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Aramco and BYD, two giants in their respective industries, have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at advancing new energy vehicle technologies. The collaboration is expected to drive innovation in the electric vehicle sector, integrating Aramco’s expertise in energy and BYD’s cutting-edge solutions in battery technology.

The partnership comes at a time when the global shift toward clean energy solutions is gaining momentum. With governments around the world pushing for reduced carbon emissions and an increasing focus on sustainable transportation, companies like Aramco and BYD are well-positioned to lead the way. The collaboration between these two firms will not only leverage their individual strengths but also contribute significantly to the transition toward a low-carbon future.

Aramco, long known for its dominance in the oil and gas sector, has increasingly invested in renewable energy technologies, recognising the growing importance of sustainable practices in the energy industry. As part of its diversification strategy, the company has ventured into hydrogen production, solar energy, and, more recently, electric vehicles. This move signals a shift in Aramco’s approach, with an eye on future-proofing its operations against an ever-evolving energy landscape.

BYD, based in China, has made remarkable strides in the development of electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Known for its innovation in power batteries, BYD has become a leader in the NEV space, developing everything from electric buses to passenger cars. Its established foothold in both the automotive and energy sectors gives it a significant advantage in pushing the boundaries of green technology. The company’s electric vehicles have gained a loyal customer base globally, particularly in markets like China and Europe, where demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions is surging.

The two companies are aiming to explore a wide range of opportunities within the electric vehicle market, including advancements in battery technology, energy storage, and vehicle charging infrastructure. Aramco’s expertise in the energy sector, particularly in the areas of refining, chemicals, and fuel technology, complements BYD’s proficiency in EV manufacturing and power batteries. By combining forces, the partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of high-performance, energy-efficient vehicles that can meet the demands of a more sustainable future.

As part of the agreement, Aramco and BYD will also look into the development of renewable energy-powered charging stations, further enhancing the sustainability of electric vehicles. This would involve the integration of solar power solutions into EV charging networks, reducing reliance on conventional grid power and cutting down on emissions associated with vehicle charging.

The collaboration between Aramco and BYD is poised to support the growing global adoption of electric vehicles. With transportation being one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the push for cleaner vehicles is essential in mitigating the effects of climate change. Governments worldwide are introducing stricter emission standards and providing incentives for electric vehicle adoption, creating a fertile environment for partnerships like the one between Aramco and BYD to flourish.

In addition to its environmental benefits, this collaboration also promises to have significant economic implications. The electric vehicle market is expected to experience substantial growth in the coming years, driven by technological advancements, government incentives, and increasing consumer demand for greener alternatives. By investing in electric vehicle infrastructure and technology, Aramco and BYD are positioning themselves to capitalise on this rapidly expanding market.

Aramco’s involvement in the electric vehicle sector also signals the company’s recognition of the need to diversify its business model. As the world moves toward a more sustainable energy future, companies in the fossil fuel industry are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprints and adapt to new market realities. Through its partnership with BYD, Aramco is working to align itself with global energy transition trends, aiming to maintain its relevance in an energy landscape that is rapidly shifting away from traditional fossil fuels.

For BYD, the partnership with Aramco provides access to crucial resources and expertise, allowing the company to scale up its operations and expand its presence in new markets. Aramco’s extensive network and experience in the energy sector, along with its significant financial resources, will enable BYD to enhance its technological capabilities and accelerate the development of next-generation electric vehicles.

A high-stakes bidding war is unfolding for PAL Cooling Holding , the district cooling subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s Multiply Group, with global asset managers vying for a deal estimated at approximately $1 billion. Among the contenders are KKR, I Squared Capital, Investcorp, and CVC Capital Partners, the latter collaborating with Engie-backed National Central Cooling Company, known as Tabreed. Abu Dhabi’s energy firm TAQA is also reportedly evaluating a bid.

PCH, established in 2006, operates six state-of-the-art district cooling plants across Abu Dhabi, boasting a designed capacity of nearly 193,800 refrigeration tonnes . The company maintains long-term agreements with prominent developers such as Aldar Properties, Al Qudra, Al Tamouh Investment, and Reem Developers. Its services provide 24/7 chilled water for air conditioning to landmark residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments, contributing to the UAE’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions.

