The India-Afghanistan Joint Working Group on Trade, Commerce and Investment discussed trade facilitation, customs cooperation, connectivity, investment and sectoral cooperation during a virtual meeting on September 1.

 India and Afghanistan reviewed measures to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation during a virtual meeting of the India-Afghanistan Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade, Commerce and Investment on September 1, 2026.

Officials from both countries participated in the meeting, including representatives from commerce, industry, customs, regulatory authorities and diplomatic missions.

The two sides reviewed various issues related to bilateral trade and economic cooperation and discussed ways to make trade more convenient while strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.

Trade facilitation, customs cooperation discussed

The discussions covered a broad range of areas, including trade facilitation and customs cooperation, visa facilitation for Afghan traders, banking and financial cooperation, pharmaceutical and agricultural trade, energy cooperation, investment and trade promotion.

The sides also discussed tariff concessions, cargo connectivity and port-related issues as part of efforts to improve the overall trading environment.

Both countries agreed on further action in identified areas to strengthen institutional cooperation. This includes enhancing customs and data-sharing cooperation, promoting regulatory collaboration in pharmaceuticals and agriculture, improving trade connectivity, and encouraging investment and greater business-to-business engagement.

Focus on stronger commercial links

The meeting provided a platform for officials from both sides to address practical issues affecting trade and economic engagement.

India and Afghanistan also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral trade, commerce and investment relations and agreed to maintain continued dialogue on key issues.

The meeting concluded in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The discussions reflect a focus on improving trade processes, connectivity and institutional coordination while creating greater opportunities for commercial and investment engagement between the two countries.

Madhya Pradesh is set to enter the semiconductor manufacturing sector with the proposed establishment of the state's first semiconductor chip manufacturing unit at Vikram Udyogpuri in Ujjain. Paras Defence is planning to invest around ₹6,200 crore in the project and has sought approximately 55 acres of land from the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC).

The project is currently at the land-allotment and formalities stage. MPIDC Executive Director Rajesh Rathore said the company has initiated the process for acquiring land for the proposed facility. Company officials have also visited Ujjain and inspected the identified land, according to the information shared by MPIDC.

Once the required land and other formalities are completed, preparations for the foundation stone-laying ceremony are expected to begin.

₹6,200 Crore Investment Planned

The proposed semiconductor facility is expected to represent an investment of around ₹6,200 crore. The project could significantly expand Ujjain's industrial profile and strengthen Madhya Pradesh's presence in India's growing semiconductor ecosystem.

The unit is planned at Vikram Udyogpuri, an industrial area that has emerged as an important investment destination in the state.

55 Acres Sought For Unit

Paras Defence has sought around 55 acres of land from MPIDC for setting up the manufacturing facility. The land process is currently underway, with officials working on the required procedures before construction can begin.

The company has already conducted a site inspection, indicating that the project has moved beyond the initial proposal stage.

Around 7,000 Jobs Expected

The semiconductor project is expected to generate employment for around 7,000 people, through a combination of direct and indirect opportunities.

Besides employment, the facility could create demand for supporting industries and services linked to electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, logistics and other industrial activities.

The project may therefore have an impact beyond the proposed manufacturing unit itself, potentially encouraging additional investments connected to the semiconductor and electronics ecosystem in the region.

Ujjain Could Become Supply Hub

With semiconductor chips increasingly required across sectors such as electronics, automobiles, telecommunications and advanced technology, the proposed unit could give Ujjain a strategic role in the state's industrial expansion.

The facility is also expected to strengthen the city's potential as a supply hub for companies requiring semiconductor components, although the scale and nature of future supply-chain development will depend on the project's execution and subsequent investments.

For Madhya Pradesh, the proposed unit marks a significant step towards building a presence in one of India's strategically important technology and manufacturing sectors.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has highlighted the growing role of India’s young entrepreneurs while calling for stronger cooperation between India and Japan in banking, financial services, investment and industry.

Speaking at a startup roundtable in Tokyo during his ongoing visit to Japan, Goyal described India’s young population as a growing force of job creators, innovators and thinkers. He said the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has expanded significantly over the past decade, with the number of recognised startups rising from around 400-500 at the beginning of the Startup India initiative to nearly 2.5 lakh.

