INDIA CHINA Connect

EV sales in India crossed 2.45 million units in FY26, up 25% year-on-year. Two-wheelers led with 1.4 million units, while three-wheelers rose 19% to 830,000. Passenger EVs surged 84% to nearly 200,000, and commercial EVs jumped 121% with fleet electrification. Tata, JSW MG, and Mahindra dominated car sales. Expanding charging networks and new launches strengthened long-term growth momentum.

Airtel has surpassed 650 million users, becoming the world’s second-largest telecom operator. Its India base includes 368M mobile, 13M broadband, and 15M DTH users, while its Africa arm serves 179M customers, including 52M mobile money users. Data subscribers grow at 9.7% CAGR. In February 2026, Airtel added 4.86M users, raising market share to 37.59%.

Archaeologists uncovered a 1,500-year-old T-shaped stepped reservoir on Elephanta Island, built with imported stone blocks showcasing advanced engineering. Excavations revealed artefacts, dyeing vat, anchors, beads, and 3,000 amphorae sherds. Coins of Kalachuri ruler Krishnaraja date it to the sixth century CE, highlighting Elephanta’s global maritime trade significance beyond its renowned Siva caves.

Chinese battery makers plan over 600GWh of new energy storage system capacity in early 2026, potentially reaching 900GWh annually, with 70% for storage. Investments of 180 billion yuan (US$26.3B) show strong confidence. Controlling over 80% of the global ESS market, China drives expansion amid surging demand, AI growth, and decarbonization goals accelerating worldwide storage infrastructure.

Wang Yi stressed shared interests outweigh differences in China-India ties, with both sides seeking stable relations amid global uncertainty. China views India as a partner, not rival, urging deeper cooperation in BRICS and Global South platforms. Rawat highlighted the global importance of stable ties, as Vikram Doraiswami prepares to succeed him as India’s next ambassador to China.

China signals renewed cooperation with India, emphasizing partnership over rivalry through BRICS and Global South collaboration. Leaders highlight mutually beneficial engagement, while cultural diplomacy gains traction via yoga, cuisine, and youth exchanges. Civil aviation links move toward restoration after Galwan disruption. Greater coordination in BRICS and SCO is urged to strengthen ties amid global instability.

Xu Feihong emphasized that India and China’s growth stems from their own people, not external generosity, countering recent U.S. remarks. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s rise as self-determined. Xu urged win-win cooperation, cautioned against “China threat” narratives, and called for youth engagement. He highlighted stronger India-China coordination within the Global South as vital for shared progress.

The “Global Indian” now builds and manages wealth across borders while staying rooted in India. Strong economic recovery and market growth boost investor confidence, with rising millionaire and ultra-HNI populations. Two-way remittance flows create a wealth corridor. Investors favor diversified, globally structured portfolios, shifting wealth management toward strategic cross-border planning and holistic advisory services.

India’s 35+ million diaspora across 200 nations earns $730 billion annually. A new Indiaspora report urges moving beyond remittances toward strategic partnerships in investment, innovation, technology transfer, research, and advocacy. Rising political influence, especially in the U.S., highlights the diaspora as a strategic asset. Policy reforms are needed to overcome barriers and unlock India’s global growth ambitions.

Chinese airlines plan nearly 2,900 China-Europe flights this summer, sharply expanding capacity. Access to Russian airspace shortens routes by two to three hours, reducing fuel costs. Western carriers face higher expenses due to detours and Middle Eastern disruptions. Strong demand from tourism, students, and business travelers continues to sustain growth, reinforcing China-Europe aviation momentum.