The sale of PCH aligns with Multiply Group’s broader strategy to capitalize on the construction boom in the UAE. The investment firm, controlled by International Holding Company and chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is working with Standard Chartered Plc on the transaction. Sheikh Tahnoon, a key figure in the UAE’s ruling elite, oversees a sprawling business empire, including two sovereign wealth funds.

The district cooling sector in the Gulf region is experiencing significant growth, driven by the need for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional air conditioning. District cooling systems, which deliver chilled water via insulated pipes to cool buildings, are particularly suited to the region’s climate, where summer temperatures can exceed 50 degrees Celsius. These systems are approximately 50% more energy-efficient than conventional cooling methods, making them an attractive investment for firms focusing on sustainable infrastructure.

Tabreed, a major player in the district cooling industry, has been expanding its portfolio through strategic partnerships. The company, with significant shareholders including Mubadala and Engie , recently entered a joint venture with Dubai Holding Investments to provide district cooling services for Palm Jebel Ali in Dubai. This AED 1.5 billion project aims to deliver approximately 250,000 RTs of cooling capacity, with construction expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025 and the first cooling services anticipated by 2027.

JSW Neo Energy has successfully completed the acquisition of a 4.7 GW renewable energy platform from O2 Power, marking a significant leap in its energy portfolio. This acquisition brings the total capacity of JSW Neo Energy to 12.2 GW, positioning it closer to its ambitious target of reaching 20 GW by 2030. The deal is part of the company’s strategic push to solidify its presence in India’s rapidly growing renewable energy sector.

With the energy landscape in India transitioning towards a more sustainable future, JSW Neo Energy’s expansion aligns with the government’s vision of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power capacity by 2030. The platform acquired from O2 Power, which includes both operational and under-construction projects, covers a diverse mix of solar and wind energy. These assets are expected to provide significant long-term revenue streams and diversify JSW Neo Energy’s renewable portfolio.

This move comes as part of JSW Energy’s broader strategy to accelerate its green energy initiatives. In line with this, the company aims to focus on scaling up its renewable capacity while phasing out fossil fuel-based assets. The acquisition enhances JSW Neo Energy’s position as one of India’s key players in the renewable energy market, alongside other major industry players such as ReNew Power, Adani Green, and NTPC. The renewable energy sector, which has seen robust growth due to favorable policy frameworks and increasing investment, is becoming an attractive space for both established energy companies and new entrants.

O2 Power, a prominent renewable energy developer in India, made the decision to divest a part of its portfolio as part of its strategy to streamline operations and focus on other business ventures. The deal reflects a broader trend in India’s renewable energy sector, where companies are consolidating and scaling operations to meet the increasing demand for clean energy. This transaction also underscores the competitive landscape in the sector, with firms vying for a larger share of the renewable energy pie.

For JSW Neo Energy, this acquisition not only expands its operational footprint but also accelerates its progress towards meeting India’s energy transition goals. The company has been actively involved in both the solar and wind energy segments and plans to continue investing in projects that enhance its renewable energy capacity. In recent years, JSW Neo Energy has been building its portfolio through a series of acquisitions and partnerships, including deals with leading international investors and developers.

The renewable energy sector in India has witnessed increased investments, supported by policy initiatives such as the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy and the Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation , which mandate that utilities must procure a certain percentage of power from renewable sources. These policies have created a conducive environment for energy companies like JSW Neo Energy to expand and scale their operations.

The push towards renewable energy also reflects a growing awareness of the need to address climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, with an interim target of achieving 50% of its energy needs from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. This aligns with JSW Neo Energy’s commitment to sustainable growth and its long-term vision of becoming a leader in the green energy space.

Experts in the industry believe that the consolidation of renewable energy assets through acquisitions, such as the one completed by JSW Neo Energy, is crucial for driving economies of scale. By consolidating assets, companies can reduce operational costs, increase efficiency, and improve their financial viability. Additionally, large-scale renewable projects allow companies to attract capital more easily, which is essential for financing the growth of the sector.

A new report examining sponsored content across major video platforms has highlighted a persistent pay gap between male and female-identifying influencers, with women earning approximately 32% less than their male counterparts. The findings raise concerns about the growing inequalities within the influencer marketing industry, which has become a cornerstone of modern digital advertising.

