How Trump did Make in India a favor and what lies ahead for quantum computing in the country, Menaka Doshi writes in India Edition (Free to read) https://t.co/fhWeY9wkBf ...

Core Insights - Manish Sharma has resigned as Chairman of Panasonic Life Solutions India after over a decade of leadership, with plans to assist in a smooth transition until the end of the year [1][3] - Sharma's departure is described as a personal decision, and he intends to announce his future plans in January 2026 [2] - Under Sharma's leadership, Panasonic has significantly enhanced its presence in the appliance market, particularly in room air conditioners and LED TVs [4] Company Developments - Sharma has been pivotal in shaping Panasonic's business strategy and growth in India, contributing to the company's competitive positioning in the market [3] - Panasonic India has seen increased local production across various product lines during Sharma's tenure, aligning with the "Make in India" initiative [5] - The company has also benefited from Sharma's involvement in industry bodies, including the Electronics Manufacturing Committee of FICCI and the SCALE Committee, aimed at boosting local manufacturing and exports [6] Leadership Transition - Tadashi Chiba will continue to manage the India business as Sharma transitions out of his role [3] - Sharma's resignation was announced during a town hall meeting attended by Panasonic Corporation's CEO, indicating the significance of the leadership change [4]

Company Overview - Aisin Automotive India, a subsidiary of Japan's Aisin Corporation, is a tier-1 supplier of drivetrain, brake, and chassis systems to major global automakers [1][7] - The company has secured over 900,000 sq ft of industrial space at Shendra MIDC in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar through a long-term lease of over 95 years [7][8] Industry Context - The industrial park spans 232 acres and is 80% leased to a mix of global and domestic companies, with a significant presence of firms from Japan and Germany [2][3] - The facility is evolving into a center for advanced manufacturing, engineering, and supply-chain operations, catering to both export-oriented and domestic industrial demand [3][6] Strategic Importance - This marks Aisin Automotive India's second plant in the country, following its initial setup in Gurgaon, indicating a growing preference among international manufacturers for Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar as a production base [5][6] - The location along the Samruddhi Mahamarg Expressway enhances connectivity to Mumbai, Nagpur, and the upcoming Jalna Dry Port, improving logistics efficiency for export-oriented industries [5][6] Government Initiatives - The Indian government's focus on manufacturing-led growth through initiatives like Make in India, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, and the National Logistics Policy is attracting global manufacturers [6][8] - These initiatives aim to strengthen domestic production, enhance supply-chain resilience, and promote self-reliance by encouraging investment across key sectors [6][8]

Core Insights - State Bank of India (SBI) has executed its inaugural gold trade as a special category client on the India International Bullion Exchange (IFSC) Ltd, marking a significant development in India's bullion import landscape [1][2] - This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for the bullion industry, particularly benefiting MSME jewellers [1][2] Group 1: Strategic Positioning - As a special category client, SBI is set to facilitate seamless bullion transactions, supporting various stakeholders in the gold import process [2] - The move aligns with SBI's commitment to innovation and financial inclusion, utilizing the advanced infrastructure of IIBX to streamline imports and reduce reliance on traditional methods [3] Group 2: Economic Impact - SBI Chairman C S Setty emphasized that this collaboration will reshape bullion imports, making them more cost-effective and compliant with global standards, benefiting the entire ecosystem from importers to consumers in the jewellery sector [3][4] - SBI's participation on IIBX supports the government's initiatives to formalize and modernize the bullion trade, aligning with the Make in India and GIFT City vision [5] Group 3: Market Dynamics - By acting as a key intermediary, SBI aims to drive greater liquidity, competitive pricing, and sustainable growth in India's bullion and jewellery industry, potentially encouraging other banks to join IIBX as Special Category Clients [6]

Core Insights - Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has formed a strategic partnership with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to manufacture Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) remotely piloted aircraft systems in India for the armed forces [1][2] - L&T will act as the prime bidder for the Ministry of Defence's procurement of 87 MALE RPAS units, with GA-ASI providing technology support [2] - The collaboration aims to enhance India's self-reliance in defense manufacturing and aligns with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives [2][4] Company Overview - L&T is a $30 billion Indian multinational with a strong presence in engineering and precision manufacturing within the defense and aerospace sectors [4] - The company has maintained leadership positions in its core businesses for eight decades [4] Industry Impact - The partnership signifies a notable expansion of Indo-US defense cooperation and is expected to strengthen India's defense manufacturing ecosystem [4][5] - GA-ASI has extensive experience in unmanned aerial systems, with its Predator line having completed over 9 million flight hours globally [3]

Core Insights - Redington has partnered with The Printer House to distribute and support the Orient L&P Series, a digital printing system for labels and packaging applications in India [1][3] - This partnership signifies Redington's strategic expansion into the packaging and labeling sector, moving beyond its traditional focus on commercial printing [4][5] Company Developments - Redington will manage sales, service, and consumables for the Orient L&P Series across India, enhancing its presence in the digital printing ecosystem [1][3] - The Printer House's Orient L&P Series is designed and manufactured in India, aligning with the government's Make in India initiative [2] Industry Context - The collaboration aims to improve access to digital printing solutions in both domestic and international markets, supporting the growth of the Indian packaging industry [2][4] - Industry estimates suggest that the Indian packaging industry will exceed $80 billion by 2026, driven by growth in e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods, and export manufacturing [4]