Goyal said the change reflects a broader shift in the mindset of young Indians, who are increasingly willing to take risks, develop new ideas and build businesses rather than remain limited to traditional employment opportunities. (The Tribune)

Focus on Financial Cooperation

The minister’s engagements in Tokyo have also focused heavily on strengthening economic and financial links between the two countries. He held meetings with senior executives from major Japanese financial institutions, including Nippon Life Insurance, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

During his meeting with Nippon Life Insurance, discussions covered opportunities for expanding India-Japan cooperation in insurance and financial services. With MUFG, Goyal explored possibilities across banking, commercial finance and investment.

His discussions with SMBC also centred on creating new opportunities to deepen financial ties and increase investment cooperation between India and Japan. 

India as Global Export Hub

Goyal has been encouraging Japanese companies to expand their presence in India and use the country as a base for exports to global markets. He has particularly stressed greater localisation, research and development, Global Capability Centres and manufacturing capacity.

India and Japan are also looking to expand cooperation in areas such as advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy and digital infrastructure. Goyal has highlighted India's cost competitiveness and engineering talent as advantages for Japanese companies looking to expand globally. 

10 Trillion Yen Investment Target

Goyal's Japan visit comes as the two countries seek to strengthen trade and investment ties. Japan has set a target of mobilising 10 trillion yen in private investment in India over the next decade. India is also reviewing its existing trade agreement with Japan, with efforts aimed at improving investment flows and addressing the bilateral trade imbalance. 

India-Japan bilateral trade stood at around $27.5 billion in FY 2025-26, while Japan remains one of India's major foreign investment partners. More than 1,400 Japanese companies operate in India across sectors including automobiles, electronics and engineering. 

Building on Suzuki's Success

Goyal has repeatedly pointed to Suzuki's India operations as an example of the scale that Japanese companies can achieve in the Indian market. He has urged Japanese businesses to expand their investments and build larger operations in India.

His four-day Japan visit, running from August 24 to 27, includes meetings in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. A delegation of more than 200 Indian business representatives is accompanying him, with participation from sectors including manufacturing, semiconductors, clean energy, automotive, financial services, healthcare and startups. 

The latest discussions indicate that India-Japan economic engagement is increasingly moving beyond traditional trade towards financial services, technology, manufacturing, investment and supply-chain cooperation.

The United States has formally removed Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, ending a designation that had remained in place since 1979 and opening the door to greater financial and economic engagement with the country.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on August 24 after the mandatory 45-day congressional notification period concluded. The move is part of the Trump administration's broader effort to provide sanctions relief to Syria and support its economic and political reintegration.

The decision is significant because the State Sponsor of Terrorism designation carried restrictions affecting areas including US foreign assistance, defence exports and certain financial transactions. Its removal is therefore expected to make it easier for international businesses and financial institutions to consider opportunities in Syria.

What changed for Syria?

The US State Department said the rescission recognises steps taken and commitments made by the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to distance the country from international terrorism.

Alongside removing Syria from the terrorism sponsor list, Washington also revoked the designation of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as the Nusrah Front, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organisation. The US Treasury subsequently removed HTS from its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list.

The change means Syria is no longer subject to the specific prohibitions under the US Terrorism List Governments Sanctions Regulations. The Treasury also said the previous Syria General License 25, which had authorised certain transactions otherwise restricted because of HTS's role in the Syrian government, was no longer necessary and has been revoked.

Why investment matters

For Damascus, the economic implications could be particularly important.

Syria has been attempting to rebuild after years of civil war and economic isolation. The removal of the terrorism designation eliminates what Syrian officials had described as a major obstacle to reconnecting with the international financial system.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said before the decision that removing the designation could help reconnect Syria with global financial and economic networks and encourage investment.

Reuters reported that the decision was viewed in Damascus as the removal of a major remaining impediment to investment in the country. The move comes as the Syrian government seeks foreign capital for reconstruction and economic recovery.

A major shift in US-Syria relations

The decision marks a dramatic change in Washington's approach to Damascus.

Syria had been on the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list since 1979. The designation was originally linked to allegations that the Syrian government supported terrorism and terrorist groups. Over the decades, additional US sanctions and restrictions were imposed on Syria.

The policy began changing after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024 and the emergence of a new Syrian leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa.