The report, which analysed data from influencers across a variety of platforms including YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, reveals significant pay disparities in terms of sponsored content deals. While influencers of all backgrounds continue to benefit from growing brand partnerships, female-identifying creators are, on average, paid less for similar work. The study underscores how these discrepancies reflect broader trends of gender inequality in both digital spaces and traditional media.

The figures reveal that female influencers receive fewer opportunities for high-paying deals, often being offered lower rates for sponsored posts, product promotions, and brand collaborations. The report’s data points to the fact that male influencers, particularly those in niches such as tech, gaming, and finance, tend to secure more lucrative partnerships than their female peers in comparable sectors. This gendered imbalance, according to experts, is a reflection of traditional gender roles and stereotypes that persist in the marketing and media industries.

In addition to pay disparities, the study found that women face more significant barriers in building long-term brand partnerships. Many brands tend to favour male influencers for high-profile campaigns due to the perception that they have wider appeal or higher engagement rates, despite data suggesting that women often generate stronger, more engaged communities. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable on platforms like Instagram, where beauty and lifestyle influencers are often sidelined in favour of male influencers for more high-budget campaigns.

Experts point out that these disparities are not necessarily due to a lack of talent or audience engagement, but rather stem from systemic biases within the industry. The report suggests that while the influencer marketing sector has flourished in recent years, the business side of the industry remains influenced by traditional, outdated gender norms. Men are still often seen as more “marketable” or “trustworthy” figures, while female influencers are viewed as more niche or limited in scope, despite growing evidence to the contrary.

The report also shines a light on the disproportionate representation of women in lower-paying categories. Female creators are often pigeonholed into specific content genres, such as beauty, fashion, or lifestyle, which generally attract lower sponsorships compared to male-dominated categories like technology or business. As a result, women in these areas are frequently excluded from the larger, more lucrative sponsorship deals that their male counterparts in tech or finance enjoy. This limits their earning potential and opportunities for career advancement.

The study also explored the influence of demographic factors, showing that women of colour, in particular, face even steeper pay gaps, earning up to 40% less than white men in some cases. This intersectional analysis further highlights the compounded nature of discrimination, where race and gender together exacerbate earning disparities in the influencer space. The report calls for more inclusivity and equitable representation in all sectors of the influencer industry to address this issue more effectively.

The findings have sparked a broader conversation within the influencer marketing industry about the need for systemic change. Advocates for equal pay and representation argue that brands and agencies must take a more active role in addressing these inequalities by establishing transparent pay structures and offering equal opportunities for all creators, regardless of gender. This includes not only ensuring equitable pay for sponsored content but also providing women with the same opportunities for visibility and brand collaborations as their male counterparts.

Some industry leaders have already begun to take action, launching initiatives aimed at closing the gender pay gap in influencer marketing. These include offering mentorship programs, providing financial literacy resources, and creating more inclusive content opportunities for female influencers. Additionally, there have been calls for platforms themselves to implement measures that promote fairness and equity, such as algorithmic adjustments to ensure equal exposure for all creators, regardless of gender.

Dubai-based cargo airline SolitAir has secured its Air Operator Certificate from the United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority , marking a significant milestone in its operational expansion. The certification, issued under UAE Civil Aviation Regulations Part V, Chapter 4, authorises SolitAir to operate as a licensed air cargo carrier, following a rigorous evaluation of its operational, safety, and financial standards.

Headquartered at Dubai World Central , SolitAir specialises in middle-mile cargo services, connecting key logistics hubs across the Middle East, South Asia, and Central Asia. The airline’s fleet now comprises three Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters —one of which is on a dry lease—and one Boeing 737-400 BCF. This expansion supports operations from its 220,000-square-foot logistics facility at DWC, enhancing its capacity to meet growing regional demand.

The AOC also facilitates SolitAir’s transition from chartered operations to in-house management of its aircraft. Notably, the airline has taken delivery of a 20-year-old Boeing 737-800 BCF, previously operated by carriers including Air India Express and TUI fly Germany. This aircraft, converted to a freighter in 2023, is currently undergoing maintenance in Sofia before entering service under SolitAir’s registry.

