Japanese investment in Indian finance hits record $8.8 Billion (Financial Times)
Japanese investment in India’s financial sector hit a record $8.8 billion (INR ~73,000 crore) in 2025, surpassing flows into China for the second consecutive year. The largest deal was Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) acquiring a $4.4 billion (INR ~36,500 crore) stake in Shriram Finance, marking the biggest foreign investment in India’s finance sector. Other major moves included Mizuho Bank announcing a majority stake in Avendus Capital, with CEO Masahiro Kihara stressing India’s long‑term view for Japanese capital. According to the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Japanese FDI in India reached $5.34 billion (INR ~44,300 crore) in 2024, while investment in China fell to $3.39 billion (INR ~28,100 crore), its lowest since 2014. The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India noted that smaller Japanese firms (capital base under $30M) now make up 62% of its membership, up from less than 40% in 2021, with service sector participation rising to match manufacturing at just above 40%. Japanese manufacturers like Daikin, the world’s largest air‑conditioner supplier, plan to expand production in India from 3 million to 5 million units annually by 2030, eventually scaling to 10 million units, positioning India as a global hub.
Argentina ships 50,000 tonnes LPG to India amid Gulf crisis (News18)
India has turned to Argentina as an emergency supplier of LPG after the Iran conflict in West Asia disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, stranding tankers and tightening supply. Traditionally, India sources nearly 90% of its LPG imports from Gulf states, but the crisis forced a rapid diversification strategy. According to Argus Media and The Economic Times, Argentina shipped around 50,000 tonnes of LPG in just three months of 2026, more than double its total supply to India in 2025. This surge was enabled by Argentina’s growing natural gas sector, particularly shale resources from Vaca Muerta, and export hubs like Bahia Blanca. While Argentina’s role has expanded dramatically, experts caution that logistical constraints longer shipping times and higher freight costs, mean it cannot fully replace Gulf supplies. The pivot underscores India’s broader energy strategy: moving from dependence to diversification, with Argentina, the United States, and other non‑Gulf suppliers now part of India’s LPG lifeline.
India withdraws 50% cap on Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme (Reuters)
India has withdrawn the 50% restriction on the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme, restoring full benefits to exporters. The scheme, administered by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), reimburses exporters for taxes, duties, and levies at the central, state, and local levels that are not refunded under other programs. The restriction had been imposed in 2025 to contain fiscal outflows, limiting exporters to only half of their eligible reimbursements. With the rollback announced on March 23, 2026, exporters across sectors including textiles, engineering goods, chemicals, and electronics will now receive full entitlements. According to Reuters, the move is expected to boost competitiveness at a time when India’s exports face headwinds from the West Asia conflict and global trade disruptions. Officials emphasized that the decision aligns with India’s broader strategy to support exporters under schemes like RoDTEP and MEIS, ensuring liquidity and stability in foreign trade.
India-Russia set $100 Billion trade target by 2030 (The Hindu Businessline)
At the India and Russia: Towards a New Bilateral Agenda conference on March 23, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India and Russia are committed to raising bilateral trade from the current USD $68.7 billion (INR ~5.7 lakh crore) to USD $100 billion (INR ~8.3 lakh crore) by 2030. He praised the efforts of the Russian International Affairs Council and the Indian Embassy in Moscow, which jointly organized the second edition of this initiative. Jaishankar highlighted that both sides are working to remove non‑tariff barriers and regulatory impediments, ensuring balanced and sustainable growth. He noted Russia’s role as India’s foremost partner in civil nuclear energy, citing the Kudankulam nuclear project, and emphasized India’s target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047. The minister also recalled President Putin’s December 2025 visit to India, which expanded cooperation in areas such as mobility of skilled professionals, maritime trade, fertilizers, health, and customs. With India chairing BRICS in 2026, Jaishankar stressed that the partnership will be crucial in shaping a multipolar world order, alongside platforms like SCO, G20, and the UN.
