Taiwan’s Full Chain Eyes Tamil Nadu for Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturing Facility
Taiwan-based semiconductor materials firm Full Chain is planning to establish an equipment manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, according to industry sources. The company has already set up a design centre and a research and development hub in India, signaling a strong commitment to the region. Full Chain’s proposed facility aims to support semiconductor fabrication units and outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing (OSAT) firms, with a focus on offering specialized services such as thermal management solutions and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) advisory. The company is currently assessing which products to manufacture at the site and has identified potential land banks. Discussions with the Tamil Nadu government are underway regarding financial incentives and policy support.
This move highlights India’s growing appeal as a strategic destination for global semiconductor players amid supply chain diversification efforts. For non-Indian companies, Full Chain’s investment underscores the opportunities in India’s emerging semiconductor ecosystem, driven by government incentives and a skilled talent pool. As nations worldwide seek resilient chip supply chains, India is positioning itself as a key player in the global semiconductor value chain.
Editor’s Note: Taiwan-based Full Chain plans to establish a semiconductor equipment manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, adding to its existing R&D and design presence in India. The facility will support chip fabrication and OSAT firms, offering specialized services like thermal management and ESG advisory. This move highlights India’s growing role in the global semiconductor ecosystem amid supply chain diversification and government incentives.
FPI Sell-Off Resumes in April Amid Tariff Turmoil and Global Market Volatility
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have resumed their sell-off in April 2025, pulling out a net ₹32,121 crore from Indian equities so far this month, as per NSDL data. The reversal comes after a brief buying spree between March 20–27, during which FPIs had infused ₹32,576 crore, bringing down March’s net outflow to ₹3,973 crore. The recent exodus has been driven by heightened volatility in global stock markets following U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of reciprocal tariffs, raising fears of a global economic slowdown. Tighter monetary policies by major central banks, persistent inflation, and escalating trade tensions have added to the uncertainty, prompting foreign investors to reduce their exposure to emerging markets like India. In total, FPIs have withdrawn ₹1,48,695 crore from Indian equities in 2025 so far.
Analysts believe the situation remains fluid, with FPI flows expected to remain volatile in the near term. While Taiwan attracted foreign inflows in April, key emerging markets including India, Brazil, and South Korea saw heavy outflows, indicating a broader risk-off sentiment. Despite the turbulence, experts like VK Vijayakumar of Geojit Investments believe India could still attract foreign investments in the medium term, thanks to its resilient economy and projected 6% growth in FY26. For non-Indian companies, these developments underline the interconnectedness of global markets and the sensitivity of capital flows to geopolitical events. India’s long-term fundamentals remain strong, and companies looking to enter or expand in India should monitor these macro trends while preparing for medium-term recovery in investor confidence.
Editor’s Note: Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have withdrawn ₹32,121 crore from Indian equities in April 2025, driven by global market volatility, U.S. tariff hikes, and tighter monetary policies. Despite a brief buying phase in late March, total FPI outflows for 2025 have reached ₹1,48,695 crore, reflecting a broader risk-off sentiment across emerging markets. Analysts remain cautiously optimistic about India’s medium-term prospects, citing strong economic fundamentals and a projected 6% growth in FY26.
The Circle FC Leads Indian Deep-Tech Delegation to Taiwan’s SCSE 2025, Forges Global Partnerships
The Circle Founders Club (The Circle FC), a leading cross-border startup accelerator, led a high-impact delegation of eight Indian deep-tech startups to the Smart City Summit & Expo (SCSE) 2025 in Taipei. As the official accelerator partner of the event, The Circle FC played a critical role in facilitating global exposure for Indian startups focused on AI, sustainability, mobility, and frontier technologies. With participation from 59 countries and Taiwan unveiling its ambitious “Smart Nation 2.0” initiative, the summit provided Indian founders with a powerful platform to engage with international investors, government leaders, and corporate stakeholders. Startups such as Belsterns Technologies, Jalchakra Innovations, and Flux Motors showcased their innovations during the Smart Open Mic Pitch Session, opening doors to collaborations and investments in the broader APAC region.
The Circle FC also signed a strategic MoU with the Department of Youth Affairs, Taoyuan City, enabling Indian startups to access the Taoyuan Skyline Accelerator, which offers funding up to NT$500,000 and key institutional connections. According to Nemesisa Ujjain, VP & Head of The Circle FC, the initiative represents a significant leap in linking India’s deep-tech talent with Taiwan’s advanced R&D and manufacturing ecosystem. For non-Indian companies, this partnership signals a growing trend of bilateral collaboration and innovation exchange between India and East Asia. It presents a valuable opportunity to co-develop technologies, invest in scalable solutions, and explore joint ventures with Indian startups expanding globally.
Editor’s Note: The Circle Founders Club (The Circle FC) led a delegation of eight Indian deep-tech startups to SCSE 2025 in Taipei, providing them with global exposure and opportunities to engage with investors and stakeholders from 59 countries. Indian startups showcased innovations in AI, sustainability, and mobility, while The Circle FC signed an MoU with Taoyuan City to enable access to funding and the Taoyuan Skyline Accelerator. This initiative highlights growing India–Taiwan collaboration, opening doors for joint ventures and co-development between Indian startups and global partners.