President Donald Trump had announced in July that Washington intended to remove Syria from the terrorism sponsor list and formally notified Congress. That started the 45-day review period required before the decision could take effect.

With the review period completed, the State Department formally rescinded the designation on August 24.

What does the decision mean for global businesses?

The immediate significance is the removal of restrictions specifically tied to the State Sponsor of Terrorism designation. That could make financial transactions and investment involving Syria less complicated, although it does not mean that every US sanction on Syria has disappeared.

Other sanctions and regulatory restrictions can still apply depending on the transaction, entity or sector involved. The US Treasury and other departments have issued additional guidance on the sanctions relief provided to Syria.

The policy change nevertheless sends a strong signal to international companies and investors that Washington is moving toward greater economic engagement with Damascus.

What happens next?

The next test will be whether the policy shift translates into actual investment and reconstruction activity.

Syria needs significant capital to rebuild infrastructure, revive businesses and reconnect its banking and trade systems with the wider global economy. The removal of the terrorism designation could improve the environment for such activity, but investment decisions will also depend on political stability, security, banking regulations and remaining sanctions.

For now, the US decision represents a major milestone in Syria's attempt to move away from decades of diplomatic and economic isolation.

After 46 years on the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list, Syria is now officially off it. The bigger question is whether the policy change can translate into the investment and economic recovery Damascus is seeking.

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics & Information Technology Jitin Prasada is on an official two-day visit to Morocco from August 24 to 25, with India–Morocco trade, investment, market access and industrial cooperation at the centre of discussions.

Prasada is scheduled to co-chair the 7th Session of the India–Morocco Joint Commission with Morocco's Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade, in charge of Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira. The meeting is aimed at reviewing bilateral economic cooperation and identifying new opportunities to expand trade and investment between the two countries.

Trade and Market Access in Focus

The Joint Commission discussions cover a broad range of areas, including trade and market access, investment, industrial cooperation, customs, agriculture, food safety, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy and mining.

Cooperation in fertiliser production and supply is also an important part of the agenda. Morocco is a significant source of phosphates and fertilisers for India, while India exports a range of products to the Moroccan market.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, bilateral merchandise trade reached around $4 billion in 2025. India's major exports to Morocco include refined petroleum, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, synthetic textiles, food products and spices.

India, Morocco to Deepen Food Safety Cooperation

The two countries are also expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on food safety between Morocco's National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) and India's Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The proposed cooperation will facilitate the exchange of information concerning the safety and quality of imported food products. It will also encourage exchanges involving food-testing laboratories, analytical methods and technical expertise.

The MoU is expected to cover technical areas including import procedures, quality-control operations, sampling, testing, packaging and labelling.

Business Community Engagement

As part of the visit, Prasada is scheduled to participate in the India–Morocco Joint Business Forum and interact with business leaders in Rabat.

The discussions are expected to explore new opportunities for trade, investment, partnerships and joint ventures. The Minister will also hold bilateral and high-level meetings with senior Moroccan leaders.

The engagement comes as both countries look to expand economic cooperation into emerging sectors while strengthening existing commercial links.

Cultural Exchange Programme

Alongside economic cooperation, India and Morocco are expected to sign a Cultural Exchange Programme for 2026–2030.

The programme will promote exchanges between artists and professionals, participation in festivals and exhibitions, heritage conservation and cooperation between museums, libraries and archival institutions.

The initiative assumes additional significance as India and Morocco prepare to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Focus on Long-Term Economic Partnership

The visit comes amid efforts by India and Morocco to broaden their bilateral economic relationship. While fertilisers remain an important component of trade, both sides are exploring opportunities across renewable energy, digital transformation, transport and logistics, tourism, education, healthcare and other sectors.

The 7th Joint Commission is expected to provide a platform for reviewing existing cooperation and identifying areas where businesses from both countries can develop stronger partnerships.

With trade already around $4 billion and preparations underway for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Prasada's visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to India–Morocco trade, investment and industrial cooperation.

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada is on an official visit to Morocco from August 24 to 25, with India-Morocco trade, investment and wider economic cooperation high on the agenda.

