India and European Union Fast-Track Talks Toward Landmark Free Trade Agreement (Economic Times)
India and the European Union have agreed to intensify efforts to conclude negotiations on a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and EU Commissioner Maros Sefcovic met on December 8-9 to review progress and provide strategic guidance. Technical discussions earlier in December covered key areas such as market access, rules of origin, services, and technical barriers to trade. Both sides reaffirmed their strong political resolve to resolve pending issues constructively and achieve a mutually beneficial outcome. The meeting ended with renewed confidence and determination to finalize a modern, comprehensive trade pact at the earliest.
Microsoft is committing USD 17.5 billion in India, the largest-ever investment in Asia, to build infrastructure and skills needed for boosting Artificial Intelligence (India Today)
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a USD 17.5 billion (₹1.5 lakh crore) commitment to India. This is Microsoft’s largest-ever investment in Asia, focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Funds will be directed toward building AI infrastructure, skilling programs, and technology adoption across industries. Nadella made the announcement after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi. The initiative aligns with India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and broader national digital transformation goals, supporting AI-first strategies in defence, healthcare, agriculture, and education.
India and US Deepen Strategic Ties with High-Level Talks on Defence, Tech, and Trade (Economic Times)
India and the United States held key discussions to strengthen their Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Talks focused on expanding cooperation across defence, technology, energy, trade, and resilient supply chains. US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker met Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a five-day visit to New Delhi. Both sides emphasized translating the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump into concrete outcomes. The dialogue reaffirmed mutual commitment to advancing security, competitiveness, and long-term growth through deeper collaboration.
US Demand Powers 30.7% Rise in India’s Solar Module Exports in FY26 (CNBC TV18)
India’s solar PV module exports rose 30.7% in April-October 2025, climbing from $712.8 million to $932 million. The US market alone accounted for nearly all of the $219.2 million increase, with shipments rising 31.83% to $907.2 million. The Commerce Ministry highlighted India’s growing role in global solar supply chains as countries diversify away from Chinese imports. Emerging secondary markets include the UAE ($2.4 million), Kenya ($1.5 million), and Bangladesh ($18.2 million), alongside early-stage demand in Iran, Libya, Tanzania, Hungary, Afghanistan, and Canada. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) praised the trend, noting that nearly 50% of solar startups accessing new markets are women-led, under its SolarX APAC program.
