INDIA CHINA Connect

China has introduced stricter regulations on its rare earth industry, extending controls to imported materials and requiring companies to report monthly data. The rules aim to enhance traceability and expand China’s dominance over the global rare earth supply chain, which is vital for advanced technologies like EVs and smartphones. By regulating imports and refining, China strengthens its geopolitical leverage amid U.S. trade tensions. Despite declining imports, China continu

India prioritizes energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens, sourcing oil from nations offering the best deals, including Russia. Despite US criticism over Russian crude imports, India rejects claims that these fund Moscow's war efforts, emphasizing decisions are based on national interest and market dynamics. Ambassador Vinay Kumar highlighted India’s role in stabilizing global oil markets and criticized US-imposed tariffs as unfair. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishanka

The U.S.-China standoff over rare earth elements, critical for modern manufacturing, underscores America’s heavy reliance on Beijing. Former President Trump’s threats of 200% tariffs aim to counter China’s dominance, yet analysts argue these measures are ineffective. China’s near-monopoly on rare earths enables it to leverage export controls strategically, disrupting U.S. industries like automotive manufacturing. Despite temporary trade agreements, tensions persist, reflectin

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi marked progress in India-China relations. Key agreements included easing export restrictions on vital goods, resuming border trade, and flights. Talks with Indian officials addressed border stability, terrorism, and hydropower concerns. Both sides emphasized a rules-based multilateral system and a multipolar world order. Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the SCO summit aims to further normalize ties. Wang h

Indian professionals in the US on H-1B and L-1 visas face growing uncertainty about their future. A Blind survey revealed 45% would return to India if laid off, while others consider relocating or remain undecided. Key concerns include pay cuts, lower quality of life, cultural adjustments, and limited job opportunities. Only 35% would choose a US work visa again. Rising deportation risks, Trump’s anti-India hiring rhetoric, and proposals for wage-based visa selection further

A recent report highlights synchronized redemptions across emerging markets, echoing post-2024 election trends. The MSCI China Index surged 9.4%, significantly outpacing MSCI India’s 2.2%, with a valuation gap of $6.3 trillion. India’s high P/E ratio contrasts with China’s competitive valuations, though China’s debt levels deter some investors. Tariffs on Indian goods and US capital inflows have dampened sentiment. Despite challenges, experts emphasize India’s strong GDP grow

India and China are preparing to resume direct passenger flights, potentially by next month, restoring a vital travel link severed during the pandemic. This move aligns with efforts to ease strained relations, as India recently relaxed visa rules for Chinese tourists. The announcement may coincide with the August 31 SCO summit in Tianjin, where leaders Modi and Xi could meet. While airlines are preparing for operations, challenges remain, as previous attempts to restart fligh

China has expressed rare public support for India amid rising U.S. trade pressure, signaling shifting global alliances. As Prime Minister Modi prepares for his first China visit since 2020, tensions with the U.S. over India's Russian oil imports escalate. President Trump criticized India’s trade policies, while India countered, accusing the West of hypocrisy. Beijing endorsed India’s sovereignty, aligning on resisting external interference. This diplomatic shift underscores I

India faces potential challenges as proposed US tariffs target key export sectors like textiles and pharmaceuticals. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative has fortified the economy, emphasizing self-reliance, manufacturing growth, and digital transformation. Trade diversification, infrastructure expansion, and energy independence further enhance resilience against global disruptions. While the tariffs may impact exporters, India’s robust domest

India has rebuked the US and EU for criticizing its Russian oil trade, highlighting Western hypocrisy in maintaining substantial trade ties with Moscow. Despite public condemnation of Russia, the EU imported €67.5 billion in goods, including record LNG, in 2024, while the US relied on Russian palladium and fertilisers. India justifies its imports as economic necessity amid global energy shifts post-Ukraine war. This stance mirrors broader Global South frustration with Western

A CREA report highlights Western hypocrisy in the Russian oil trade debate. The EU contributed 23% to Russia’s fossil fuel revenue, compared to India’s 13%, despite criticizing India. G7+ tankers transported over half of Russian oil exports in June, aligning with sanctions but contradicting public stances. India defends its oil imports, stabilizing global markets and preventing price spikes. Meanwhile, Russian fossil fuel revenues fell 18% in Q2 2025. The findings reveal the

US President Donald Trump’s recent tariff hike to 50% on Indian goods has spared $30 billion worth of exports, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, and energy products, which remain exempt. These sectors contribute nearly 29% of India’s $86.51 billion exports to the US. However, risks loom, with potential tariffs of up to 250% on foreign-made drugs and possible policy shifts on smartphone exemptions. As bilateral trade negotiations progress, India’s export resilience faces

India's digital payment system has transformed the financial landscape, enabling over 650,000 million transactions worth $150 trillion USD between FY20 and FY25. Accelerated by the pandemic, digital payments are now widely accepted, with UPI leading as the world’s largest real-time payment system. The government, alongside RBI, NPCI, and fintech, is expanding access in rural and tier-II/III cities. Initiatives like the PIDF have enhanced infrastructure, boosting financial inc

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been named the world’s most popular democratic leader for the fifth consecutive time, achieving a 75% approval rating in Morning Consult’s recent survey. Conducted from July 4–10, 2025, the poll ranked Modi ahead of South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung (59%). Modi’s enduring popularity reflects strong domestic and global appeal, with consistent approval ratings since 2021. The milestone coincides with Modi surpassing Indira Gandhi’s tenure, b

Bernstein's report highlights India’s ultra-rich households, holding $11.6 trillion in assets, of which $2.7 trillion are liquid financial assets, driving wealth management growth. Rising capital markets and shifting financial habits are transforming illiquid assets into liquid wealth via IPOs and stake sales. A new wave of wealthy individuals from startups is expanding the high-net-worth base. Specialized wealth managers, managing 11% of liquid assets, are poised for rapid g

India and the UK have signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), marking a historic step in strengthening bilateral ties. The deal offers duty-free access for 99% of Indian exports, benefiting sectors such as textiles, gems, and engineering. It also enhances opportunities in services like IT, finance, and education while simplifying visa processes for Indian professionals. The agreement promotes inclusivity, supports MSMEs, and exempts Indian workers from U

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has overtaken Visa as the world’s top real-time payment system, processing over 650 million daily transactions. Launched in 2016 by NPCI, UPI now handles 83.7% of India’s digital transactions, powering 185.8 billion in FY25—a 41% year-on-year growth. Beneficiaries include fintech firms, banks, and CPaaS providers, while larger players see minimal impact. With global expansion underway and innovations like embedded credit and IoT paymen

India plans to support Chinese investments in electronics manufacturing through joint ventures with Indian firms that ensure technology transfer. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) views this as vital to boosting local production and meeting value addition targets. Despite tightened FDI norms under Press Note 3, MeitY backs collaborations that align with India’s push for a robust electronics ecosystem. While trade tensions with China pose challenges, partnerships with

Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong highlighted efforts to strengthen China-India ties through cultural exchanges, such as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, economic cooperation, and multilateral engagement. He emphasized the importance of mutual trust, resolving trade challenges, and maintaining border stability. Ambassador Xu welcomed India's participation in initiatives like the SCO Summit and regional cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Stressing dialogue for regional p

Indian families may spend $91 billion on foreign education by 2030, up from $44 billion in 2024. Hidden fees and exchange rate markups, mostly from traditional banks, could cost families nearly half a billion dollars annually. While RBI aims to reduce remittance costs through digital innovations like UPI, overseas education remittances have declined. Despite financial challenges and stricter visa norms, Indian students abroad could surpass 2.5 million by 2030, with emerging d