India Leads Deals at 2025 Taipei Machine Tool Show Amid AI Boom
India emerged as the top buyer at the 2025 Taipei International Machine Tool Show (TIMTOS), which took place from March 3-8 at Nangang Exhibition Hall, according to the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). The biennial event saw a 5.1 percent increase in attendance from 2023, attracting over 4,160 international buyers from 90 countries who engaged with more than 1,000 exhibitors. The top five countries securing deals were India, Japan, China, South Korea, and Malaysia. The surge in international participation was attributed to growing demand for AI-driven manufacturing and automation, with the 2025 edition themed “AI and Robotics” to highlight emerging trends like digital twin integration, additive manufacturing, and smart production.
For non-Indian companies, TIMTOS 2025 provided valuable insights into the evolving role of AI and robotics in manufacturing, offering a platform to explore Taiwan’s latest innovations across industries such as aerospace, semiconductors, EVs, and green energy. The presence of the Taiwan Patent Go Pavilion further facilitated intellectual property collaboration, particularly benefiting businesses from emerging markets like Vietnam. With 6,100 booths showcasing cutting-edge solutions, the event reinforced Taiwan’s position as a key player in the global machine tool sector. The next TIMTOS is scheduled for March 2027.
Editor’s Note: India was the top buyer at the 2025 Taipei International Machine Tool Show (TIMTOS), which saw a 5.1% increase in attendance, with over 4,160 buyers from 90 countries. The event, themed “AI and Robotics,” highlighted trends like digital twin integration and additive manufacturing, attracting global interest in AI-driven manufacturing. Taiwan’s innovations across industries such as aerospace, semiconductors, and EVs were showcased, reinforcing the country’s key role in the global machine tool sector.
NIE Mysuru and NFU Taiwan Sign MoU to Boost Global Research and Innovation
Mysuru, March 9 – The National Institute of Engineering (NIE), Mysuru, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with National Formosa University (NFU), Taiwan, to foster academic collaboration, research advancements, and technological innovation. The agreement was formally signed by Hui-Kai Su, professor at NFU’s Department of Electrical Engineering, NIE Principal Rohini Nagapadma, and S. Parameshwara, head of the Electronics and Communication Engineering Department at NIE. This partnership will facilitate student and faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, and collaborative learning in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced communication systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Professor Hui-Kai Su also visited NIE’s ECE department after delivering a keynote session at the ICST conference organized by the mechanical engineering department.
For non-Indian companies, this collaboration highlights NIE’s growing role as a hub for international research and innovation. The MoU strengthens industry-academia ties, creating new opportunities for global enterprises to engage with emerging technologies developed through Indo-Taiwanese partnerships. With a focus on cutting-edge fields like AI and IoT, this initiative can foster cross-border collaborations and talent development, benefiting industries looking to leverage next-generation technological solutions.
Editor’s Note: The National Institute of Engineering (NIE), Mysuru, and National Formosa University (NFU), Taiwan, signed an MoU to enhance academic collaboration, research, and innovation in fields like AI, IoT, and advanced communication systems. This partnership will enable student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and foster cross-border collaborations, strengthening industry-academia ties and driving technological advancements.
Reliance Jio Partners with SpaceX’s Starlink to Expand Satellite Internet in India
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio has signed a strategic deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to distribute Starlink satellite internet services in India, marking a surprising turn after months of rivalry over spectrum allocation. Under the agreement, Jio will stock and distribute Starlink equipment through its extensive retail network, providing SpaceX a low-cost entry into the Indian market while allowing Reliance to expand its broadband reach into remote areas. The deal follows a similar agreement between Starlink and Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom player, both contingent on government approval. With India’s satellite service sector projected to grow 36% annually to $1.9 billion by 2030, the partnership positions Starlink for significant expansion while also aligning Reliance with emerging global satellite broadband trends.
For non-Indian companies, this agreement underscores India’s evolving telecom and satellite internet landscape, presenting new opportunities for global tech and infrastructure firms looking to collaborate in the sector. The move also highlights the increasing role of private players in India’s space and broadband industries, creating potential partnerships for companies specializing in satellite technology, AI-driven connectivity solutions, and telecom infrastructure. With SpaceX’s global reach and Reliance’s market dominance, the collaboration signals a shift toward integrated satellite-terrestrial broadband solutions that could influence similar deals in other emerging markets.
Editor’s Note: Reliance Jio has partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to distribute satellite internet services in India, expanding broadband access in remote areas. This deal highlights the growing opportunities in India’s satellite internet sector, positioning Starlink for significant expansion while aligning Reliance with global satellite broadband trends.
