India to Fast-Track BIS Approvals for Taiwanese Steel Mills to Aid MSMEs
The Indian government is moving to fast-track Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approvals for Taiwanese integrated steel plants, aiming to ease raw material imports for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The move follows industry concerns raised in August after importers reported long delays in securing approvals—some pending since July—under the quality control order (QCO) issued on 13 June. The order mandates BIS certification for not only finished steel products but also intermediate raw materials such as stainless steel slabs and hot-rolled and cold-rolled coils, effectively stalling imports from Taiwan.
The delays have left Indian MSMEs facing higher costs, as they rely on cheaper imported steel to stay competitive against domestic producers’ pricing. By expediting approvals, the steel ministry hopes to prevent disruptions in supply chains, support value addition, and boost exports. For non-Indian companies, particularly those in Taiwan, this development is critical: it could revive stalled shipments, restore cash flow from pending orders, and ensure smoother access to the Indian market, which remains one of the fastest-growing steel-consuming economies globally.
https://www.livemint.com/industry/manufacturing/india-to-expedite-bis-approvals-for-taiwanese-steel-plants-after-msme-importers-flag-qcos-delays-11758195074448.html
Editor’s Note: India is fast-tracking BIS approvals for Taiwanese steel mills to ease raw material imports for MSMEs, addressing delays caused by the June 13 quality control order that stalled shipments of certified steel products and intermediates. This move aims to reduce costs for MSMEs, restore supply chains, and help Taiwanese companies regain access to India’s rapidly growing steel market.
Quad Summit 2025 Likely on Track as India–US Trade Talks Show Progress
The 2025 Quad Summit, to be hosted by India later this year, is expected to remain on schedule after positive signals from trade talks between Indian and US delegations in New York. Sources in Washington indicated that discussions between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are “going well,” marking progress after months of stalled negotiations over tariffs, Russian oil imports, and visa fee hikes. If talks sustain momentum, US President Donald Trump is likely to travel to India before year-end for the four-nation meeting of the Quad, which includes India, the US, Japan, and Australia.
For non-Indian companies, particularly those operating across Indo-Pacific supply chains, the summit’s confirmation would signal greater stability in US–India relations and renewed commitment to regional security and economic cooperation. Progress in trade negotiations could also pave the way for smoother market access, regulatory clarity, and more predictable tariff regimes—factors that directly affect global businesses invested in or exporting to the Indian market.
Editor’s Note: The 2025 Quad Summit in India is likely to proceed as planned, following encouraging progress in India–US trade talks addressing tariffs, Russian oil imports, and visa fee issues. For global businesses, especially those in Indo-Pacific supply chains, the summit signals improved US–India relations, regulatory clarity, and more predictable market access.
Dholera Fab Project Spurs Plans for Japanese, Taiwanese Housing Corridors
Dholera, Gujarat—home to India’s first semiconductor fabrication plant—may soon host dedicated housing corridors for Japanese and Taiwanese expat engineers, according to The Economic Times. Tokyo Electron Ltd (TEL) of Japan and Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC), both partners in Tata Group’s semiconductor venture, are exploring the creation of residential enclaves with modern amenities and cultural familiarity. State officials confirmed that land has been earmarked under the Dholera master plan, complementing Tata’s housing projects and a government-backed “Global Tent City.” TEL executives said the initiative is intended to help expatriates adjust to Dholera’s relatively remote location and retain talent for the long term.
For non-Indian companies, the move highlights how India’s semiconductor ecosystem is evolving beyond manufacturing into full-fledged industrial and social infrastructure. Companies investing in the Indian supply chain—from equipment makers to service providers—may find opportunities in housing, urban planning, and community development. The push also signals that foreign firms view India’s semiconductor strategy as a long-term play, requiring workforce-friendly ecosystems on par with established hubs in Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Editor’s Note: India’s Dholera semiconductor hub is planning dedicated housing corridors for Japanese and Taiwanese engineers, with TEL and PSMC exploring residential enclaves to support long-term talent retention. This signals a shift toward integrated industrial and social infrastructure, offering global firms new opportunities in housing, urban planning, and ecosystem development.
Taiwan Proposes Rare Earths-for-Semiconductors Deal with India
At the Taiwan Expo 2025 in New Delhi, Taiwan pitched a strategic partnership that would give its companies access to India’s vast rare earth mineral reserves in exchange for advanced semiconductor technology. Keven Cheng, Deputy Director of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), said rare earths are critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defence industries, and India—despite holding the world’s third-largest reserves at 6.9 million metric tonnes—has yet to fully exploit them. Alongside this pitch, Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) confirmed its collaboration with the Tata Group to begin chip production in India next year, marking a deeper push into India’s high-tech ecosystem.
For non-Indian companies, this proposal reflects a broader realignment of global supply chains. By linking India’s raw materials with Taiwan’s semiconductor expertise, the two countries are attempting to reduce dependence on China and the U.S., while creating new opportunities for international firms in mining, refining, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. Multinationals operating in EVs, clean energy, and defence could see a more reliable flow of critical minerals and new technology partnerships emerging from India, as it positions itself as both a supplier of strategic resources and a hub for semiconductor manufacturing.
