India

Reliance Industries announced significant AI partnerships with Google and Meta at its annual shareholders’ meeting. Reliance will leverage Google’s AI and cloud infrastructure, including a new dedicated cloud region in India powered by clean energy. A joint venture with Meta focuses on delivering AI solutions tailored for Indian businesses, with a $100 million investment. Mukesh Ambani also indicated plans to list Reliance Jio publicly in the first half of 2026. These moves underscore the importance of the Indian market for global tech giants.

Amidst global economic uncertainty, India aims to become the world’s third-largest economy. Prime Minister Modi urges self-reliance, indirectly responding to past criticisms. Reports suggest escalating tensions between the U.S. and India, with growing anti-American sentiment leading to calls for boycotts of American brands like McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Amazon, and Apple. While U.S. companies target India’s affluent consumers, Trump-era tariffs have fueled campaigns promoting indigenous products, potentially impacting U.S. sales in this key market.

India is resisting escalating trade tensions with the US after Washington’s tariff hike on Indian goods. Prime Minister Modi vowed to protect Indian farmers’ interests. The Ministry of External Affairs deemed the US tariffs “unfair” and pledged to protect national interests. Despite concessions already made by India, the US demands more access to India’s agricultural sector, a politically sensitive area. An opposition party member even suggested closing McDonald’s in India in response to the dispute and Trump’s claims regarding India-Pakistan relations.

An Indian man, Hasvardhan Jain, was arrested for allegedly operating a fake embassy near New Delhi. He is accused of defrauding people with false overseas job offers and suspected money laundering. Jain posed as a “Baron” and ambassador of the micronation Westarctica, fabricating documents and possessing cash, diplomatic plates, and doctored photos with world leaders. The fake embassy contained nearly $55,000 in cash and other falsified credentials. Westarctica, an unrecognized entity, highlights the unusual aspects of international relations.

Loop Industries announced a $1.5 million engineering services agreement with ELITe, its Indian joint venture, to support the construction of its Infinite Loop™ India facility. The deal follows a completed initial agreement and highlights engineering services as a key revenue source. Loop is also pursuing off-take agreements with major brands for the India JV to solidify its position in sustainable materials. Ground-breaking is anticipated in the latter half of 2025.

A tragic incident at Ahmedabad’s airport resulted in the suspension of operations. An Air India Boeing 787-8, en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff, disappearing from radar. All 242 people on board are reported dead. This marks the first total loss of a 787 model, with eyewitness accounts detailing the crash and ensuing fire.

A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operated by an Indian airline crashed near Ahmedabad Airport on June 12th. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and en route to London, reportedly crashed shortly after takeoff into a residential area. Sadly, all 246 people on board are presumed dead. This marks the first known crash for the 787, Boeing’s latest model, previously boasting a perfect safety record.

India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, according to the NITI Aayog. Driven by a robust 6.5% growth rate, the economy now exceeds $4 trillion. Government officials project India will be the third-largest economy in three years. This milestone aligns with the nation’s ambition to become a developed country by 2047.