Prasada will co-chair the 7th Session of the India-Morocco Joint Commission with Omar Hejira, Morocco’s Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade in charge of Foreign Trade. The meeting is expected to review existing areas of bilateral economic cooperation and explore opportunities to diversify trade and improve market access.

The discussions are likely to cover a broad range of sectors, including trade, fertilizer production and supply, investment, industrial cooperation, customs, agriculture, food safety, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, mining, renewable energy, digital transformation, transport and logistics. Cooperation in AYUSH, tourism, education and skill development is also expected to feature in the talks.

Food Safety Cooperation

A key outcome expected during the Joint Commission meeting is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on food safety between Morocco’s National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The proposed agreement is aimed at facilitating the exchange of information on the safety and quality of imported food products. It is also expected to encourage cooperation between food-testing laboratories and facilitate the sharing of expertise on analytical methods.

The agreement would provide scope for technical exchanges covering import procedures, quality-control operations, sampling, testing, packaging and labelling.

Cultural Cooperation

India and Morocco are also expected to sign a Cultural Exchange Programme covering the period from 2026 to 2030.

The programme is intended to strengthen cultural ties through exchanges of artists and professionals, participation in festivals and exhibitions, cooperation in heritage conservation and closer institutional links between museums, libraries and archival organisations.

Bilateral Trade Nears $4 Billion

India and Morocco have maintained longstanding economic ties, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching around $4 billion in 2025.

India’s major exports to Morocco include refined petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, synthetic textiles, food products and spices. Morocco, meanwhile, is an important source of phosphates and fertilizers for India.

The focus on fertilizers assumes particular importance given their significance for India’s agricultural sector and food security. Expanding cooperation in fertilizer production and supply is therefore expected to be an important component of the economic discussions.

Business Community Engagement

During his visit, Prasada is also scheduled to hold bilateral and high-level meetings with senior Moroccan leaders. He will participate in the India-Morocco Joint Business Forum and interact with business representatives in Rabat.

The engagements are expected to focus on identifying opportunities for new investments, partnerships, joint ventures and greater business-to-business cooperation.

The two countries are also looking to expand their economic relationship beyond traditional trade areas, with sectors such as renewable energy, digital transformation, healthcare, logistics and industrial cooperation offering potential for deeper engagement.

70 Years of Diplomatic Ties

The visit comes ahead of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Morocco in 2027. Both countries are expected to use the milestone to further strengthen their longstanding partnership.

For India, Morocco also offers an important gateway to markets in Africa and beyond, while closer economic engagement could provide Moroccan businesses with greater access to the Indian market.

The August 24–25 visit is therefore expected to strengthen the institutional framework for bilateral economic cooperation and provide fresh momentum to trade, investment, industrial partnerships and business ties between the two countries.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will travel to Japan from August 24 to 27, leading an over 200-member business delegation in what the government has described as India’s largest-ever trade delegation to the country.

Goyal’s four-day visit will cover Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka and focus on strengthening trade, investment and industrial cooperation between India and Japan. The delegation includes representatives from manufacturing, semiconductors, clean energy, steel, automobiles, financial services, healthcare and startups.

In Tokyo, Goyal is scheduled to hold meetings with senior executives of major Japanese business groups and industrial houses that have been long-term partners in India’s economic development. He will also participate in a roundtable with Keidanren, the Japan Business Federation, which represents more than 1,500 leading Japanese companies. Discussions will focus on areas including semiconductors and artificial intelligence, startups and engagement with foreign institutional investors.

The minister is also expected to hold bilateral talks with Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa. His schedule includes meetings with senior members of the Japanese government and Parliament, besides an interaction with the Indian community in Japan.

The visit will then move to Nagoya, one of central Japan’s major industrial hubs. Goyal will lead a roadshow with the Chubu Economic Federation and the Nagoya Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is also scheduled to interact with the leadership of Aichi Prefecture and major investors in the automotive and steel manufacturing sectors.

The final leg of the visit will take place in Osaka, where Goyal will participate in an investor and business roadshow. Meetings with leading Japanese companies from the electronics, industrial and consumer sectors are expected to highlight investment opportunities in India’s manufacturing, clean-energy and consumer markets.

Japan has remained an important partner for India in investment, technology and industrial cooperation. Japanese companies have established a significant presence in sectors such as automobiles, steel, electronics, financial services and infrastructure.

