India has formed six working groups to identify 100 products for domestic manufacturing, aiming to reduce import dependence in sectors like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and textiles. The initiative seeks to boost local industry and mitigate import expenditures, especially amid the West Asia crisis.
India has established six expert groups to identify 100 products for domestic manufacturing, aiming to reduce import dependence, curb foreign exchange outflow, and boost local production for domestic and global markets. The groups will submit their list within three weeks.
India is rapidly advancing its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities, driven by global conflicts and a desire for self-reliance. The nation is developing advanced technologies like the Agni-5 missile, nuclear submarines, and AI-driven systems, aiming to reduce import dependence and enhance its strategic autonomy.
Amid rising global fertilizer prices, Japan is promoting domestic production using sewage sludge, rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. Kobe City is recovering "magnesium ammonium phosphate" crystals, selling them to fertilizer makers for use in products like "Kobe Harvest."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged collective national efforts to reduce import dependence and strengthen India's global supply chain position. Amidst global uncertainty and Middle East conflict concerns, he appealed to citizens to minimize foreign currency spending and support domestic manufacturing. Modi drew parallels to past national crises, emphasizing historical citizen unity in response to government appeals.
India is adopting a strategic approach to expand exports to China while strengthening domestic manufacturing, aiming to reduce dependence on Chinese inputs without a complete decoupling. A senior government official told PTI that India is building resilient supply chains and increasing export capacity, though the country still relies heavily on Chinese raw materials, intermediate goods and capital equipment. Trade data shows India's exports to China rose 37% to $19.47 billion in 2025-26, while imports increased 16% to $131.63 billion, widening the trade deficit to $112.6 billion.
India's crude oil output has declined for the eleventh consecutive year in 2025-26, falling 2.5% to 28 million metric tonnes, while natural gas production slipped 3.7% to 34,776 mmscm. Import dependence has reached 89% for crude oil and 51% for natural gas, with the US-Iran war exacerbating supply challenges. The decline is attributed to depletion of older fields and absence of significant new discoveries, with limited participation from global oil companies in exploration rounds.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning to Pakistan, stating that any attempt to create trouble would be met with a strong response. He highlighted India's enhanced military strength and its shift from import dependence to becoming a defence exporter. Singh's remarks come a year after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Chris Huhne responds to Nils Pratley's article on UK gas policy, arguing that biomethane represents a third overlooked option between expanding North Sea drilling and increasing LNG imports. He highlights that biomethane is domestic, low carbon, storable and dispatchable, citing the IEA's 2025 Renewables report and examples from Denmark (meeting 40% of gas demand from green gas) and France (20%+ annual growth since 2022). The letter argues the UK lacks political will to scale these alternatives.