SolitAir’s operational strategy includes partnerships with ASL Airlines Ireland, from which it leases two additional Boeing 737-800 BCFs. These aircraft continue to operate under ASL’s ‘5H’ code, reflecting the collaborative nature of SolitAir’s fleet management approach.

The airline has initiated routes to Bangalore, India; Erbil, Iraq; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aligning with its focus on underserved regional markets. Future plans involve expanding services to Africa, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Indian subcontinent, and Central Asian nations, catering to integrators, freight forwarders, express operators, and e-commerce entities.

Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Energy has announced a strategic partnership with Kimmeridge Energy Management to acquire a significant stake in the Commonwealth LNG project in Cameron, Louisiana. This move marks Mubadala Energy’s inaugural investment in the United States’ liquefied natural gas sector, aligning with its strategy to expand its gas portfolio amid the global energy transition.

Kimmeridge Energy Management, through its subsidiary Kimmeridge Texas Gas, acquired a 90% stake in Commonwealth LNG in June 2024. The project is developing a 9.5 million metric tons per annum LNG export facility on the west bank of the Calcasieu Ship Channel. The acquisition aimed to advance the project towards a final investment decision by the end of the second quarter of 2025.

In August 2023, Commonwealth LNG secured development capital from Kimmeridge, completing the funding required to reach FID. The two companies agreed in principle on a 20-year, 2 mtpa LNG offtake commitment from the facility, along with associated gas supply. This agreement also included terms for Kimmeridge’s participation in providing further equity to support the construction of the facility.

Mubadala Energy’s entry into the partnership brings additional financial strength and international expertise to the Commonwealth LNG project. While specific details of Mubadala’s investment have not been disclosed, the collaboration is expected to enhance the project’s prospects amid a competitive and evolving LNG market.

The Commonwealth LNG project has faced regulatory challenges, particularly concerning the U.S. Department of Energy’s approval process for LNG export licenses. The project has been awaiting an export permit for over a year, with delays attributed to the Biden administration’s pause on LNG export-permit reviews. Kimmeridge’s Managing Partner, Ben Dell, expressed optimism that the pause could be lifted early next year, potentially allowing the project to reach FID in the fourth quarter of 2025.

In anticipation of regulatory approvals, Commonwealth LNG has been proactive in securing partnerships and agreements to bolster the project’s development. In August 2023, the company entered into a collaboration with Baker Hughes for the supply of gas compression technology and equipment, aiming to commence production in early 2027. Additionally, Commonwealth LNG and Kimmeridge Texas Gas committed to natural gas certification under MiQ standards, reflecting a focus on environmental responsibility.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, marked a significant moment at the Bombay Stock Exchange by ringing the opening bell during his official visit to India. This event underscores the deepening economic ties between the United Arab Emirates and India, highlighting the robust relationship fostered through years of collaboration.

The Crown Prince’s visit follows an invitation extended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivered by External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during a meeting in Dubai. This invitation reflects the mutual commitment to enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

During his time in Mumbai, Sheikh Hamdan engaged with key figures in India’s financial sector, discussing avenues to bolster economic cooperation. The act of ringing the opening bell at the BSE, one of Asia’s oldest stock exchanges, symbolizes the UAE’s interest in strengthening financial and investment linkages with India.

The UAE and India have a longstanding history of economic partnership, further solidified by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed in 2022. This agreement aims to enhance trade flows, reduce tariffs, and create new avenues for investment, benefiting both nations.

Sheikh Hamdan’s visit aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double Dubai’s foreign trade and establish connections with an additional 400 cities globally by 2033. This strategic vision emphasizes Dubai’s role as a global trade hub and its commitment to fostering international economic partnerships.

Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, announced the formation of a dedicated task force to address the nation’s economic vulnerabilities in light of escalating global trade tensions. This initiative aims to safeguard Singapore’s economic interests and mitigate potential adverse effects on its growth trajectory.

The catalyst for this strategic move is the United States’ recent imposition of a universal 10% tariff on imports, a policy that appears non-negotiable regardless of existing trade balances or agreements. Prime Minister Wong expressed deep concern over this development, highlighting that Singapore, with its heavy reliance on global trade, could face significant economic disruptions. He indicated that the nation’s GDP growth projections for 2025, currently set between 1% and 3%, may require downward revision.