The government said the participation of more than 200 business representatives from diverse sectors reflects the growing scope of India-Japan economic engagement. The visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral trade and investment while opening opportunities for cooperation in high-technology manufacturing and next-generation industries.

The focus on advanced manufacturing, clean energy, semiconductors and emerging technologies also aligns with India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat@2047 objectives.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will lead a high-level investment outreach programme in Mumbai on August 23 and 24 to showcase the state's industrial and investment potential ahead of the Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit 2.0, scheduled for April 2027. (India News Calling)

The two-day programme is aimed at attracting domestic and global investment, strengthening partnerships with industry and highlighting Haryana's growing capabilities in advanced manufacturing, technology and emerging sectors. Saini will be accompanied by Haryana Industry and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Commissioner and Secretary, Industry and Commerce, Dr Amit Kumar Agrawal, and other senior officials.

The outreach will begin on August 23 with a diaspora interaction and dinner. The programme will include a cultural presentation showcasing Haryana's heritage, an audio-visual presentation on the state's development journey and interaction with members of the diaspora and industry representatives.

On August 24, the Haryana delegation will participate in an investors' meet and a breakfast roundtable with private equity and venture capital representatives. Saini is also scheduled to hold one-to-one meetings with leading industry figures to discuss investment opportunities and potential partnerships in the state. (India News Calling)

The state government plans to highlight opportunities across sectors such as electric vehicles and mobility, semiconductors, data centres, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, Global Capability Centres and green energy. Haryana's proximity to the national capital is expected to be a key part of its investment pitch.

According to the state government, around 57 per cent of Haryana's geographical area falls within the National Capital Region. The state also has established road, rail, aviation and logistics connectivity, which officials say gives it an advantage in attracting industries and facilitating the movement of goods and people.

The delegation will also highlight Haryana's digital single-window clearance system and sector-specific policies aimed at making approvals and project implementation easier for investors. The state has recently introduced 11 new sectoral policies as part of its broader industrial expansion strategy.

Saini said Haryana was entering a new phase of industrial and technological growth and that the state had already received initial investment intentions worth more than ₹1.10 lakh crore. The Mumbai outreach, according to the government, will focus on converting investor interest into concrete projects, strategic partnerships and employment opportunities.

The programme is also intended to build momentum ahead of the 2027 global investors' summit. Discussions with industry leaders, investors and the diaspora are expected to help the state identify potential areas of collaboration and communicate its policy framework to prospective investors.

With Mumbai being one of India's major financial and corporate centres, the Haryana government is looking to use the outreach programme to deepen engagement with businesses and investors. The focus will be on presenting Haryana not only as a manufacturing destination but also as a potential hub for emerging technologies, services and green industries.

The government expects the Mumbai meetings to help translate investment proposals into long-term commitments as Haryana prepares for the Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit 2.0 next year.

 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is scheduled to hold a mega investment meet in Ahmedabad on August 12, 2026, as part of the state government's efforts to attract fresh industrial investments and strengthen its engagement with Gujarat-based business groups.

The proposed interaction is aimed at presenting investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh and encouraging industrialists and companies based in Gujarat to consider setting up or expanding their operations in the state. An official release cited in the ANI report said the meeting will focus on the investment potential available across Madhya Pradesh. (The News Mill)

Gujarat Investors in Focus

Ahmedabad is an important business centre and is home to companies operating across manufacturing, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, textiles, renewable energy and other sectors.

The Madhya Pradesh government has been using investor meets and sector-specific interactions to engage directly with business leaders. The Ahmedabad programme is expected to provide an opportunity for the state administration to outline its industrial policies, infrastructure facilities and investment opportunities.

The meeting comes as Madhya Pradesh continues to position itself as an investment destination for companies looking to expand their manufacturing and business operations.

Investment Push Continues

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has held similar investor interactions in other cities as part of the state's broader investment outreach.

Earlier this month, an investors' roundtable chaired by Yadav in Mumbai resulted in investment proposals worth around ₹1,550 crore for the Gwalior Telecom Manufacturing Zone, with the proposed projects expected to create approximately 3,600 jobs. (Free Press Journal)

The government has also been promoting investment in sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing and infrastructure. Madhya Pradesh's renewable energy capacity, according to recent remarks by Yadav, has increased significantly over the past decade, with the state seeking to attract further investment in the clean-energy sector.

