India and Malaysia used Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Kuala Lumpur to signal a step-change in their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, unveiling wide-ranging cooperation across semiconductors, clean energy, digital finance, and security that carries implications for supply chains, the Indo-Pacific balance, and South–South economic integration

New Delhi and Washington have established an interim trade deal framework targeting electronics, intellectual property, and supply chains. The Economic Times reports that this move aims to enhance competitiveness and improve supply chain resilience. This agreement follows discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, focusing on reducing trade barriers between the two nations

The US and India have agreed on a framework for an interim trade agreement aimed at expanding market access and strengthening supply chains, marking a step toward a broader bilateral trade agreement launched earlier this year by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi

According to The Economic Times, India's Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 will prioritise chip design companies and startups, followed by building a domestic ecosystem for semiconductor equipment and materials, and strengthening the talent pipeline to support end-to-end semiconductor development

India unveils the latest Union Budget, which includes India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, to boost chip incentives. The Trump Administration announced a reduced 18% tariff on India as India diversifies trade partners

India is in talks with Ant International, the Singapore-based payments firm with roots in China's Ant Group, to link its Alipay+ cross-border payments platform with India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a move that could significantly expand the overseas usability of India's dominant digital payments system, two government sources told Reuters

India marked a milestone in its semiconductor push as seven chip designs from startups under the design-linked incentive (DLI) scheme were successfully fabricated, including advanced nodes at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). The progress underscores India's aim to develop indigenous chip design and manufacturing capabilities amid global supply constraints

India's Union Budget for fiscal year 2026–27, unveiled on February 1, 2026, emphasizes manufacturing, semiconductors, and AI-linked infrastructure as central pillars of economic growth. The measures aim to strengthen supply chains, reduce import dependence, and institutionalize compliance frameworks for both domestic and foreign investors

The US move to lower reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18% is reshaping Taiwan manufacturers' India strategies, creating fresh opportunities in localization and import substitution while highlighting persistent risks tied to supply chain gaps, currency volatility, and execution challenges for Taiwanese IC and electronics suppliers

Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, is planning a significant expansion in India, potentially taking millions of square feet of new office space in Bangalore's Whitefield tech corridor, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The move comes as the US tech giant seeks to strengthen its AI and cloud capabilities in one of its fastest-growing overseas markets

The Karnataka government has asked two local gram panchayats to stand down from taking action against Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn over alleged tax dues, a move that temporarily defuses a dispute threatening the state's investment climate, according to The Economic Times

India's rise as an electronics manufacturing hub has been one of the fastest shifts in the global supply chain over the past decade. Geopolitical realignments, generous incentives, and growing interest from multinational companies have pushed the country into the spotlight as a serious alternative manufacturing base

India's smartphone market experienced a mixed trajectory in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research. The year began on a softer note, weighed down by elevated inventory and a slow product launch calendar. Momentum picked up in the second quarter, driven by fresh device launches, aggressive promotions, and festive-season channel stocking, pushing third-quarter shipments to a record quarterly value. Shipments slowed again in the fourth quarter as brands focused on inventory correction and managed rising component costs. Overall, the market grew 1% year-on-year in volume but posted a stronger 8% year-on-year growth in value, reflecting sustained premiumization

Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn is embroiled in a local tax dispute in Karnataka, with two gram panchayats issuing notices over alleged unpaid dues and requests for detailed land-use documentation. The development has sparked concerns over the state's investment climate as it seeks to attract high-end electronics manufacturers, according to The Economic Times, Money Control, and India Today

A surprise tariff announcement by US President Donald Trump following a call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has eased immediate trade pressure on India, but the lack of detail and India's parallel push to diversify partners suggest the deal may be more tactical than transformative