Despite the existing free trade agreement and close bilateral ties between Singapore and the U.S., the city-state has not been exempted from these tariffs. Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong voiced disappointment over the U.S. decision, noting that while the agreement permits countermeasures, Singapore has chosen not to retaliate with counter-tariffs to avoid escalating tensions and increasing import costs. Instead, the focus will be on diplomatic engagement to address specific concerns raised by the U.S. administration.

The newly established task force will comprise key government officials, industry leaders, and economic experts. Its mandate includes analyzing the potential impact of global trade policies on Singapore’s economy, formulating strategic responses, and recommending measures to bolster economic resilience. Particular attention will be given to supporting sectors most vulnerable to trade disruptions and exploring opportunities to diversify trade partnerships.

Economists anticipate that the Monetary Authority of Singapore may adjust its monetary policy in response to these challenges. The MAS, which manages policy through the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate , is expected to reduce the slope of the S$NEER band. This adjustment aims to enhance export competitiveness and cushion the economy against external shocks. Analysts, including those from Fitch Solutions and Maybank, have highlighted the potential for U.S. tariffs to significantly impact Singapore’s GDP, underscoring the need for proactive policy measures.

The global economic landscape is further complicated by rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions, particularly between major economies such as the U.S. and China. These dynamics have prompted countries to adopt more assertive trade policies, leading to a fragmented global economy. Prime Minister Wong has previously cautioned that such fragmentation could result in less trade, reduced investments, and hindered economic advancement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open economic cooperation.

Beacon Red, a subsidiary of the EDGE Group specializing in national security solutions, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Presight AI, a leading provider of big data analytics powered by artificial intelligence. The agreement aims to explore synergies between Presight’s advanced AI and omni-analytics capabilities and Beacon Red’s mission-focused security solutions. The partnership was formalized during the LAAD Defence & Security 2025 exhibition at the Riocentro Exhibition and Convention Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The collaboration between Beacon Red and Presight AI is set to leverage the strengths of both entities to develop innovative security solutions. Beacon Red has a track record of tackling complex national security challenges, offering advanced solutions in areas such as cyber defense and secure communications. Presight AI, on the other hand, has established itself as a key player in the AI and big data analytics sector, with partnerships aimed at revolutionizing crisis and disaster management through the integration of advanced data analytics and AI into emergency response systems.

This alliance is expected to focus on integrating Presight’s AI-driven analytics with Beacon Red’s security platforms to enhance situational awareness and decision-making processes in security operations. By combining Presight’s capabilities in processing and analyzing vast amounts of data with Beacon Red’s expertise in security solutions, the partnership aims to deliver comprehensive tools for threat detection and response.

The MoU signifies a commitment to joint research and development efforts, with the goal of creating solutions that address emerging security challenges. Both companies have previously demonstrated a commitment to innovation and collaboration in their respective fields. Presight AI has engaged in partnerships to enhance video analytics capabilities for smart city initiatives, while Beacon Red has been recognized for fostering a high-performance culture and developing cutting-edge security solutions.

The formalization of this partnership at LAAD Defence & Security 2025 underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing security technologies. The exhibition serves as a platform for defense and security companies to showcase innovations and forge strategic alliances. The Beacon Red and Presight AI partnership exemplifies the trend of cross-sector collaborations aimed at leveraging technological advancements to address complex security issues globally.

As the security landscape continues to evolve with the advent of new technologies and emerging threats, collaborations such as this are poised to play a crucial role in developing solutions that are both effective and adaptable. The integration of AI and big data analytics into security operations offers the potential for more proactive and informed decision-making, ultimately contributing to enhanced security outcomes.

The partnership between Beacon Red and Presight AI reflects a strategic move to harness the power of artificial intelligence in the realm of national security. By combining their respective expertise, the two companies aim to develop solutions that not only address current security challenges but also anticipate and adapt to future threats. This collaboration is indicative of a broader industry trend where technology and security firms are joining forces to create integrated solutions that leverage the latest advancements in AI and data analytics.

