INDIA CHINA Connect

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights India's transformative journey through the Digital India initiative, launched in 2015. By leveraging technology inclusively, India bridged the digital divide, expanding internet connectivity from 250 million to 970 million users and revolutionizing sectors like governance, MSMEs, and payments via platforms like UPI and ONDC. India's innovations, including DPI and AI advancements, have garnered global recognition. Modi emphasizes

The IMF revised India’s growth forecast to 6.4% for 2025 and 2026, up from earlier estimates of 6.2% and 6.3%, reaffirming its lead as the fastest-growing major economy. Global growth was also upgraded to 3.0% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026, driven by reduced tariff impacts, a weaker US dollar, and fiscal expansion. India’s robust performance, supported by external stability, outpaces China and the US. Despite risks like tariff uncertainties, the IMF highlights trade negotiations a

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

China is witnessing a significant shift as students and mid-career professionals embrace drone technology for better job prospects. The government’s recognition of "drone flight planner" as a profession aligns with its push to expand the low-altitude economy, creating a major demand for skilled workers. Universities are introducing drone-related majors, while industries like real estate and agriculture see drones as transformative. India, too, is advancing in this field with

Starbucks China’s new “星子自习室” (Star Study Room) in Guangzhou and Shenzhen offers free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and water—no purchase or reservation needed. This cozy workspace expands Starbucks’ “third space” concept, bridging work and relaxation. With over 38 million Weibo views, it’s a hit online, featuring a giveaway for social media posts. The initiative counters competition from budget chains like Luckin Coffee while boosting food and drink sales. Starbucks is evolving into

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) marks a major milestone in India’s global trade strategy. Spearheaded by Piyush Goyal, it boosts market access, eliminates tariffs on 99% of goods, and is set to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. CETA empowers farmers, artisans, fishermen, and small businesses, creating numerous jobs and improving exports in textiles, agriculture, and services. It reflects India’s innovative FTA approach, aligning wi

India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, reinforced the government's commitment to economic growth as a key policy goal at the launch of “A World in Flux: India’s Economic Priorities.” She credited public capital spending for sustaining growth amid global uncertainty and outlined three key priorities: fostering job creation, amplifying the Global South’s voice, and balancing fiscal prudence with growth. Sitharaman also emphasized strengthening FDI policies and reforming

China has revolutionized construction in challenging terrains by using advanced drones to transport 180 tonnes of steel and concrete to a remote Yunnan mountain site. Over three days, 16 UAVs autonomously delivered materials to build power transmission towers at high altitudes, cutting costs by 80% and labor by 60%. This eco-friendly approach preserved 2,000 trees and avoided road construction. Highlighting China’s drone innovation, the project showcases the potential for dro

China’s new childcare subsidy of 3,600 yuan ($500) per child under three aims to combat its plummeting birth rate and aging population. Effective retroactively from January 2025, this move is expected to benefit over 20 million families annually. However, with the cost of raising a child averaging 680,000 yuan, experts argue subsidies alone are insufficient. Factors like career pressures, high childcare costs, and cultural shifts deter parenthood. Broader structural reforms,

India's role in the US smartphone market has surged, with its share of imports growing from 11% in 2024 to 36% in 2025, driven by Apple’s expanded manufacturing in India amid geopolitical tensions with China. The US imported 21.3 million smartphones from India between January and May 2025, a threefold increase from 2024. Meanwhile, China’s dominance shrank, with shipments dropping 27% and its market share falling to 49%. India’s growing electronics sector and Apple’s investme

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