains elusive. The U.S. presents itself as a mediator, but it is the principal instigator. Any settlement would require Washington to make concessions—something it has shown no willingness to do. Meanwhile, Russia’s demands for neutrality and security guarantees are non-negotiable for Kyiv as long as the U.S. controls the levers of power.

The so-called “peace initiatives”—whether Minsk or more recent proposals—have aimed not at resolution but at freezing the conflict, allowing Kyiv to regroup and the West to rearm. This pattern is likely to continue, with the U.S. seeking to manage the pace and scope of escalation while preserving its global freedom of action.

The Future of American Hegemony

The Russia-Ukraine war is a test of America’s capacity to sustain its hegemonic ambitions in an increasingly multipolar age. The costs—economic, military, and reputational—are mounting. Europe is being bled dry, Russia is being pushed into China’s arms, and the Global South is drifting away from the double standards of the Western folds.

It is felt that strategic sequencing may buy time, but it cannot resolve the underlying contradictions of American primacy. The unipolar moment is over; the question is whether the indispensable power of the yester years can adapt to a world, where power is dispersed and contested.

Conclusion

The Russia-Ukraine war is not a clash of civilizations or a simple struggle for territory. It is a proxy battle in America’s quest to maintain global hegemony, which is shaped by strategic sequencing, division of labour, and the instrumental use of allies. It has inflicted immense suffering while failing to deliver a decisive victory. The battlefield is approaching a critical juncture, with Ukraine’s capacity to resist waning and the risk of wider war growing as seen from the unsubstantiated Polish claims of Russian drone attack on Polish territory.

For Europe, the war has exposed its strategic dependence and vulnerabilities. For the Global South, it has highlighted the perils of alignment in a contest of giants. For Russia, China and some other like-minded countries, it is an opportunity to challenge the dominance of the United States. And for the United States, it is a reminder that hegemony cannot remain perpetual and uncontested.

It may be appropriate to pronounce that the Russia-Ukraine conflict would be remembered not as a demonstration of American leadership, but as a turning point marking the gradual decline of a unipolar world order, potentially ushering an era characterized by multipolarity, renewed great power rivalry, and a possible re-emergence of a true balance of power.

(The author is a Major General (Retd); Views expressed are personal)

24. DialogueNEXT 2025: Global Leaders Convene in New Delhi to Tackle Hunger Crisis

Team RuralVoice, Sep 8, 2025

The two-day gathering brings together high-level policymakers, experts, and farmers to explore frontier innovations in agri-tech, climate- and water-smart practices, youth leadership and nutritious food systems.

Global agricultural leaders, policymakers, scientists and farmers have convened in New Delhi for DialogueNEXT, a two-day conference focused on breakthrough innovations to secure the world’s food future.

Organized by the World Food Prize Foundation in partnership with CIMMYT, the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), this year’s DialogueNEXT is themed “Take it to the Farmer.” The event emphasizes ensuring that cutting-edge agricultural solutions reach farmers, especially across the Global South.

Coinciding with World Agriculture Day, the gathering celebrates India’s agricultural legacy and honors Indian World Food Prize Laureates. It also highlights India’s leadership in advancing global food systems and fostering cross-sector collaboration for farmer-first solutions.

“Hosting this conference in India, 60 years after Dr. Norman Borlaug’s wheat innovations helped avert famine, is a powerful reminder of what agricultural science can achieve,” said Nicole Prenger, Senior Director, World Food Prize Foundation. “DialogueNEXT is designed to spark a similar ‘moonshot’ to sustainably feed the world’s growing population.”

The conference features addresses by Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, along with experts from across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Notable participants include Thinley Namgyel (Bhutan), Govinda Prasad Sharma (Nepal), Máximo Torero Cullen (FAO), and a U.S. delegation from Iowa led by Governor Kim Reynolds.

“India’s leadership and innovations in agriculture are important to unlock gains in productivity, sustainability and access across every facet of the agri-food value chain,” said Bram Govaerts, Director General, CIMMYT and Borlaug Institute for South Asia.

"The emerging global megatrends are posing complex challenges on agri-food systems which need smallholder farmer-centric, systemic solutions and their accelerated uptake,” said Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of India’s Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR. “This essentially needs greater investments in cutting-edge science, innovations and partnerships across discovery to delivery. Since India's agricultural transformation is happening at a faster pace, the country can serve as a smallholder agriculture innovation hub for the Global South.”

Dr RS Paroda, Chairman, Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), Former Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR), said, "With a population of 1.46 billion, India is food self sufficient with surplus and a growing production base. In 2024–25, wheat production reached 117 million tonnes with a productivity of 3.6 tonnes/ha — a remarkable milestone for national food security."

The conference comes amid stark warnings from more than 150 Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates that the world is “not even close” to meeting future food needs, urging urgent investments in research and innovation to avert a hunger tipping point.

Sessions will explore farmer-centered innovations, smallholder harvests, South-South collaboration, value chains, nutrition, and next-generation breakthroughs.

DialogueNEXT in India is part of a three-part global series retracing the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug, father of the Green Revolution, and will build momentum toward the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, this October.

25. Modi Ishiba Summit India Japan Vision: India and Japan Unveil a Transformational Vision for the Indo-Pacific.

ETGov. 6 Sep. 2025

The India–Japan Joint Vision for the Next Decade is more than a bilateral declaration. It is a manifesto of two nations harnessing their complementarities—capital and labour, technology and markets, tradition and innovation—to shape a rules-based, multipolar world order.

On August 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba unveiled the India–Japan Joint Vision for the Next Decade in Tokyo.

The document, structured around eight “next-generation” pillars, is not merely a roadmap for bilateral cooperation but a template for how two Asian democracies, with complementary strengths, intend to anchor stability, growth, and innovation in an uncertain global order.

