Foxconn Recalls Chinese Engineers from India, Raising Concerns Over Apple’s Diversification Plans
Foxconn Technology Group has recalled several hundred Chinese engineers and technicians from its Indian operations, dealing a blow to Apple’s efforts to shift production outside China. According to Bloomberg, over 300 Chinese staff have quietly exited India in recent months, amid Beijing’s informal crackdown on the transfer of high-end manufacturing skills and technology. With India now accounting for nearly 20% of global iPhone production and playing a central role in the upcoming iPhone 17 rollout, the sudden withdrawal is expected to slow local workforce training and impact production efficiency. While Taiwan-based staff remain to support operations, the absence of Chinese expertise may delay Apple’s ramp-up timelines and raise operational costs in the short term.
This development comes as global supply chains face increasing disruption due to geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China. For Apple and other multinational firms, it underscores the strategic risks of overreliance on a single country for high-skilled manufacturing. While Foxconn continues to invest in India — including plans for a new plant near Bengaluru — the incident highlights the urgency for countries like India to accelerate local skill-building and reduce dependence on imported technology. For non-Indian companies, the situation is a cautionary signal: diversifying manufacturing footprints must be matched with deep local capability development to ensure long-term resilience.
Editor’s Note: Foxconn has recalled over 300 Chinese engineers from its operations in India, raising concerns about Apple’s push to diversify iPhone production beyond China and potentially delaying its manufacturing ramp-up due to reduced access to high-end skills. The move highlights the strategic risks of reliance on foreign expertise amid geopolitical tensions, emphasizing the need for countries like India to invest in local skill development to support resilient supply chains.
Taipei Fubon Bank Shifts Focus to GIFT City, Eyes Strategic Growth in India
Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank has received approval from Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) to establish a branch in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), opting out of its earlier plan to set up in Mumbai. The decision, as reported by Focus Taiwan, is driven by GIFT City’s favourable regulatory environment, including single-window clearances, tax incentives, and ready-to-use infrastructure. Hou Li-yang, Vice Director General of the FSC’s Banking Bureau, noted that India’s financial benefits in GIFT City played a key role in the bank’s strategic pivot. Taipei Fubon sees the smart city as a platform aligned with its goals to serve Taiwanese and global businesses in India, while leveraging the country’s economic momentum and demographic edge.
If granted final approval by Indian regulators, Taipei Fubon will become the second Taiwanese bank to establish a presence in GIFT City, following CTBC Bank. While CTBC already operates branches in New Delhi and Kattupakkam, other Taiwanese lenders like Bank of Taiwan and Mega International Commercial Bank maintain representative offices in Mumbai. Taipei Fubon’s move highlights the increasing importance of GIFT City as a regional financial hub and signals a growing trend among international banks to tap into India’s expanding economic ecosystem. For non-Indian companies, this shift underscores the strategic value of GIFT City as a gateway to India’s market, offering an efficient and globally competitive alternative to traditional financial centres.
Editor’s Note: Taipei Fubon Bank is shifting its expansion plans from Mumbai to GIFT City in Gujarat, drawn by its favorable regulations and infrastructure to better support Taiwanese and global business interests in India. The move signals growing global confidence in GIFT City as a financial hub and reflects a broader trend among international banks aiming to tap into India’s rising economic potential.
India Approves ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme to Boost Private Sector-Led Innovation
In a landmark move to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme. The initiative aims to catalyze private sector investment in high-impact research by offering long-tenor, low or nil interest financing. Focused on sunrise and strategic sectors, the scheme seeks to support projects with advanced Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), acquisition of critical technologies, and establishment of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will oversee the strategic direction of the scheme, while the Department of Science and Technology (DST) will act as the nodal implementing agency. A two-tiered funding structure will be employed, with a Special Purpose Fund under ANRF channeling resources to second-level fund managers who will disburse concessional loans or equity investments.
This transformative scheme is expected to address a long-standing gap in risk and growth capital for private R&D, particularly for startups and enterprises working on cutting-edge technologies. For non-Indian companies, especially those operating in the tech, semiconductor, biotech, and deep-tech sectors, the RDI Scheme presents a valuable opportunity to collaborate with Indian firms or invest in joint ventures, as India positions itself as a global innovation hub. The policy signals a robust commitment by the Indian government to building a self-reliant and competitive research-driven economy ahead of its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2141130
Editor’s Note: India has approved a ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme to drive private sector-led innovation, offering long-term, low-interest financing for research in strategic sectors through a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds. This move aims to bridge gaps in R&D funding, attract global collaboration, and position India as a future-ready innovation hub aligned with its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
India’s Food Processing Sector Embraces Tech for a Sustainable, Global Future
India’s food processing industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by cutting-edge technologies and a renewed focus on sustainability, according to a joint knowledge report released by ASSOCHAM and PwC at the recent Food Tech conference. The report highlights how Industry 4.0 technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, robotics, and automation—are revolutionizing food production, storage, and logistics, boosting efficiency, safety, and transparency across the supply chain. With India losing an estimated ₹1.53 trillion annually to post-harvest losses, these digital interventions present a timely solution. Government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) and the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) are also reinforcing efforts to minimize waste and build a robust, formalized processing ecosystem.
