INDIA CHINA Connect

China controls the global rare earth supply chain but is now limiting access. In response, India launched a ₹7,280 crore initiative to boost domestic rare earth magnet production, creating corridors across four mineral-rich states. These materials are vital for defense systems like BrahMos and Tejas, while the new Micron semiconductor facility highlights India’s advancing tech capabilities.

China’s Academy of Sciences banned using government funds for costly Western journals like Cell Reports and Nature Communications, where fees reach US$7,350 per article versus a US$2,000 global average. Spending tens of millions annually, China excludes flagship journals (Nature, Science) from the ban. The policy seeks to bolster domestic publishing and cut foreign expenditure.

The University of Toronto pledged $100M for 200 scholarships for Indian students, alongside 13 new Canada-India university partnerships. Three hybrid academic centers, including AI hubs, will open in India. A new MoU boosts creative industry collaboration, building on Canada’s 2026 academic delegation. These initiatives leverage ties with 1.8M Canadians of Indian origin to deepen educational exchange.

Modi and Netanyahu’s trust underpins a resilient, forward-looking strategic partnership that moves beyond protocol into bold coordination. Defense cooperation is evolving from simple procurement to co-production and joint innovation, while collaboration expands into AI, quantum, cyber, and next-generation systems. Anchored in five pillars—defense industry, advanced technology, supply chains, regional diplomacy through i2U2, and leadership trust—it aligns Israel with India’s r

Modi became the first Indian PM to address Israel’s Knesset, receiving its highest honor and elevating ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership.” India’s UPI expands to Israel, with a Free Trade Agreement and $8–10 billion defense deals underway. Cooperation includes missile defense, drones, 50,000 Indian workers, and 35 agricultural centers training over one million farmers.

Under the PLI scheme (2021–2026), Apple and its partners created over 250,000 direct jobs, with 70% being young women entering the workforce. Tata and Foxconn exceeded targets with 140,000 jobs. Wages rose nearly 80% to Rs 18,000–20,000 monthly. The Apple ecosystem added 750,000 indirect jobs and achieved $23 billion in iPhone exports in 2025.

Since liberalisation, India has advanced but trails China in technology, income, and industry. A pragmatic “frenemy” stance with China can yield economic benefits. Stronger Indian enterprises can influence geopolitics. Replicating successful states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and focusing on six accelerators—human capital, governance, exports, innovation, MSMEs, and agricultural reform—can drive progress.

India’s e-commerce market is projected to rise from $140 billion to nearly $300 billion by 2030, with total consumption hitting $3.7 trillion. Growth will be driven by smaller cities, rural buyers, women, and middle-income groups. MSMEs, quick commerce, and social platforms fuel expansion, while increasing consumer complaints underscore the need for stronger trust and protection measures.

China’s mature rail market drives firms to expand across Eurasia, targeting Southeast and Central Asia. Flagship projects in Indonesia and Europe highlight export strength, while Thailand and Malaysia pursue upgrades with Chinese support. Success requires financial stability, political backing, and strong ridership. Rail exports enhance China’s global influence and diplomatic reach, despite high costs.

Eighty-eight nations endorsed the New Delhi Declaration, advancing “AI for All” through a non-binding roadmap for inclusive, sustainable AI. It emphasizes equitable access, workforce reskilling, and energy-efficient systems, launching initiatives like AI Commons and a workforce playbook. By promoting open-source ecosystems and affordable infrastructure, the declaration positions India as a central bridge in global AI governance.