US-India Trade Tensions Rise as Modi Plans Tariff Cuts Ahead of Trump Meeting
美印貿易緊張升溫，莫迪於會晤川普前計劃下調關稅
Washington and New Delhi are gearing up for crucial trade negotiations as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a visit to the United States. US President Donald Trump’s top economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, has criticized India’s high tariffs, calling them a barrier to American exports. Trump, who has previously labeled India a “big abuser” in trade, is expected to impose new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, alongside reciprocal tariff measures. In response, India is reportedly considering tariff reductions across multiple sectors, including electronics, medical equipment, and chemicals, to foster fairer trade relations. Additionally, India plans to ramp up imports of US energy products, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), as part of efforts to balance trade with Washington.
For non-Indian companies, these developments signal potential shifts in global trade dynamics. If India lowers tariffs, foreign businesses—particularly American exporters—may find greater market access in key sectors. Simultaneously, Trump’s push for reciprocal tariffs could disrupt supply chains, impacting companies reliant on US-India trade. With India’s average tariff rate significantly higher than that of the US, any reductions could open new opportunities for international firms while reshaping global commerce.
India’s high tariffs a barrier to imports: Trump’s top economic adviser
小編點評：美印貿易緊張局勢正在加劇，印度總理莫迪在與美國總統川普會面前計劃下調關稅。川普批評印度高關稅，印度則考慮在電子產品、醫療設備與化工等領域降低關稅，同時增加美國能源進口。這些舉措可能重塑全球貿易格局，為外國企業，尤其是美國出口商，帶來更大的市場准入空間。
Gujarat to Open First Overseas Office in Taiwan to Boost Semiconductor Investments
古吉拉特將在台灣設立首個海外辦事處，以促進半導體投資
In a strategic move to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor industry, the Gujarat government plans to establish its first international office in Taipei, Taiwan. The Gujarat Desk in Taipei City will serve as a hub for attracting fresh investments from Taiwanese and global semiconductor firms. A senior official highlighted that Gujarat has already made significant progress in securing commitments from key players in the sector. By setting up this overseas office, the state aims to facilitate smoother business operations, providing language assistance and operational support to companies interested in investing in Gujarat. The initiative marks Gujarat’s first-ever government presence outside India, signaling its ambition to become a global technology and semiconductor hub.
For non-Indian companies, this development presents new opportunities for collaboration and market entry in India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem. With Taiwan being a global leader in chip manufacturing, Gujarat’s move to set up a direct investment facilitation center in Taipei could ease regulatory processes and enhance business-friendly conditions. The initiative also reflects India’s broader push to establish itself as a key player in global tech supply chains, making it an attractive destination for semiconductor and electronics firms worldwide.
小編點評：古吉拉特邦正於台灣台北設立其首個海外辦公室，以吸引半導體投資並為全球企業提供更順暢的業務支援。這個新的「古吉拉特窗口」將提供協助並促進企業在該邦的投資流程。此舉旨在強化古吉拉特作為全球科技中心的地位，也呼應印度希望在全球半導體供應鏈中扮演更重要角色的戰略。對台灣企業而言，此發展有助於更直接、有效地進入印度半導體市場。
India Offers Global Cooperation in Standardisation to Boost Trade
印度提供全球標準化合作以促進貿易
New Delhi is strengthening its role in international trade by offering cooperation in standardisation to interested countries, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare announced on Monday. Speaking at a high-level roundtable hosted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Khare emphasized the need to harmonize global standards to improve trade and quality infrastructure. The event, attended by representatives from over 25 African and Latin American nations, focused on fostering collaboration in setting standards that ensure product quality, safety, and seamless cross-border trade. BIS Director General Pramod Kumar Tiwari highlighted the organization’s efforts in creating a robust standardisation framework that aligns with international best practices.
For non-Indian companies, this initiative signals greater ease of doing business with India and potential alignment of Indian standards with global benchmarks. Harmonisation of standards can reduce regulatory hurdles, making it easier for foreign firms to export to or manufacture in India. With BIS playing a key role in shaping trade policies, companies operating in sectors such as manufacturing, consumer goods, and technology may find improved market access and streamlined compliance processes in the Indian market.