Focus on Industrial Growth

The Ahmedabad meeting is part of a wider strategy to connect prospective investors with opportunities available in different regions of Madhya Pradesh.

The state has sought to promote its industrial land availability, connectivity, power infrastructure and policy incentives while encouraging companies to establish manufacturing and other commercial facilities.

Madhya Pradesh has also been seeking investments through its larger investor-summit framework. At the state's Global Investors Summit in 2025, several major companies announced large investment intentions across sectors including renewable energy, biofuels and infrastructure. (EEPC India News)

From Proposals to Projects

While investment proposals and memorandums of understanding can indicate investor interest, their conversion into operational projects generally requires further processes involving land, approvals, financing and infrastructure.

The state government's continued investor outreach is therefore aimed not only at generating proposals but also at creating direct engagement between businesses and government agencies.

The August 12 meeting in Ahmedabad is expected to be another step in this process, with the Madhya Pradesh government seeking to attract Gujarat-based industrial groups and investors to the state.

Broader Investment Strategy

The Ahmedabad event comes amid an intensified push by the Madhya Pradesh government to attract investments across multiple sectors.

The state has recently highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, renewable energy, telecommunications, tourism and other industries. Yadav's government has also emphasised the role of industrial development in creating employment and expanding economic opportunities across different regions of Madhya Pradesh.

The outcome of the Ahmedabad interaction, including any investment proposals or announcements that may follow, will be closely watched as the state continues its efforts to translate investor interest into new projects and employment opportunities.

India’s economic growth may slow to 6.6 per cent in the financial year ending March 2027, down from 7.7 per cent in the previous year, according to a Reuters poll of economists.

Oil Raises Pressure

Higher global crude prices have increased risks for an economy that imports most of its energy requirements. Expensive oil can widen the trade deficit, weaken the rupee and push up transport and production costs.

Investment Remains Uneven

Official data has shown growth in private investment, but economists remain uncertain about whether the momentum will last. Companies may delay large projects when consumer demand, global trade and financing costs remain unpredictable.

Household Impact

Slower growth can affect job creation and wage increases. If fuel and freight costs rise, households may also pay more for food, travel and manufactured goods, even when headline inflation remains manageable.

RBI Faces Difficult Choice

The Reserve Bank of India must balance slowing activity against the inflationary impact of energy prices. A prolonged oil shock could limit the scope for rate cuts intended to support borrowing and investment.

Gold and silver prices witnessed a sharp rise on Monday, with 24-carat gold gaining ₹751 to ₹1,44,532 per 10 grams and silver surging ₹2,050 to ₹2,24,771 per kilogram, according to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA).

The rally comes amid continued volatility in the precious metals market, even as both commodities remain below their record highs touched earlier this year.

Gold Prices Rise Across Major Cities

Retail prices of 24-carat gold also increased across major Indian cities. According to market data, gold was priced at:

• Delhi: ₹1,46,040 per 10 grams

• Mumbai: ₹1,45,860

• Kolkata: ₹1,45,860

• Jaipur: ₹1,46,040

• Bhopal: ₹1,45,940

• Patna: ₹1,45,940

• Lucknow: ₹1,46,040

• Raipur: ₹1,45,860

• Ahmedabad: ₹1,45,940

IBJA rates for different gold purities stood at:

Gold Up ₹12,000 in 2026

Gold has gained nearly ₹12,000 per 10 grams so far this year.

On December 31, 2025, the yellow metal was trading at around ₹1.33 lakh per 10 grams, compared with ₹1.45 lakh currently.

Silver, however, has declined by nearly ₹5,000 per kilogram since the beginning of the year. It was priced at ₹2.30 lakh per kilogram at the end of 2025 and is now trading around ₹2.25 lakh.

Both metals had touched record highs earlier in 2026, with gold reaching approximately ₹1.76 lakh per 10 grams and silver climbing to nearly ₹3.86 lakh per kilogram in January.

Market Outlook

Commodity market expert Ajay Kedia believes the recent correction from record highs presents an opportunity for investors.

According to Kedia, investors should avoid making lump-sum investments and instead adopt a staggered investment strategy to reduce market risk.