The report also acknowledges challenges such as limited processing infrastructure, supply chain traceability, and workforce skill gaps. It calls for greater use of digital tools to enhance food safety, reduce losses from foodborne illnesses and waste, and meet the rising demand for sustainable, plant-based, and clean-label products. For non-Indian companies, especially those in food tech, agri-innovation, and sustainable packaging, India represents a fast-growing market with increasing global linkages and export potential. The sector’s ongoing digitization and government support create strong opportunities for foreign collaboration, investment, and technology partnerships aimed at shaping the future of food both in India and globally.
https://ddnews.gov.in/en/ai-iot-to-drive-india-as-a-global-leader-in-food-processing-report
Editor’s Note: India’s food processing industry is being transformed by Industry 4.0 technologies and government initiatives, improving efficiency, reducing waste, and boosting supply chain transparency amid rising demand for sustainable products. Despite infrastructure and skill challenges, the sector presents major opportunities for foreign investment and collaboration, positioning India as a global leader in food tech and agri-innovation.
India’s Renewable Energy Output Soars 24%, Signals Structural Shift in Power Sector
India’s renewable energy generation surged by 24.4% in the first half of 2025—the fastest growth in three years—reaching 134.43 billion kilowatt-hours, largely fueled by rapid expansion in wind and solar capacity. Renewables (excluding hydropower) accounted for a record 17% of total electricity generation in June, highlighting India’s accelerating transition toward clean energy. This rise comes as coal-fired power output declined nearly 3% during the same period, helped by moderated electricity demand and improved integration of renewables into the national grid. The momentum signals a structural transformation in India’s power sector, with clean energy becoming increasingly reliable, cost-effective, and central to meeting the country’s climate goals.
India is projected to add 32 gigawatts of new renewable capacity in 2025 alone, reinforcing its position among the world’s fastest-growing green energy markets. This growth is supported by favorable weather conditions, strong policy backing, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades. For non-Indian companies, this marks a valuable opportunity to invest in India’s green economy—whether through technology partnerships, equipment supply, or project financing. As India scales up its renewable ambitions in pursuit of net-zero emissions, global firms in clean energy and grid technologies stand to benefit from one of the most dynamic energy transitions underway.
Editor’s Note: India’s renewable energy output jumped 24.4% in early 2025, signaling a major shift toward clean power as wind and solar projects gained momentum and coal reliance declined. With strong policy support and plans to add 32 GW in new capacity this year, India is emerging as a top destination for global investment in green energy and grid technologies.
Indian Electronics Firms Pivot from China as Manufacturing Scheme Deadline Nears
Indian electronics component manufacturers are increasingly distancing themselves from Chinese suppliers and tying up with South Korea and Taiwan firms, as they race to meet the application deadline for the government’s electronics component manufacturing scheme. Leading domestic players such as Epack Durable, Micromax’s Bhagwati Products, Dixon Technologies, PG Electroplast, Amber Enterprises, and Optiemus are in the final stages of submitting proposals to tap into the scheme’s incentives. The shift comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and a push for self-reliance, with companies recalibrating their supply chains to reduce dependency on Chinese firms and align with the government’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” agendas.
This strategic pivot highlights India’s broader ambition to emerge as a global electronics manufacturing hub. For non-Indian companies—especially those in semiconductor design, manufacturing equipment, or component supply—this transition opens new avenues for collaboration, technology licensing, and joint ventures with Indian firms. As India reshapes its electronics supply ecosystem, global players that adapt to this shift can secure long-term partnerships and tap into one of the world’s fastest-growing electronics markets.
Editor’s Note: Indian electronics firms are shifting away from Chinese suppliers and forging ties with South Korean and Taiwanese partners to meet the government’s manufacturing scheme deadline and advance self-reliance goals. This realignment supports India’s vision to become a global electronics hub and offers international companies fresh opportunities for collaboration and investment.