Trump’s Tariff Shake-Up Boosts India’s Role in Apple and Samsung’s Global Manufacturing Strategy
The U.S.’s newly imposed reciprocal tariffs under President Donald Trump’s regime are reshaping global supply chains, with Apple and Samsung increasingly turning to India as a key smartphone manufacturing and export hub. Apple has begun exporting iPhones to the U.S. from its Indian facilities—run by Foxconn and the Tata Group—as a response to the steep 54% tariff on Chinese exports and 46% on Vietnamese goods. In comparison, Indian exports to the U.S. now face a 26% tariff, making them relatively more competitive. A senior industry executive noted that Indian factories will primarily cater to U.S. demand, while markets like Europe and Latin America may continue to be served by Chinese plants. Apple may scale up Indian operations significantly if alternate sites like Brazil or the Middle East don’t materialize.
Samsung, facing similar pressure due to its heavy reliance on Vietnam—which accounts for $55 billion in exports—is also shifting focus to India. With its Noida plant already producing flagship models like the Galaxy S25 and Fold, Samsung may temporarily increase U.S.-bound shipments from India until Vietnam negotiates better trade terms with Washington. For non-Indian companies, this shift underlines the strategic value of India in global supply chains as trade dynamics evolve. It also signals opportunities for component suppliers, logistics firms, and contract manufacturers to align with India’s rapidly growing electronics manufacturing ecosystem, which now plays a more central role in serving major Western markets.
https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/technology/make-in-india-gains-traction-as-apple-samsung-reroute-exports-to-us/ar-AA1CrXJE?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds
Editor’s Note: President Trump’s new reciprocal tariffs are prompting Apple and Samsung to pivot manufacturing to India, making it a key hub for U.S.-bound smartphone exports. Apple is scaling up iPhone production through Foxconn and Tata, while Samsung is boosting output from its Noida plant amid high tariffs on Chinese and Vietnamese exports. This shift highlights India’s rising role in global supply chains and opens opportunities for suppliers and manufacturers aligned with its expanding electronics ecosystem.
India Defers Mandatory Testing for Broadband Equipment Amid US Trade Talks
India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has deferred the mandatory security testing of broadband equipment, including Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) and Optical Line Terminals (OLTs), to September 1, 2025. The move comes as New Delhi continues trade negotiations with the U.S., which has flagged India’s telecom testing and certification norms as costly and restrictive for American companies. Until August 31, these products will fall under a voluntary security certification (VSC) regime, with administrative and security evaluation fees temporarily waived, according to a notice from the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS). The earlier deadlines of February 2 and April 1 for mandatory certification of new and upgraded ONTs, respectively, have been rolled back to provide additional compliance time.
Starting September 1, 2025, all such telecom products must meet the Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR) under the ComSec scheme, first introduced in 2020. The certification drive covers a broad range of equipment including routers, 5G base stations, servers, and core networking gear, and is part of the Indian government’s push to strengthen digital infrastructure security and prevent substandard imports. For non-Indian companies, particularly U.S. telecom and broadband equipment manufacturers, this deferment offers a crucial window to align with India’s evolving regulatory landscape while ongoing tariff discussions could further shape market access strategies. The move also reflects India’s balancing act between enhancing cyber resilience and maintaining favorable trade relations.
Editor’s Note: India has deferred mandatory security testing for broadband equipment to September 1, 2025, amid ongoing trade talks with the U.S., allowing products like ONTs and OLTs to undergo voluntary certification until then. This delay gives foreign manufacturers, especially from the U.S., more time to comply with Indian telecom security norms under the ComSec scheme. The move reflects India’s effort to balance digital infrastructure security with maintaining favorable global trade relations.
India Launches Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to Deepen Local Value Chain and Attract Global Players
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has officially notified the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, signaling a major push to position India as a global leader in electronics manufacturing. Announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the scheme builds on a recent Cabinet decision and focuses on the next phase of India’s electronics journey—deep component manufacturing. Highlighting the sector’s rapid progress, the Minister noted that electronics exports have grown over six-fold in the last decade, with iPhone exports alone crossing ₹1.5 lakh crore in the past financial year. The new scheme aims to further this momentum by targeting passive components such as resistors, capacitors, connectors, and sensors, while supporting related sectors like consumer electronics, medical devices, automotive, and power electronics through horizontal expansion.
The scheme will also encourage the domestic design and production of capital equipment essential to electronics manufacturing, mirroring the strategy used in the India Semiconductor Mission. With tailored incentives—including turnover-linked, capex-linked, and hybrid models—the scheme accommodates the high-investment, long-gestation nature of component manufacturing. Employment generation will be a mandatory criterion for all participants, reinforcing the government’s inclusive growth agenda. For non-Indian companies, especially global component makers and capital equipment suppliers, the scheme presents an opportunity to tap into India’s expanding electronics value chain. It also signals India’s readiness to provide a stable, incentive-driven ecosystem for global players seeking alternatives to China and Southeast Asia.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2120240
Editor’s Note: India has launched the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to boost deep component manufacturing and strengthen its position in the global electronics value chain. The scheme targets components like resistors, capacitors, and sensors, while offering tailored incentives and mandating employment generation to support sectors such as consumer electronics, automotive, and medical devices. For global players, it presents a strategic opportunity to invest in a stable, incentive-driven ecosystem as India emerges as an alternative manufacturing hub to China and Southeast Asia.