Modi May Meet Trump During UNGA Visit Amid Strained Trade Ties
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet U.S. President Donald Trump during his potential visit to New York next month for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), according to a report by the Indian Express. While India’s foreign ministry has not confirmed Modi’s attendance, his name appears on a provisional list of speakers for the General Debate on September 26. Officials noted that the list is subject to revisions and no final decision has been taken. The UNGA debate is scheduled for September 23–29.
Beyond the multilateral meeting, the visit is expected to serve as an opportunity for bilateral talks with Trump, particularly on trade and tariff disputes that have strained relations. Washington recently imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods—taking the total levy to 50%—to penalize India for continuing to purchase Russian oil. Trade negotiations between the two nations broke down after five rounds over issues such as agricultural market access and energy sourcing. For non-Indian companies, these developments are relevant as prolonged U.S.-India trade tensions could reshape supply chains, impact tariff structures, and influence market opportunities for global firms operating across both economies.
Editor’s Note: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may meet U.S. President Donald Trump during the UN General Assembly in New York, with trade tensions—especially over tariffs and energy sourcing—expected to dominate their bilateral discussions. The visit comes amid strained relations following Washington’s increased tariffs on Indian goods, which could have broader implications for global supply chains and market access.
Pavna Industries, Taiwan’s SMC Form JV to Accelerate EV Tech in India
Uttar Pradesh-based Pavna Industries has partnered with Taiwan’s SmartChip Microelectronic Corporation (SMC) to form a joint venture aimed at advancing electric vehicle (EV) technology in India. Pavna will hold an 80% stake in the venture, while SMC will own 20%. Under the agreement, Pavna will leverage its operational, manufacturing, and procurement expertise, along with its strong presence in the Indian automotive market, to oversee and manage the JV’s operations.
Pavna, founded in 1971, manufactures automotive parts such as ignition switches, fuel tank caps, and latches, with plants in Aligarh, Pune, and Waluj. The JV with SMC is expected to strengthen India’s EV ecosystem by combining Pavna’s market reach with SMC’s microelectronic expertise. For non-Indian companies, the collaboration signals growing opportunities in India’s EV supply chain, potentially reshaping sourcing strategies and opening avenues for partnerships in components, batteries, and smart mobility solutions in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets.
Editor’s Note: Pavna Industries has formed a joint venture with Taiwan’s SmartChip Microelectronic Corporation to boost EV technology in India, combining Pavna’s manufacturing strength and market presence with SMC’s microelectronic expertise. This partnership is expected to enhance India’s EV ecosystem and create new opportunities for global firms in components, batteries, and smart mobility solutions.
India Clears 23 Chip-Design Projects Under DLI Scheme, Vervesemi Targets Global Scale
The Government of India has sanctioned 23 chip-design projects under its Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme to strengthen domestic semiconductor capabilities, the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) announced. Startups and MSMEs will develop indigenous chips and System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions for applications including surveillance cameras, energy meters, microprocessor IPs, and networking systems. MeitY also confirmed that 72 firms now have access to industry-standard Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools to accelerate chip development. Among the approved firms is Vervesemi Microelectronics, a fabless semiconductor company founded in 2017, which is also part of India’s Chips to Startup (C2S) programme.
Vervesemi, which has already exported semiconductor IPs globally, plans to begin volume production of multiple ICs and SoCs between 2025 and 2027. Its upcoming portfolio includes ASICs for EV motor control, space and avionics applications, smart energy metering, and consumer electronics. Each chip integrates machine learning features for fault tolerance, predictive diagnostics, and improved yields. For non-Indian companies, these developments signal both competition and collaboration opportunities—India’s push into semiconductor design not only strengthens supply-chain resilience but also creates new openings for partnerships in fabless design, IP licensing, and downstream manufacturing across global markets.
https://www.fonearena.com/blog/462445/government-23-dli-backed-semiconductor-projects.html
Editor’s Note: India has approved 23 chip-design projects under its DLI Scheme to boost domestic semiconductor capabilities, with startups and MSMEs developing SoCs for diverse applications and gaining access to advanced EDA tools. Among them, Vervesemi Microelectronics plans global-scale production of AI-integrated chips for EVs, space, and smart metering by 2027, signaling new opportunities and competition for global semiconductor players.
