US-India Trade Tensions Rise as Modi Plans Tariff Cuts Ahead of Trump Meeting
莫迪計劃在川普會晤前削減關稅，美印貿易緊張局勢加劇
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：印度總理莫迪計劃在與川普總統會晤之前削減關稅，川普總統曾批評印度的高關稅，美印貿易緊張局勢正在升級。對此印度回應，正在考慮降低電子、醫療設備和化學品等產業的關稅，同時增加美國能源產品的進口。這些政策可能會改變全球貿易格局，為外國企業、特別是美國出口商提供更大的市場准入。
Gujarat to Open First Overseas Office in Taiwan to Boost Semiconductor Investments
Gujarat將在台灣開設首個海外辦事處，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：Gujarat將在台灣台北開設其首個海外辦事處，以吸引半導體投資並加強國際企業的商務運作。新設立的Gujarat投資辦公室將支持該邦不斷發展的半導體產業，並促進其更順利地進行投資。此舉旨在加強Gujarat作為全球科技中心的地位，並與印度推動成為全球半導體供應鏈關鍵參與者的戰略目標保持一致。
India Offers Global Cooperation in Standardisation to Boost Trade
印度提議展開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：印度正提供全球標準化合作，以促進貿易並提升基礎設施品質，強調統一全球標準的必要性。由印度標準局（BIS）主導的這項政策，旨在使印度標準與國際規範接軌，簡化跨境貿易與商業運作。特別是台灣企業，在與印度進行商業合作時，可能會受益於更順暢的標準化流程。
Sam Altman Visits India Amid AI Race, OpenAI Eyes Deeper Collaboration
Sam Altman 訪問印度，人工智慧競爭加劇，OpenAI 尋求更深入合作
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 訪問印度，以探索 AI 領域的更深入合作，本次訪問背景是印度 AI 應用的快速增長，以及 OpenAI 用戶數量的持續增加。他與印度政府官員的會談凸顯了印度在發展低成本 AI 模型上的潛力，並展示印度在塑造 AI 創新未來中的關鍵角色。
India Unveils ₹10,000 Crore Fund to Boost High-Tech Startups
印度推出 1,000億盧比基金 以促進高科技新創發展
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：印度推出1,000億盧比基金計畫（FFS），以支持高科技新創，並提供包括債務融資在內的長期資金選項，以滿足擁有較長發展週期的企業需求。這項新計畫與 2016 年 FFS 不同，目標是大幅提高投資動員能力，並實現 20 倍的資金槓桿效應。此舉為全球投資者與企業提供與印度新創生態系統合作的新機會，特別是在深科技產業領域。
India’s Solar Cell Capacity to Reach 55 GW by 2027, Boosting Self-Reliance
印度太陽能電池產能將在 2027 年達到 55GW，提升自給自足能力
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：在「印度製造」等政府政策的推動下，到 2027 年，印度的太陽能電池製造能力預計將增加五倍，達到 50-55 吉瓦。此次擴建工程投資額為2,800-3,000 億印度盧比，旨在減少對太陽能電池進口（特別是來自中國的進口）的依賴，並增強供應鏈的彈性。非印度公司可能會在印度不斷增長的太陽能製造業中找到合作和投資的機會，特別是全球貿易政策的變化可能會加強印度在再生能源市場的地位。