India should develop its own sovereign digital solutions, reduce reliance on US systems: GTRI

India’s heavy reliance on US software, cloud, and social media creates strategic vulnerabilities, warns think tank GTRI. The report urges developing indigenous OS, cloud, cybersecurity, and AI through a “Digital Swaraj Mission” by 2030. Phased steps include sovereign cloud hosting, national OS, Linux adoption, and public-private cybersecurity consortia.

Vinay Mohan Kwatra also spoke with Congressman Greg Steube, briefing him on issues of mutual interest including bilateral trade, especially in energy, and spoke about India’s support to all efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy.

India and the European Union are dedicated to swiftly achieving a balanced and mutually advantageous free trade agreement, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The 13th round of negotiations saw EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and European Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen visiting New Delhi to advance the discussions.

India’s auto component industry anticipates minimal long-term effects from US and Mexico tariffs. Exports to these nations are currently modest. The industry expresses concern over tariffs on commercial and off-road vehicle parts. Industry leaders expect exports to recover, supported by India’s cost advantage. Opportunities exist in ICE powertrain parts and wiring harnesses.

The U.S. Treasury is urging G7 and EU allies to impose tariffs on goods from China and India to curb their Russian oil purchases, aiming to cut off funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine. An emergency G7 finance meeting is convened to discuss escalating pressure on Moscow.

Sona Comstar’s CEO, Vivek Vikram Singh, is urging government intervention to address rare earth metal supply constraints from China, impacting auto component production. The company faced production losses and is using less efficient alternatives. Singh also lauded recent GST rate cuts as a boost for the industry and emphasized the importance of the India-EU FTA […]

India and the European Union are actively pursuing a comprehensive free trade agreement, aiming to finalize negotiations by the end of December. Both sides are engaged in intensive discussions to create a balanced and mutually beneficial partnership that encourages innovation and strengthens supply chains.

The EU and India are negotiating a trade agreement. This agreement aims to boost trade by removing tariffs on auto parts. Maros Sefcovic says this will help both economies. The deal could bring new technology to India. It may also help develop better combustion engines and electric vehicles. Both sides want to finalise the deal […]

FIEO urged the RBI to address challenges faced by exporters, including rising tariffs and demand volatility. They requested flexible credit solutions, extended credit periods, and a moratorium on loan repayments. FIEO also proposed a government-backed credit scheme for SMEs and a dedicated export credit target within priority sector lending to improve financial access and global […]