Foxconn Recalls Chinese Engineers Amid Tensions, Begins iPhone 17 Production in India
Apple supplier Foxconn has reportedly recalled around 300 Chinese engineers and technicians from its iPhone production facilities in India, following directives from Beijing. According to reports, the Chinese government also asked Foxconn chairman Young Liu to prepare a detailed note on the company’s India investments. Sources told ET that the firm was instructed to send back all Chinese expatriates brought by Yuzhan Technology to help set up factories and the component ecosystem, with an additional 60 engineers who were due to arrive also held back. To mitigate disruptions, Foxconn is said to be drawing more talent from Taiwan and other regions.
Despite these challenges, Foxconn has begun small-scale production of Apple’s iPhone 17 at its Bengaluru plant, its second-largest facility in India, supplementing ongoing production at its Chennai unit. The developments come as India and China are cautiously exploring ways to ease tensions through trade and diplomatic engagement, even as strategic competition lingers. For non-Indian companies, the situation underscores both the risks and opportunities in diversifying electronics manufacturing away from China: geopolitical pressures may disrupt traditional supply chains, but India’s expanding role as an iPhone production hub signals new avenues for global suppliers, component makers, and logistics firms seeking to align with Apple’s evolving manufacturing strategy.
Editor’s Note: Foxconn has recalled 300 Chinese engineers from its Indian iPhone facilities amid geopolitical tensions, while shifting talent sourcing to Taiwan and other regions. Despite the disruption, it has begun iPhone 17 production in Bengaluru, highlighting India’s growing role in Apple’s supply chain and new opportunities for global electronics firms.
Dixon, China’s HKC Form ₹370 Crore JV for Display Module Manufacturing in India
Indian contract manufacturer Dixon Technologies has entered into a ₹370 crore joint venture with Chinese firm HKC Overseas to manufacture and sell display modules in India. The JV, named Dixon Display Technologies Pvt Ltd (DDTPL), will focus on liquid crystal modules, thin-film transistor LCD modules, and the assembly of end products such as smartphones, TVs, monitors, and automotive displays. According to a regulatory filing, HKC Overseas will hold a 26% stake in the venture, valued at about ₹95.5 crore, while Dixon will retain a 74% stake worth roughly ₹274 crore, executed in two tranches. The share subscription and shareholders’ agreement (SSHA) was signed on August 16, 2025.
The move marks Dixon’s latest partnership with Chinese technology companies, following a July joint venture with Chongqing Yuhai Precision Manufacturing and the Indian unit of Kunshan Q Technology for electronic component production. For non-Indian companies, Dixon’s growing collaboration with Chinese firms signals both competition and opportunity: global suppliers may face intensified rivalry in India’s fast-growing electronics ecosystem, but the expanding local production base also opens doors for partnerships in component supply, contract manufacturing, and technology integration as India positions itself as a global electronics hub.
Editor’s Note: Dixon Technologies has formed a ₹370 crore joint venture with China’s HKC Overseas to manufacture display modules and assemble electronics like smartphones and TVs in India, with Dixon holding a 74% stake. This marks Dixon’s continued collaboration with Chinese firms, signaling both competitive pressure and partnership opportunities for global players in India’s expanding electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
Samsung Begins Laptop Manufacturing in India, Signals Broader Shift for Global Tech Firms
Samsung has officially commenced laptop manufacturing at its Greater Noida facility in India, expanding its local production portfolio that already includes smartphones, wearables, tablets, and feature phones. According to a PTI report citing sources familiar with the matter, the company also plans to manufacture more devices in India as part of its long-term expansion strategy. Although Samsung did not respond to media queries, the move was confirmed by Samsung Southwest Asia VP SP Chun during a meeting with Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, where he emphasized that India’s skilled talent and innovation continue to drive the company’s manufacturing growth in the country.
This strategic development reflects a broader trend of global tech companies increasingly shifting their manufacturing bases to India amid rising geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain diversification efforts. With Samsung already established as the second-largest smartphone exporter from India—following Apple—the move further solidifies India’s position as a competitive manufacturing hub not just for domestic consumption but for global exports. For non-Indian companies, this underlines a growing incentive to localize production in India to reduce costs, navigate trade barriers, and tap into the country’s skilled workforce.
Editor’s Note: Samsung has begun laptop manufacturing at its Greater Noida facility, expanding its India portfolio and signaling deeper commitment to local production driven by skilled talent and innovation. This move reflects a broader shift among global tech firms toward India as a strategic manufacturing hub amid supply chain diversification and rising geopolitical uncertainties.