Core Insights - India is increasingly recognized as a dynamic capital destination, driven by a growing economy and a stock market that has outperformed global indices [1] - The massive adoption of global digital platforms in India accounts for over 30% of the global user base of major tech companies, indicating significant market potential [2] - The 'Make in India' initiative is positioning India as a key player in the global manufacturing value chain, with a focus on high-tech sectors [3] Valuation Discrepancies - There is a notable valuation gap between global companies and their Indian counterparts, exemplified by Domino's Pizza Inc. and Jubilant FoodWorks, as well as Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Motor Corporation [5][6] - Hyundai's valuation also illustrates this divergence, with Hyundai Motor India commanding a much higher market cap compared to its parent company [6] Listing Opportunities - The shift from "Make in India" to "List and Thrive in India" emphasizes the need for global companies to raise capital in India, as local markets offer stronger valuations and deeper retail participation [7][8] - Indian startups are increasingly moving their headquarters back to India in anticipation of IPOs, signaling a trend that global companies in various sectors should consider [7] Economic Evolution - India's economy has transitioned from a control-oriented model to a liberal partnership model, allowing for 100% foreign ownership in most sectors [9] - The establishment of frameworks like Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) can incentivize global companies to list in India [9] Tax and Regulatory Environment - India offers tax incentives such as dividend distribution tax holidays and simplified direct listing norms, making it an attractive destination for global listings [10] - The current market conditions, including volatility in Western markets and structural slowdowns in East Asia, create a favorable environment for India to emerge as a capital hub [10][11] Consumer to Capital Power - The focus is on transforming consumer power into capital power, ensuring that wealth generated by Indian users benefits Indian investors [12] - The call to global companies is clear: to deepen their commitment to the Indian market, they should consider listing in India [12]

Company Overview - Alstom has been commissioned to supply 234 Metropolis metro cars and a Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system for the Mumbai Metro Line 4 project, valued at a few hundred million euros [1] - The project is part of the Integrated Systems Package awarded to Larsen & Toubro Limited by the Mumbai Metro Regional Development Authority [1][2] Project Details - Mumbai Metro Line 4 is a 35.3 km elevated corridor with 32 stations, enhancing connectivity with existing transport systems [2] - The Metropolis trainsets will be designed in Bangalore and manufactured at Alstom's Sri City facility in Andhra Pradesh, with components sourced from various locations in India [4] Technology and Expertise - Alstom is a leader in the mass transit market and has over 30 years of expertise in CBTC technology, with 190 metro lines equipped worldwide [5][12] - The CBTC technology will enable driverless operation, significantly reducing travel time and CO2 emissions [9][11] Maintenance and Services - Alstom will provide five years of maintenance services for the metro cars and signalling systems to ensure reliability and safety [8][11] - The FlexCare Perform maintenance services will cover comprehensive maintenance for the 234 Metropolis cars [8] Contribution to Urban Mobility - Alstom's solutions are expected to alleviate traffic congestion in Mumbai, contributing to the city's expanding public infrastructure [9][10] - The company has a long-standing presence in Mumbai's metro network, with previous projects including the Aqua Line, which serves over 1.6 million passengers daily [6]

Core Insights - Alstom has been awarded a contract to supply 234 Metropolis metro cars and a Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system for Mumbai Metro Line 4, valued at a few hundred million euros [1][3][5] - The project aims to enhance connectivity in Mumbai, featuring a 35.3 km elevated corridor with 32 stations, integrating with existing transport systems [2][9] - Alstom's manufacturing and engineering efforts will be localized in India under the 'Make in India' initiative, with production taking place at various facilities across the country [4][17] Company Overview - Alstom is a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, with over 30 years of expertise in CBTC technology and a strong presence in the mass transit market [5][13] - The company has a significant contribution to Mumbai's metro network, including the Aqua Line, which operates driverless trains and serves over 1.6 million passengers daily [6][10] - Alstom's commitment to innovation and sustainability is reflected in its diverse portfolio, which includes high-speed trains, metros, and signalling solutions [15][17] Project Details - The Mumbai Metro Line 4 project will feature driverless Metropolis trains designed for passenger comfort, including accessibility features and high-performance components [7][10] - Alstom will provide five years of maintenance services to ensure the reliability and safety of the metro fleet [8][12] - The CBTC technology implemented in this project is expected to reduce travel time and CO2 emissions, contributing to improved public infrastructure in Mumbai [9][10] Strategic Importance - The partnership with Larsen & Toubro Limited for this project strengthens Alstom's long-standing relationship with Mumbai and enhances its role in the city's infrastructure development [1][3] - Alstom's local manufacturing capabilities align with India's modernization initiatives and the government's vision for self-reliance in the rail sector [4][17] - The project is part of a broader trend of urban mobility solutions that Alstom is leading globally, with operations in 63 countries and a focus on sustainable transportation [15][17]

Market Entry Strategy - Tesla's entry into India is starting small with two showrooms in Mumbai and New Delhi to gauge demand [2] - This approach is considered a "soft landing" rather than a major manufacturing announcement or capital outlay [2] - The initial launch was understated, featuring only two cars on display [3] Pricing and Competition - Tesla's biggest hurdle in India could be pricing due to steep import duties of 70% [3] - A Tesla in India could cost significantly more than in the US [3] - Homegrown automakers like Tata and Mahindra offer cars at much lower price points without import duties [4] Government Policy - The decision to import cars may seem underwhelming for a government focused on local manufacturing with the "Make in India" slogan [1] Overall Outlook - This entry is a strategic step that gives Tesla a place in one of the world's most promising automotive markets [4] - The entry is not the blockbuster some were hoping for [4]