INDIA CHINA Connect

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, speaking at the IICA North East Conclave in Shillong, emphasized the need for globalization tailored to local needs and capitalism driven by ethical principles. Highlighting gaps in logistics, she called for improved infrastructure to boost the economic potential of India’s north-east. Sitharaman praised the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, noting 2,300 startups, and stressed the importance of institutions like IIM Shillong and IICA in fos

Indian-born billionaires dominate Forbes’ 2025 America’s Richest Immigrants list, with 12 individuals surpassing other nationalities. Notable names include Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Jay Chaudhry, the founder of Zscaler, whose $17.9 billion fortune reflects his inspiring journey from a rural Himalayan village to Silicon Valley. Forbes identified 125 billionaire immigrants, with India, Taiwan, and Israel leading the ranks. Technology and finance are key wealth drivers,

Overseas investors repatriated a record $97.7 billion from Indian assets in FY25, up from $87.5 billion in FY24, driven by strong FDI inflows, bond yields, and Indian debt’s inclusion in the JPMorgan bond index. Income from foreign exchange reserves rose 33% to $21.7 billion, helping narrow the current account deficit. Balanced investment flows, with Indian firms earning more abroad, reduced past imbalances. India’s favorable policies and global financial integration enhance

China's GDP is set to exceed 140 trillion yuan ($19.5 trillion) in 2025, reflecting its economic resilience amid trade tensions and deflation. The 14th five-year plan (2021–2025) prioritized growth, innovation, sustainability, and improved livelihoods, achieving an average 5.4% annual growth despite COVID-19. Strengthened manufacturing and self-reliance in technology showcased adaptability. As the 15th five-year plan (2026–2030) takes shape, policymakers aim to boost domestic

Indian IT firms, reliant on outsourcing, enjoy higher P/E ratios than global tech giants like Microsoft and Google, despite the latter's focus on innovation. Factors driving Indian IT valuations include strong cash flow, improved financial metrics, and resilience. However, challenges such as limited AI investment and lower profitability compared to global peers raise questions about sustainability. While opportunities in AI, cloud migration, and data analytics exist, adapting

China has unveiled a ground breaking maglev train capable of reaching speeds of 600 km/h, showcased at the 17th Modern Railways exhibition in Beijing. Developed by CRRC, this train features cutting-edge magnetic levitation technology, promising faster, greener, and more energy-efficient transport. It could cut Beijing-Shanghai travel time to 2.5 hours, bridging the gap between rail and aviation. Integrating AI, 5G, and automation, the train reflects China’s commitment to high

Affluent Indian investors are shifting from cash-heavy portfolios to gold, alternative assets, and global markets, prioritizing diversification and long-term growth, according to HSBC’s 2025 Affluent Investor Snapshot. Cash allocations dropped to 15%, while gold doubled to the same level, driven by inflation concerns. Younger investors globally are fueling interest in alternatives like private markets and REITs. Nearly 40% of Indian investors plan international investments, f

The Maratha Military Landscapes, a collection of 12 historically significant forts in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, have been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List during its 47th session in Paris. These forts, showcasing remarkable military engineering and strategic adaptation, highlight the legacy of the Maratha Empire (17th–19th centuries) led by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Recognized under cultural criteria, this marks India’s 44th UNESCO site. The addition underscores Ind

India has expanded the use of total return swaps (TRS), allowing major banks like HSBC and Standard Chartered to link these derivatives to corporate bonds. Previously limited to government securities, this move boosts foreign investors' access to India’s $639 billion credit market. With record corporate bond issuances and private credit growth, TRS offers investors exposure without needing local accounts. The regulatory body overseeing GIFT City is also exploring TRS for doll

At the SCO Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Tianjin, Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for collective accountability against terrorism, referencing the Pahalgam attack. He urged SCO nations to stabilize the global order and enhance cooperation based on mutual respect. Jaishankar highlighted India's initiatives in innovation and connectivity, including the INSTC, and called for aid to Afghanistan. He stressed the SCO's role in a multi-polar world and held key discussions with

