TechCrunch·2026-02-13 17:32Core Insights - The Indian government has partnered with Alibaba.com to support startups and small businesses in reaching international markets through an export-focused program [1][2] - This collaboration comes after years of strained relations between India and China, highlighting a selective engagement approach by New Delhi [3][6] Group 1: Partnership Details - The Startup India initiative aims to identify and support Indian startups that can facilitate onboarding and scaling of Indian exporters on Alibaba's global B2B platform [2] - The program provides commissions and technical support to assist small manufacturers and traders in accessing overseas markets [2] - Alibaba.com connects over 50 million active buyers across more than 200 countries, emphasizing its commitment to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India [5] Group 2: Economic Context - Micro, small, and medium enterprises account for nearly 50% of India's exports and approximately 31% of its GDP, underscoring the importance of expanding digital market access for these firms [4] - The partnership reflects India's strategy to maintain restrictions in strategic sectors while allowing economic engagement that offers clear benefits [6] Group 3: Regulatory Environment - Regulatory clarity is deemed essential for ensuring that startups feel confident in participating in initiatives like the one with Alibaba.com [6] - The Indian government distinguishes between export-focused platforms and consumer-facing Chinese apps, indicating a nuanced approach to economic relations with China [6] Group 4: Broader Implications - The collaboration follows Alibaba's recent initiatives to enhance export-focused services in India, including the launch of the Trade Assurance program aimed at managing risks in cross-border transactions [8] - There are signs of improved engagement between India and China in multilateral technology forums, although restrictions on Chinese consumer technology platforms remain unchanged [9][10]