Editor’s Note: At Taiwan Expo 2025, Taiwan proposed a strategic partnership to access India’s vast rare earth reserves in exchange for advanced semiconductor technology, with PSMC confirming chip production plans with Tata Group. This initiative aims to realign global supply chains, reduce reliance on China and the U.S., and create new opportunities for international firms in critical minerals, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.
DoT Delays Mandatory Security Testing of Broadband Gear Until End-2025
The Department of Telecom’s National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) has once again deferred the rollout of mandatory security testing for optical fibre-based broadband equipment, pushing the deadline to December 31, 2025. Under the revised timeline, Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) and Optical Network Terminals (ONTs)—devices crucial for broadband transmission and last-mile connectivity—will remain under the Voluntary Security Certification (VSC) regime until then, with mandatory certification under the Communication Security Certification Scheme (ComSec) to take effect from January 1, 2026. NCCS said the extension was granted to simplify the certification process, particularly for startups and MSMEs, and to address concerns around cost-effectiveness in testing multiple software-customised devices of the same model.
Industry body VoICE, which represents domestic telecom equipment makers, has alleged that foreign vendors’ reluctance to undergo security testing influenced the repeated deferments, though DoT has denied this. For non-Indian companies, the extended voluntary period provides more time to align with India’s security certification requirements and resolve compliance challenges—especially those related to intellectual property safeguards and source code handling. The decision also indicates India’s balancing act between securing its telecom networks and keeping its market accessible to global OEMs, a dynamic with implications for multinational telecom gear suppliers eyeing India’s rapidly growing broadband sector.
Editor’s Note: India’s Department of Telecom has postponed mandatory security testing for broadband equipment to December 31, 2025, keeping OLTs and ONTs under voluntary certification to ease compliance for startups and MSMEs. The extension gives foreign vendors more time to align with India’s security norms, reflecting a balance between network safety and market accessibility for global telecom suppliers.
IIT-BHU, Taiwan’s NCKU Sign MoU to Strengthen Semiconductor Research and Talent Development
IIT-BHU has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Taiwan’s National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) to deepen academic and research ties in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing space. The partnership will focus on integrated circuit design, semiconductor fabrication technologies, packaging and testing, and sustainable manufacturing practices. The MoU was signed by IIT-BHU director Prof. Amit Patra and NCKU dean Prof. Yan-Kuin Su, followed by an interactive dialogue on next-generation semiconductor innovation. The event also launched a Semiconductor Summer School, designed to provide specialized training, global exposure, and opportunities for collaboration to Indian students and researchers.
The initiative is expected to accelerate India’s efforts to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem and reduce reliance on imports by giving its students access to world-class labs, expertise, and international collaboration opportunities. For non-Indian companies, particularly those in electronics, chip design, and manufacturing, this partnership signals a stronger India–Taiwan alignment in critical technologies. It opens new avenues for global firms to engage with India’s emerging semiconductor talent pool, participate in collaborative R&D, and tap into sustainable innovation models that are gaining traction across global supply chains.
Editor’s Note: IIT-BHU and Taiwan’s NCKU have signed an MoU to advance semiconductor research and talent development, launching a Semiconductor Summer School to train Indian students in chip design, fabrication, and sustainable manufacturing. This partnership strengthens India–Taiwan collaboration in critical technologies and offers global firms new opportunities in R&D, talent engagement, and innovation-driven supply chains.
Urban Company Surges 64% on Market Debut, Valued at Over ₹24,000 Crore
App-based beauty and home services platform Urban Company made a strong stock market debut on September 17, with its shares closing 64% higher at ₹169 on the NSE compared to the issue price of ₹103. The ₹1,900-crore IPO, which was subscribed 103.6 times in the primary market, listed at ₹162.25 on the NSE and ₹161 on the BSE—over 56% premium to its issue price. The company’s post-listing market capitalization stood at ₹24,266.7 crore, outperforming grey market expectations of around 52% listing gains. Proceeds from the IPO will be used for technology development, cloud infrastructure, office leases, marketing, and general corporate purposes.
For non-Indian companies, Urban Company’s successful listing underscores the growing investor appetite for tech-enabled service platforms in India’s consumer market. With parallels to global on-demand service models like TaskRabbit and Handy, the company’s expansion trajectory highlights opportunities for international firms in areas such as SaaS solutions, cloud infrastructure, AI-driven logistics, and cross-border partnerships in the home services space. The strong demand also signals that India’s digital services ecosystem is maturing into a lucrative investment and collaboration arena for global players.
Editor’s Note: Urban Company’s IPO surged 64% on debut, valuing the app-based services platform at over ₹24,000 crore, with proceeds earmarked for tech development, cloud infrastructure, and expansion. Its strong listing reflects rising investor interest in India’s digital services market and opens doors for global firms in SaaS, AI logistics, and cross-border home service partnerships.