While specific details of the joint initiatives have not been disclosed, the partnership is expected to focus on areas where AI can significantly enhance security operations, such as predictive analytics, real-time threat detection, and automated response mechanisms. By integrating AI into security platforms, the collaboration aims to provide security professionals with tools that offer deeper insights and more efficient processes, ultimately leading to more effective security measures.

The collaboration also aligns with broader efforts within the EDGE Group to expand its capabilities in electronic warfare and cyber technologies. The group’s focus on integrating advanced technologies into its portfolio reflects a commitment to staying at the forefront of the defense and security industry. By partnering with technology firms like Presight AI, EDGE entities such as Beacon Red are positioned to offer more sophisticated and comprehensive solutions to their clients.

In the context of global security, partnerships that bridge the gap between technology and defense are becoming increasingly important. The integration of AI into security operations offers the potential to transform how threats are detected and managed, enabling more proactive and adaptive responses. As such, collaborations like the one between Beacon Red and Presight AI are not only beneficial for the companies involved but also for the broader security landscape.

The formalization of this partnership at an international event like LAAD Defence & Security 2025 highlights the global nature of security challenges and the need for cross-border collaborations to address them effectively. By coming together, companies from different regions and sectors can combine their strengths to develop solutions that are more robust and versatile.

Indian metal companies are significantly expanding their operations, driven by robust domestic demand, even as they navigate complex global trade dynamics. Industry leaders such as Vedanta and JSW Steel are at the forefront of this growth, unveiling ambitious plans to scale up production capacities across various segments.

Vedanta, a prominent conglomerate, has announced a $20 billion expansion strategy encompassing sectors like zinc, aluminium, copper, iron, steel, oil, gas, and power. This initiative includes seeking global partnerships to bolster its ventures. The company is also in the process of restructuring into four distinct entities: Vedanta Aluminium, Oil and Gas, Power, and Iron and Steel. Notable investments involve allocating $2 billion to $2.5 billion for enhancing Hindustan Zinc’s production and $5 billion aimed at increasing oil output through Cairn India. Additionally, Vedanta plans to double its power portfolio and explore opportunities in nuclear energy, targeting 5 GW of nuclear power for internal consumption within India.

JSW Steel, another major player, is pursuing an aggressive expansion trajectory. The company aims to elevate its production capacity from the current 27.5 million tonnes per annum to 38.5 mtpa by the fiscal year 2024-25. This growth strategy includes commissioning iron ore and coal mines in Karnataka, Odisha, and Goa, which is expected to reduce operational costs. JSW Steel is also investing in renewable energy projects to further decrease production expenses. The company has set a target to reach a 50 mtpa capacity before 2030, reflecting confidence in sustained domestic demand growth.

Tata Steel is also contributing to the industry’s expansion by adding 5 million tonnes to its existing 21 mtpa capacity. Similarly, Jindal Steel and Power plans to increase its capacity by 6 million tonnes, building upon its current 9.6 mtpa. Collectively, these initiatives represent a substantial investment aimed at capitalizing on India’s burgeoning steel consumption, which is projected to grow between 8% to 10% in the fiscal year 2024-25.

The Indian government’s policy measures are playing a crucial role in supporting domestic manufacturers. The “Domestically Manufactured Iron and Steel Products Policy 2025,” effective from April 1, mandates that all government ministries and agencies prioritize locally produced steel products. This policy aims to protect the domestic steel industry from the influx of cheaper imports, particularly from countries like China, South Korea, and Japan. It also restricts the use of foreign certifications or stringent technical specifications that could disadvantage local suppliers and bars foreign entities from participating in Indian tenders if their home countries impose procurement restrictions on Indian mills.

Despite these protective measures, Indian steelmakers face challenges from international trade policies. The United States has imposed a flat 26% reciprocal tariff on all Indian exports, citing high Indian tariffs on U.S. goods. This move is expected to impact key Indian export sectors, including electronics, gems and jewellery, and certain aluminium and auto parts. However, pharmaceuticals and energy products are exempt from these tariffs. In response, India is engaging in negotiations with the U.S. for a new trade deal and has expressed willingness to reduce tariffs on $23 billion worth of U.S. imports. Additionally, India is exploring opportunities to expand exports in sectors like textiles, apparel, footwear, and steel, particularly as higher tariffs are levied on Chinese goods.