小編點評：印度正在推動標準化合作，以改善貿易與品質基礎設施，並強調全球標準協調的重要性。這項由印度標準局（BIS）領導的倡議旨在使印度標準與國際實務接軌，從而簡化跨境貿易與商業流程。對台灣企業而言，此舉 may 有助於在與印度進行商業合作時，享有更順暢的標準化與產品認證程序。
Sam Altman Visits India Amid AI Race, OpenAI Eyes Deeper Collaboration
在全球 AI 競賽升溫之際，Sam Altman 訪印，OpenAI 尋求更深度合作
As global competition in artificial intelligence intensifies, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is visiting India, marking his first trip since 2023 when he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His visit follows the recent rise of China’s low-cost DeepSeek AI, which outpaced ChatGPT in popularity on Apple’s US App Store. In response, OpenAI launched o3-mini, its most cost-efficient reasoning model, along with a ‘Deep Research’ tool to enhance ChatGPT’s ability to parse large-scale online data. India, OpenAI’s second-largest market, has seen a threefold increase in users over the past year. During his visit, Altman met Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss India’s AI strategy, including the development of a full AI stack—covering GPUs, models, and applications. Vaishnaw stressed India’s potential to create low-cost AI models, similar to its achievements in space technology.
For non-Indian companies, Altman’s visit signals India’s growing role in the global AI landscape and potential opportunities for AI-driven collaborations. With India launching its IndiaAI Mission and pushing for cost-effective AI models, global tech firms may find new partnerships, research prospects, and market expansion opportunities. OpenAI’s willingness to integrate with India’s AI agenda also suggests a shift in AI development, where emerging markets could play a crucial role in shaping future innovations.
小編點評：OpenAI 執行長 Sam Altman 正訪問印度，探討AI合作機會，反映印度在全球AI領域的地位快速提升。隨著印度AI使用者倍增並推動自主AI模型與完整AI技術棧，Altman 與印度官員的會談凸顯印度有望在未來AI創新中扮演關鍵角色。
India Unveils ₹10,000 Crore Fund to Boost High-Tech Startups
印度宣布推出 1,000 億盧比基金以支持高科技新創企業
The Indian government has announced a new ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds Scheme (FFS) to support startups in manufacturing and high-technology sectors, requiring long-term capital investment. Unlike the previous FFS launched in 2016, this initiative aims to provide extended funding options beyond equity infusion, with potential tenures of 14–15 years to accommodate high-tech ventures with longer gestation periods. Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), emphasized that this scheme will not be a continuation of the first FFS but will offer new funding mechanisms, including debt options. The government is also considering a dedicated FFS for deep-tech startups to finance disruptive innovations requiring patient capital. The initiative is expected to significantly scale up investment mobilization, aiming for 20x fund generation compared to the 10x achieved by the first FFS.
For non-Indian companies, the expansion of India’s startup funding ecosystem presents new investment and partnership opportunities, particularly in high-tech industries. With Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) playing a key role in mobilizing capital, global investors may find increased entry points into India’s growing startup landscape. The government’s emphasis on long-term funding and regulatory reforms, such as the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0, signals an evolving business-friendly environment, potentially making India a more attractive destination for foreign venture capitalists and deep-tech innovators.
小編點評：印度啟動新的 1,000 億盧比基金，為高科技新創企業提供長期資金支持，其中包括提供債務資金與延長投資周期。此基金旨在強化印度的新創生態系統，並吸引全球投資者，特別是在深科技領域。此舉為國際風投與科技企業在印度市場建立合作提供全新機會。
India’s Solar Cell Capacity to Reach 55 GW by 2027, Boosting Self-Reliance
印度太陽能電池產能將於 2027 年達到 55 GW，提升自主供應能力
India’s solar cell manufacturing capacity is set to surge fivefold to 50–55 GW by fiscal 2027, up from 10 GW at the end of fiscal 2024, driven by government initiatives like “Make in India,” according to Crisil Ratings. This expansion, requiring an investment of ₹28,000–30,000 crore, will be largely funded through a 70:30 debt-equity mix. While India’s solar module production capacity has already reached 60 GW, cutting import dependence, cell imports—mostly from China—still account for 80% of the country’s demand. With an expected solar capacity addition of 60–65 GW by 2027, boosting domestic cell production will be critical for supply chain resilience. However, Indian-made solar cells are currently 80–90% costlier than imports due to lower economies of scale and aggressive pricing by China, making sustained policy support essential for competitiveness.
For non-Indian companies, India’s rapid expansion in solar manufacturing presents opportunities for collaboration, investment, and technology partnerships. As the country moves towards greater self-reliance, suppliers of advanced manufacturing equipment, renewable energy firms, and investors in clean energy infrastructure may find new business prospects. Additionally, global shifts in trade policies, particularly US restrictions on Chinese solar imports, could influence India’s role in the global renewable energy supply chain, making it a key player to watch in the evolving market.
小編點評：印度的太陽能電池產能預計在 2027 年前成長至 50–55 GW，受「印度製造」政策推動。然而由於成本較高，印度仍需政策支援以保持競爭力。對外國企業而言，印度快速成長的太陽能製造領域提供了投資、合作與技術輸出的巨大機會，尤其隨著全球市場因政策變化而重塑供應鏈。