Global Surveillance Giants Face Hurdles as India Enforces Strict CCTV Security Rules
全球監控大廠面臨挑戰，印度嚴格執行 CCTV 資安新規
Global manufacturers of surveillance equipment are clashing with Indian regulators over stringent new rules mandating security testing of internet-connected CCTV cameras. Effective from April 9, the policy requires companies to submit hardware, software, and source code for assessment in government labs before their products can be sold in India. The move stems from New Delhi’s national security concerns, particularly regarding Chinese surveillance tech. Prominent global firms including China’s Hikvision and Dahua, South Korea’s Hanwha, and U.S.-based Motorola Solutions were among 17 companies that unsuccessfully sought a policy delay during an April 3 meeting with Indian officials. According to government documents reviewed by Reuters, the policy is aimed at strengthening cybersecurity and addressing espionage risks, despite industry warnings of supply disruptions and project delays.
For non-Indian companies, the implications are significant. The policy introduces added compliance costs, prolonged approval timelines, and increased scrutiny of proprietary source code. This has raised concerns among global suppliers about intellectual property protection and regulatory transparency. Companies say delays in certifications threaten commercial and infrastructure projects across India. While the government has signaled a potential expansion in testing lab capacity, the current bottlenecks could deter foreign investment and contribute to broader trade tensions, especially amid rising concerns about protectionism in India’s regulatory environment.
小編點評：印度最新的資安規定要求外國監控設備製造商，在產品於印度上市前，須將其硬體、軟體與原始碼提交政府實驗室進行安全測試，藉此因應國安疑慮，特別針對中國製技術。此政策引發業界對供應鏈中斷的警告，並增加合規成本、延長認證時間，也引發智慧財產權保護問題，恐抑制外資投入並升高貿易緊張。不過，這些挑戰同時可能為台灣企業拓展印度安防技術市場帶來新機會。
MediaTek Praises India’s R&D Strength, Cautions on Semiconductor Manufacturing Timeline
聯發科肯定印度研發實力，但對晶片製造時程持保留態度
During a recent media interaction in Taiwan, MediaTek Co-COO and CFO David Ku acknowledged India’s critical role in global semiconductor R&D, while offering a tempered view on its manufacturing readiness. With over 1,200 employees in India—its second-largest R&D base globally—MediaTek’s engagement is rooted in talent availability rather than geopolitics. Ku emphasized India’s leadership in software and front-end chip design, but noted that hardware and manufacturing capabilities remain under development. Citing complex supply chain demands and infrastructure limitations, he stressed that building fabrication and packaging capabilities in India will take time. “Even in the U.S., it takes nearly four years to begin chip production,” Ku said, referencing TSMC’s Arizona facility.
For non-Indian companies, MediaTek’s stance offers both inspiration and insight. India is positioned as a vital destination for innovation and design, but expectations around rapid manufacturing ramp-up should be measured. The message is relevant to global semiconductor firms evaluating India as part of a China+1 strategy: while India excels in software and talent-driven R&D, substantial investment, ecosystem development, and skill-building are prerequisites for it to emerge as a manufacturing powerhouse. MediaTek’s continued investment underscores the long-term value in India’s innovation capabilities despite current industrial limitations.
小編點評：聯發科（MediaTek）在台灣接受媒體訪問時指出，印度在半導體研發領域表現強勁，特別是在軟體與前端晶片設計方面展現領導地位，但其硬體製造與供應鏈能力尚需時間發展。聯發科強調，建設晶圓製造與封裝產能在印度仍面臨基礎設施與供應鏈複雜度挑戰。雖然印度在設計與創新方面具有吸引力，但要成為全球晶片製造重鎮仍需大量投資與生態系培養。
India Restores RoDTEP Benefits for SEZs, EOUs, and AA Holders from June 2025
印度恢復自 2025 年 6 月起對 SEZ、EOU 及 AA 業者的 RoDTEP 優惠
The Government of India has reinstated the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme benefits for Advance Authorization (AA) holders, Export-Oriented Units (EOUs), and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units, effective for all eligible exports made from 1st June 2025 onwards. This move, aimed at enhancing India’s export competitiveness, comes after a brief suspension of benefits which were previously available until 5th February 2025. The RoDTEP scheme, operational since January 2021, reimburses embedded duties and taxes not refunded under other schemes, aligning with WTO norms. With disbursements exceeding ₹57,976 crore as of March 2025 and a fresh allocation of ₹18,233 crore for FY 2025–26, the scheme will now cover 10,780 HS lines for DTA exports and 10,795 HS lines for AA/EOU/SEZ exports.
For non-Indian companies, especially those sourcing from or operating joint ventures within Indian SEZs or EOUs, the restoration of RoDTEP benefits is a strategic development. It ensures cost efficiency and global price competitiveness of Indian-manufactured goods, which can strengthen supply chains and lower procurement costs. This also signals India’s intent to offer a more stable and predictable policy environment for foreign investors involved in export-linked production.
