INDIA CHINA Connect

Startup India marks a decade with startups raising $151 billion and producing 118 unicorns. More than 25,000 funding rounds since 2016 have made India a major global startup hub. Registered startups grew from 500 to over 200,000, supported by policy reforms. After funding peaked in 2021–22 and slowed post‑2022, attention is shifting to sustainable, execution‑focused, deep‑tech‑driven growth.

China’s population declined for a fourth consecutive year in 2025, falling by 3.39 million. Births dropped to a record low of 7.92 million as fertility stayed far below replacement, while deaths rose to their highest rate since 1968. Pro‑birth incentives have failed, and a shrinking workforce with rapid ageing poses serious long‑term economic risks.

Amrut Expedition 15‑Year‑Old ranked third worldwide in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2025–26, becoming only the second Indian whisky, after Amrut Fusion, to earn elite global recognition. The achievement validates decades of craftsmanship and innovation, proves successful long‑term ageing in India’s warm climate, and underscores India’s growing influence and credibility in the global single‑malt whisky market.

This edition brings together the latest stories and insights published on INDUQIN, capturing key developments from this week across India and China, global economics, politics, culture, and international affairs. Stay informed with the narratives shaping our shared present and future. If you find our selection valuable, please share it and encourage others to read and engage. We also invite you to subscribe to our WhatsApp channel for timely updates. Happy reading!

India attracted $51 billion in foreign direct investment over six months, signalling strong global investor confidence. FDI rose 17% year-on-year to $26.61 billion in April–June 2025. The government is steering capital toward manufacturing, R&D and technology-intensive sectors, supporting deep-tech startups focused on commercialising advanced research.

India’s textile sector crossed ₹60,000 crore in investments in 2025, with momentum expected to continue in 2026. PM MITRA and PLI schemes are driving capacity, exports and jobs. PM MITRA Parks attracted over ₹14,000 crore and 38,000 potential jobs, alongside rising foreign investment and a sustainability-focused shift to advanced textile technologies.

The initiative revives India’s 2,000-year-old stitched-shipbuilding tradition, retracing historic India–West Asia trade routes without engine power. Inspired by Ajanta cave art and built through Navy–Culture Ministry collaboration, it showcases indigenous craftsmanship and maritime symbolism. The project strengthens India–Oman cultural ties and promotes heritage-led, eco-friendly maritime cooperation.

PM Modi described the Somnath Temple as a symbol of India’s enduring faith, resilience and civilisational continuity. He recalled ancestral sacrifices to protect it, saying repeated destruction failed to erase its spiritual identity. Modi alleged history was whitewashed by downplaying ideological attacks. Somnath Swabhiman Parv commemorates 1,000 years of devotion, resilience and national pride.

India recorded no negative agricultural income growth between 2015–16 and 2024–25, with average farm sector growth of 4.42%, surpassing China and global trends. Farmers’ incomes more than doubled, outpacing manufacturing. Agriculture remained resilient during Covid and climate shocks, underpinning “Viksit Bharat 2047” through jobs, diversification and rising productivity.

Trump’s welfare data triggered online backlash, even though India was not among high-usage countries. Evidence shows Indian-Americans have low welfare dependence, high incomes and strong workforce participation. Despite being only 1.5% of the U.S. population, they contribute 5–6% of tax revenues and play outsized roles in innovation, leadership and job creation.