India’s Data Centre Capacity Set to Nearly Double by 2027 Amid AI and Cloud Boom
India’s data centre (DC) capacity is projected to rise from 1,150 MW in December 2024 to 2,000-2,100 MW by March 2027, driven by increasing internet usage, data localisation initiatives, and AI-led demand, according to credit rating agency ICRA. This expansion, requiring an investment of ₹40,000-45,000 crore in FY2026-FY2027, is part of a broader 3.0-3.5 GW development pipeline over the next 7-10 years, which will see investments exceeding ₹2 lakh crore. ICRA notes that AI, cloud computing, 5G rollout, and IoT adoption are fueling storage and computational demands, with hyperscalers signing large deals globally, a trend expected to extend to India. Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad will host 75% of the upcoming data centre capacity due to strong infrastructure and connectivity. While major DC operators are poised for 18-20% annual revenue growth in FY2026, increasing competition among developers is exerting downward pressure on rentals, potentially extending the payback period for investments.
For non-Indian companies, India’s growing data centre market presents significant opportunities for investment, partnerships, and technology collaborations, particularly in AI-driven computing, cloud services, and cybersecurity. The Indian government’s focus on AI education, broadband expansion, and DeepTech initiatives further strengthens the sector’s long-term growth. With regulatory support and infrastructure development, global DC operators, hyperscalers, and tech firms can leverage India’s expanding digital ecosystem to establish a stronger presence in one of the fastest-growing data markets.
Editor’s Note: India’s data centre capacity is set to nearly double from 1,150 MW in 2024 to 2,000-2,100 MW by 2027, driven by rising internet usage, AI demand, and data localisation initiatives. This expansion, requiring ₹40,000-45,000 crore investment, will focus on cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad, with AI, cloud, and 5G adoption fueling growth. Taiwanese companies specializing in cloud infrastructure, AI, and cybersecurity have a significant opportunity to partner in India’s expanding data centre market.
India’s AI Job Market to Surge, But Talent Gap Remains a Major Challenge
Contrary to fears that AI will replace jobs, a recent Bain & Company report reveals that India’s artificial intelligence sector is set to generate over 2.3 million job openings by 2027. However, with the talent pool expected to reach only 1.2 million, a significant gap remains, creating an urgent need for reskilling and upskilling. AI-related job demand has grown by 21% annually since 2019, while salaries for AI professionals have risen by 11% each year. Yet, 44% of executives report a lack of in-house AI expertise is slowing down AI adoption in their businesses. Experts suggest that India has the potential to become a global AI talent hub, but companies must focus on training professionals in emerging technologies to bridge the workforce gap.
For non-Indian companies, this trend highlights a growing global AI talent shortage, affecting markets like the U.S., Germany, the UK, and Australia. The report predicts that by 2027, the U.S. will need 1.3 million AI professionals but will have only 645,000 qualified candidates, while Germany could face a 70% shortfall. India’s AI talent pool could serve as a critical resource for multinational companies seeking skilled professionals. Businesses worldwide may benefit from outsourcing AI work to India or collaborating with Indian firms to access AI expertise as the global talent crunch intensifies.
Editor’s Note: India’s AI sector is expected to create over 2.3 million job openings by 2027, but a talent gap remains, with only 1.2 million professionals projected to be available. Demand for AI jobs has grown by 21% annually, and salaries for AI professionals have risen by 11%, yet 44% of executives report a lack of in-house AI expertise slowing adoption. This talent shortage presents opportunities for non-Indian companies to collaborate with India or outsource AI work to tap into its growing pool of skilled professionals.
India Tightens AI Oversight, Mandates Training for Bureaucrats
The Indian government is strengthening its regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI) in governance, introducing mandatory AI training for bureaucrats and proposing a dedicated AI Governance Board. As part of the AI Competency Framework for Public Officials, the board will evaluate, approve, and monitor AI applications to ensure ethical compliance and mitigate risks such as bias and security vulnerabilities. The framework mandates officials to assess AI risks before deployment, transitioning from a tech-first to a risk-aware approach. It also highlights the underrepresentation of marginalised groups in AI datasets and proposes rigorous audits to ensure fairness and transparency in AI-driven decisions.
For non-Indian companies, these developments indicate a shift towards structured AI governance, which could influence global AI regulatory norms. The framework does not explicitly mention private-sector oversight, but its principles—such as transparency, human oversight, and risk assessment—could shape AI compliance expectations for international businesses operating in India. With AI projected to contribute $450–500 billion to India’s GDP by 2025, companies looking to integrate AI into public services in India may face new regulatory scrutiny, necessitating adherence to evolving government standards.
Editor’s Note: The Indian government is tightening AI oversight by introducing mandatory AI training for bureaucrats and establishing an AI Governance Board to ensure ethical compliance and mitigate risks. The new AI Competency Framework mandates officials to assess AI risks and promotes fairness by addressing underrepresentation in AI datasets. Non-Indian companies may face new regulatory scrutiny when integrating AI into public services in India, aligning with evolving global AI governance standards.