小編點評：印度政府宣布，自 2025 年 6 月起重新實施「出口產品關稅與稅金退還計畫」（RoDTEP）優惠，涵蓋特殊經濟區（SEZ）、出口導向單位（EOU）與預先核准進口授權（AA）等業者，此舉將有助於提升印度出口競爭力。截至 2025 年 3 月已發放超過 57,976 億盧比，並針對 2025–26 財年追加 18,233 億盧比預算，涵蓋逾萬項產品。這反映印度朝穩定、具可預期政策環境邁進，對參與出口導向生產的外資企業尤具利多。
Frinks AI Raises $5.4M to Revolutionize Industrial Quality Control with Vision AI
Frinks AI 獲 540 萬美元融資，以 Vision AI 革新工業品質檢測
Frinks AI, a deep-tech startup founded by IIT Hyderabad alumni, has raised $5.4 million in a Pre-Series A round led by Prime Venture Partners, taking its total funding to $6.25 million. The startup is building cutting-edge Vision AI systems that enable manufacturers to automate quality control with near-perfect accuracy. With backing from Chiratae Ventures, Navam Capital, and industry stalwarts like S Ramadorai (former CEO of TCS) and Dr. V Sumantran (ex-Tata Motors), Frinks AI has emerged as a transformative force in industrial AI. Its no-code platform, already deployed across over 1,000 production lines worldwide, serves sectors like automotive, consumer goods, medical devices, and steel, helping factories cut defects and boost efficiency.
For non-Indian companies, Frinks AI’s rapid growth presents significant opportunities—especially for OEMs and automation players seeking reliable, scalable visual inspection technologies. The company’s foundational vision models, designed to overcome the limitations of rule-based systems, offer global manufacturers an AI-driven edge in maintaining high-quality standards. With plans to expand into the US and forge international partnerships, Frinks AI is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping smart manufacturing worldwide.
小編點評：由印度理工學院（IIT Hyderabad）校友創辦的深科技新創 Frinks AI 完成 540 萬美元 Pre-A 輪募資，致力於打造 Vision AI 解決方案，協助製造業實現高精準度的自動化品質控制。其平台已部署於全球逾千條生產線，涵蓋汽車、消費性產品、醫療設備與鋼鐵產業，顯示其具備高度可擴展性。該公司也計畫進軍美國市場，為全球製造業者提供 AI 驅動的品質保障工具。
India’s Telecom Subscriber Base Hits 1.20 Billion in April 2025 Despite Broadband Dip
2025 年 4 月印度電信用戶突破 12 億，雖寬頻用戶略減
India’s telecom sector maintained its growth momentum in April 2025, adding 3.05 million new subscribers and pushing the total subscriber base to 1.20 billion, according to data from the Ministry of Communications. The wireless segment, including 5G Fixed Wireless Access, reached 1.17 billion users, registering a 0.23% monthly increase, with rural areas growing faster than urban centers. The wireline segment also saw a positive uptick, adding 0.37 million new connections to reach 37.41 million users, spurred by a 1% monthly rise. However, total broadband users dipped slightly to 943.09 million, down from 944.12 million in March, showing a marginal -0.11% decline.
Mobile broadband continued to dominate with 896.81 million users, and market leadership remained firmly with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, which together held over 80% of total broadband subscribers based on the latest available data. Jio alone accounted for over 476 million users. For non-Indian companies, this steady expansion—particularly in rural connectivity and 5G deployments—signals increasing opportunities in telecom infrastructure, network solutions, and digital services. The marginal broadband dip may also highlight areas for innovation in customer retention and service quality, especially as India advances its digital public infrastructure.
小編點評：根據印度通信部數據，2025 年 4 月電信總用戶數達 12 億，當月新增 305 萬用戶，無線服務用戶達 11.7 億，月成長率 0.23%，其中農村成長快於城市。固網用戶亦上升至 3,741 萬。惟寬頻總用戶數略降至 9.43 億，下降 0.11%。Reliance Jio 與 Bharti Airtel 仍穩居市場龍頭，合佔 8 成以上。5G 普及與農村滲透擴大，為國際企業在網路基礎設施、數位服務及電信技術領域帶來新機會。
Tata Electronics Taps Intel Veteran Tim McIntosh to Lead Semiconductor Ops; Expands Hiring in Malaysia and Singapore
塔塔電子延攬英特爾資深主管 Tim McIntosh 掌管半導體業務，並擴大馬來西亞與新加坡招聘
Tata Electronics has appointed Tim McIntosh, a 34-year Intel veteran, as Vice President and Head of Operations and Manufacturing Excellence for its Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test (TSAT) division. McIntosh’s appointment marks the latest in a series of high-profile hires from Intel, including CEO Randhir Thakur and SVP Reda Masarwa. TSAT is currently being developed as a greenfield project in Morigaon, Assam, with parallel expansion in Karnataka. As part of its growth strategy, Tata Electronics is intensifying its talent acquisition drive in Southeast Asia—particularly in Malaysia and Singapore, which are global hubs for semiconductor manufacturing and packaging services.
For non-Indian companies, Tata’s aggressive hiring and expansion signal India’s emerging role as a strategic semiconductor hub. The company’s talent outreach in Malaysia, which controls 13% of global chip packaging and testing, and Singapore, responsible for 10% of global chip production, reflects a deliberate effort to tap into established global expertise. Tata’s efforts to build a high-tech semiconductor supply chain in India present collaboration, supply chain integration, and investment opportunities for global chipmakers, equipment manufacturers, and engineering service providers looking to diversify operations or enter the Indian market.
小編點評：塔塔電子聘請曾任職英特爾 34 年的 Tim McIntosh 為副總裁暨半導體作業主管，並持續從英特爾招募高階人才，包括現任執行長 Randhir Thakur 與高級副總裁 Reda Masarwa。其位於阿薩姆邦的封裝與測試設施（TSAT）正如火如荼建設中，並同步於卡納塔克邦擴產。塔塔目前在馬來西亞與新加坡積極招募人才，兩地分別占全球晶片封測與製造的 13% 與 10%。這顯示印度正積極建構自主半導體供應鏈，為全球晶片業者與設備供應商提供投資與合作機會。