This framework, adopted during Modi’s eighth visit to Japan as Prime Minister, arrives at a time when the world economy is fractured by protectionist impulses—exemplified by the U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports—and when Indo-Pacific security is threatened by unilateral attempts to alter the regional status quo.

Against this backdrop, India and Japan’s shared vision radiates both urgency and confidence.

“Our partnership is defined not just by shared history, but by shared destiny,” Prime Minister Modi remarked in Tokyo. “Together, we will build a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

Prime Minister Ishiba echoed: “For Japan, India is more than a partner—it is a trusted friend and a key pillar of our own strategy to ensure resilience, innovation, and security in the next decade.”

The Eight Directions of Transformation

1. Next Generation Economic Partnership

Economic ties form the bedrock of this vision. Japan pledged to double its investment in India to 10 trillion yen (approx. US$68 billion), underscoring confidence in India’s growth trajectory. The partnership envisages deeper industrial cooperation through the India–Japan Industrial Competitiveness Partnership (IJICP), renewed attention to Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CEPA) reforms, and joint ventures in agriculture, food security, and ICT.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that both India and Japan remain committed to a peaceful, prosperous and stable Indo-Pacific, where the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations are respected.

Crucially, India and Japan committed to expanding their economic presence in the Global South, particularly Africa. Under India’s MAHASAGAR initiative and Japan’s Economic Region Initiative of Indian Ocean–Africa, both countries will pool resources to drive sustainable development across continents.

2. Next Generation Economic Security Partnership

In a world roiled by supply chain fragilities and technological competition, Tokyo and New Delhi launched the India–Japan Economic Security Initiative. It identifies collaboration in semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy, AI, and biotechnology as priorities.

The Japan–India AI Cooperation Initiative (JAI) aims to create a trusted AI ecosystem, while cooperation on battery supply chains is expected to secure the clean mobility future. As Ishiba put it, “Economic security is national security. Japan and India will together build resilient supply chains that the world can rely on.”

3. Next Generation Mobility

The symbolism of Modi and Ishiba boarding the Shinkansen bullet train to Sendai captured the essence of this partnership. Japan’s expertise in high-speed rail, urban transit, and disaster-resilient infrastructure is being married to India’s vast mobility demands.

The partnership envisions AI-enabled maintenance systems, seismic-proof railway technology, integrated smart city planning, and next-generation rolling stock manufactured in India for the world. From high-speed rail to cold-chain logistics, the initiative underscores “Make in India for the World” ambitions.

4. Next Generation Ecological Legacies

India and Japan framed their climate agenda under the ethos of “One Earth, One Future.” Through the India–Japan Clean Energy Partnership, both nations committed to joint work on green hydrogen, circular economy solutions, and sustainable farming practices.

The launch of projects under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), combined with satellite-based emission monitoring, signals a convergence of ecological innovation with pragmatic climate diplomacy.

5. Next Generation Technology and Innovation Partnership

At the cutting edge of science, India and Japan are aligning their ecosystems for breakthroughs in quantum technologies, high-performance computing, space exploration, and nuclear fusion research.

Notably, the LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration) Mission will mark a milestone in Indo-Japanese space cooperation. Simultaneously, the India–Japan Startup Support Initiative (JISSI) and a dedicated fund of funds for AI startups position the two nations as innovation hubs.

6. Investing in Next Generation Health

Health cooperation has moved beyond pharmaceuticals to holistic well-being. The Joint Vision calls for clinical research collaboration, geriatric medicine innovation, regenerative therapies, and digital health solutions.

Centres of excellence for yoga, ayurveda, and holistic medicine will be established in Japan, underscoring the integration of traditional knowledge with modern health systems.

7. Next Generation People-to-People Partnership

Perhaps the most ambitious commitment is the plan for half a million personnel exchanges within five years—a direct response to Japan’s ageing population and India’s youthful demographic dividend.

Skilled Indian workers will find pathways through the India–Japan Talent Bridge (IJTB), while educational collaborations like the Sakura Science Program and EDU-Port Japan will strengthen academic and cultural ties.

“This people-centric agenda is the heartbeat of our vision,” Modi stated. “Our youth will be the bridges between our nations.”

8. Next Generation State–Prefecture Partnerships

Recognising that sub-national entities drive innovation and cultural exchanges, the framework calls for more sister-city and state-prefecture linkages. Improved flight connectivity, regional business forums, and annual state-level delegations will ensure that the partnership penetrates beyond capitals into local communities.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

The Joint Vision emerges in a fluid geopolitical environment. India’s deepening ties with Japan are not aimed at exclusivity but at diversification. Even as Modi consolidated Tokyo ties, he met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the SCO summit in Tianjin.

This duality illustrates India’s doctrine of strategic autonomy: cultivating trusted partnerships with democracies like Japan, while keeping channels open with neighbours and rivals.

For Japan, India’s role is indispensable to the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). For India, Japan’s investments, technology transfers, and normative alignment strengthen its hand in managing both domestic growth and regional tensions.

As Ishiba observed, “India and Japan, standing together, can be the twin anchors of stability in the Indo-Pacific.”

The symbolism of the Shinkansen ride, the commitment of 10 trillion yen in investments, and the pledge for 500,000 human exchanges crystallise a relationship moving from “steady” to “transformational.”

A Decade of Shared Destiny

For India, the partnership with Japan provides access to advanced technology, trusted investment, and demographic balancing. For Japan, it opens doors to youthful talent, emerging markets, and a strategic partner in balancing great power rivalries.

As both leaders declared in Tokyo, the coming decade will be defined not by the shadows of coercion but by the light of cooperation.

“Together, India and Japan will ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free, open, and full of opportunities for generations to come,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

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