He expects gold to touch ₹1.60 lakh per 10 grams and silver to reach around ₹2.80 lakh per kilogram by the end of 2026 if current market trends continue.

Tips Before Buying Gold

Experts advise buyers to follow two basic precautions while purchasing gold:

• Buy only BIS hallmarked jewellery, which certifies the purity of the metal through an alphanumeric hallmark code.

• Compare gold prices with reliable sources such as the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) before making a purchase, as rates vary based on purity and city.

How to Check Genuine Silver

Consumers can also verify silver using simple methods:

• Magnet Test: Pure silver does not stick to magnets.

• Ice Test: Ice melts faster on genuine silver because of its high thermal conductivity.

• Smell Test: Real silver has no noticeable odour, while fake silver may emit a metallic or copper-like smell.

• Cloth Test: Rubbing silver with a white cloth may leave a black mark due to natural oxidation, indicating genuine silver.

With precious metals continuing to witness price fluctuations, analysts expect investors to closely monitor global economic developments, interest rate expectations and geopolitical risks, which remain key drivers of bullion prices.

Madhya Pradesh has secured investment proposals worth ₹20,193 crore through two major business events held in New Delhi—Bharat Tex 2026 and the Interactive Session on Investment Opportunities in Madhya Pradesh. The proposed investments are expected to generate employment for approximately 27,592 people, both directly and indirectly, across multiple sectors.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, who met investors during the events, said the state is strengthening its position as one of India's leading investment destinations and aims to play a significant role in achieving the country's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

CM Highlights 10 Assurances for Investors

Addressing domestic and international business leaders at The Leela Palace in New Delhi, Dr. Yadav described Madhya Pradesh as an emerging industrial and textile hub. He said the state offers investors ten key assurances, including policy stability, transparent governance, skilled workforce, infrastructure, administrative support, energy availability, security, and business-friendly services.

He also invited investors to participate in the Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2027, scheduled to be held in January next year, and assured them of prompt administrative clearances and investor-friendly policies.

Textile Sector Receives ₹1,592 Crore Proposals

At the Bharat Tex 2026 textile roundtable held at Bharat Mandapam, discussions focused on the state's textile and apparel ecosystem, PM MITRA Textile Park, technical textiles, skill development, and export promotion.

The event resulted in investment proposals worth ₹1,592 crore for the textile sector, which are expected to create nearly 15,700 employment opportunities.

Defence, Data Centres Among Key Investment Areas

During the investment interaction session, Madhya Pradesh received proposals worth ₹18,601 crore across high-growth sectors, including defence manufacturing, data centres, transformers, electronics, renewable energy, engineering, optical products, and toy manufacturing.

These investments are projected to generate employment for around 11,892 people. Companies that expressed investment interest include Brahmastra Explosives, Siemens Energy, Sitac Ray, Sunbridge Defence, Himachal Futuristic Communications, and Veera Electronics.

International Outreach Strengthens Investment Prospects

The Chief Minister also held one-on-one meetings with representatives from several countries to explore future collaborations.

He met Sri Lanka's Minister of Industry Sunil Handunnetti and Brazil's Ambassador Kenneth Felix to discuss cooperation in agriculture, biofuels, mining, and aerospace. Separate discussions with delegations from Russia, Italy, and France focused on artificial intelligence, digital innovation, advanced manufacturing, food processing, and industrial decarbonisation.

Seven MoUs Signed to Boost Exports

The Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC) signed seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening the state's industrial and export ecosystem.

Key agreements include partnerships with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and ASSOCHAM to enhance industrial collaboration. An agreement with Amazon Global Selling is expected to provide MSMEs and artisans in Madhya Pradesh with access to international e-commerce markets.

Additional agreements were signed with textile and apparel export councils to promote exports and facilitate buyer-seller interactions.

Infrastructure Positioned to Support Future Growth

Officials also presented the state's infrastructure capabilities to investors, highlighting more than 5 lakh kilometres of road network, eight operational airports, six inland container depots, and an industrial land bank exceeding 1.25 lakh acres.

The government said reliable power and water supply, along with expanding food parks, IT parks, and multimodal logistics infrastructure, continue to strengthen Madhya Pradesh's appeal as an investment destination.