INDIA CHINA Connect

Indian-born residents (971,020) have overtaken England-born (970,950) as Australia’s largest overseas-born group, marking the first shift since 1901. This reflects steady Indian growth since 2015 and declining UK numbers. Australia hosts 8.8 million foreign-born residents, 32% of its 27.6 million population, ranking eighth globally in migrant population size.

AI engineering job postings in India surged 59.5% year-on-year, the fastest globally. Growth extends beyond Bengaluru to Hyderabad and Vijayawada. Large enterprises dominate hiring, while SMBs accelerate adoption. Manufacturing AI talent quadrupled to 2% of the workforce by 2025. Practical skills and real-world project experience are increasingly vital for career advancement.

India’s response to cross-border terrorism shifted decisively after the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack. Joint Army, Air Force, and BSF operations from May 7–10 showcased enhanced coordination, defence self-reliance, and calibrated, time-bound action with clear objectives. The operations reinforced India’s resolve against terrorism while projecting strategic restraint and geopolitical confidence.

India’s GCC revenue is projected to hit $98.4 billion in FY2026, nearly achieving 2030 targets early. Offshore centres now drive R&D, AI, and finance, supported by strong talent, scalable models, and tax benefits. Over 100 new GCCs were added, expanding the workforce to 2.36 million, with North American firms driving two‑thirds of new setups.

India received a record $137 billion in remittances in 2024, led globally by its 19 million diaspora. Contributions from the US, UAE, UK, Canada, and Australia highlight a shift from Gulf labor migration to high-skilled professionals. Remittances more than doubled since 2010, reinforcing India’s role as a major source of global students and skilled talent.

Reliance Industries plans a multi‑billion‑dollar entry into the LEO satellite broadband market, positioning Jio Platforms against Starlink and Amazon Kuiper. Six teams are advancing satellite, launch, and terminal development. The initiative supports India’s digital sovereignty and secure communications. Launch is expected within two to four years, either organically or through acquisitions.

India announced $20.5 billion investment at the 2026 SelectUSA Summit, reinforcing U.S.–India economic ties and a $500 billion trade goal by 2030. $19.1 billion targets pharmaceuticals, strengthening U.S. healthcare supply chains. Additional projects expand manufacturing, steel, energy, and shipbuilding, creating thousands of jobs. Collaboration advances AI, telecom, and research across multiple states.

India has eased FDI rules, allowing overseas firms with up to 10% Chinese shareholding to invest automatically, except those incorporated in China or bordering nations. Beneficial ownership above 10% still requires approval, aligned with PMLA norms. Multilateral funds are exempt, RBI safeguards remain, and China’s FDI share in India stays modest at 0.32% historically.