The Western Xia Imperial Tomb complex in northwest China has been designated a Unesco World Heritage site, recognizing its historical significance as a Silk Road hub. Spanning 40 sq km near Yinchuan, it includes nine imperial mausoleums, 271 tombs, and unique architectural features influenced by Tangut traditions and Chinese feng shui. Over 7,100 artifacts reveal advanced technologies of the Western Xia dynasty (1038–1227). Protected since 1988, the site highlights cultural f

China’s kindergartens face a crisis due to declining birth rates, with enrollment dropping over 25% since 2020. Institutions are adapting by expanding their student base, adjusting age restrictions, and offering new services like childcare for younger children. Some are transforming into care centers or diversifying into other industries. The government is addressing the issue with policies to increase affordable childcare slots. Despite these efforts, the sector’s survival h

India’s renewable energy sector has achieved unprecedented growth, with capacity additions rising 420% year-on-year in June 2025. Solar energy capacity soared by 4,000% over the past decade, while wind energy grew 140%. Solar tariffs dropped 80%, making renewables cost-effective. The sector attracted $9.8 billion in Q1 2025 and over ₹1.6 lakh crore in foreign investments since 2020. Projects like Ahmedabad’s waste-to-energy plant highlight sustainability and inclusivity, posi

India is launching a ₹25 billion ($290 million) initiative to boost domestic production of rare-earth magnets, essential for electric vehicles and wind turbines, reducing reliance on China, which dominates 90% of global processing. The program aims to support firms like Vedanta, JSW, and Sona BLW, targeting 4,000 tons of magnet production over seven years. While challenges like China’s technological edge and environmental risks persist, India’s plan emphasizes local sourcing

China dominates global steel production, producing over one billion tonnes in 2024—more than all other nations combined. The China Baowu Group alone manufactured 130.1 million tonnes, surpassing most countries’ outputs. To curb overproduction, Beijing plans to cut output by up to 50 million tonnes. India ranks second with 149.4 million tonnes, fueled by infrastructure growth, while Japan (84 million tonnes) and the U.S. (79.5 million tonnes) follow. The steel industry evolves

India is adopting a cautious approach to the US's new import tariffs of 11%–49% on 60 countries, including India, effective April 9. Officials see both challenges and opportunities, as competitors like China and Vietnam face steeper duties. While sectors like shrimp and carpets may struggle, pharmaceuticals and electronics could benefit. The US remains India's largest trading partner, with a $35.32 billion trade surplus in 2023-24. India is monitoring the situation, engaging

Meituan, China’s top on-demand delivery platform, set a new record with 150 million daily transactions, solidifying its dominance amidst fierce competition from JD.com and Alibaba. The company plans to invest 100 billion yuan to support merchants and boost demand. JD.com and Alibaba are also expanding aggressively, with JD.com focusing on premium services and Alibaba integrating Ele.me into its core platform. Despite rivals’ efforts, Meituan retains a 70% market share, highli

Canada’s education sector is facing a crisis as a 31% drop in study permits issued to Indian students in early 2025 sparks mass layoffs in Ontario’s public colleges. The decline, tied to tighter immigration caps, has led to job losses nearing 10,000 and over 600 program cuts. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union blames underfunding, while provincial officials refute the claims, citing increased investment. With nearly 1.5 million Ontarians impacted by campus closures, t

The global AI race hinges on talent, with US tech giants like Meta offering massive incentives—such as $100 million sign-on bonuses—to attract top professionals, many of whom are of Chinese origin. While the US faces declining allure among AI researchers, China invests heavily in homegrown expertise and research ecosystems. Nearly half of elite AI researchers are Chinese, reflecting Beijing's strategic emphasis on retaining and reclaiming talent. The battle highlights a broad