US-India’s Game-Changing Satellite Launch: Unlocking Earth’s Hidden Secrets

Temasek Holdings, Singapore’s state investment company, has sold its 35 percent stake in Schneider Electric India Pvt Ltd (SEIPL), an Indian joint venture with French multinational Schneider Electric, for 5.5 billion euros (S$8.2 billion) in cash, marking a tenfold return on its initial investment. The deal, announced on Wednesday, transfers full ownership of the joint venture to Schneider Electric, strengthening the French company’s strategic focus on India as a key growth market and global hub.Temasek acquired the 35 percent stake in SEIPL for 530 million euros in 2020, when Schneider Electric merged its Indian low-voltage and industrial automation product unit with the electrical and automation operations of Larsen & Toubro Ltd. The joint venture, established in 2018, has since grown into Schneider’s third-largest market by revenue, generating 1.8 billion euros in statutory revenue in 2024, with total India sales, including exports, reaching 2.5 billion euros across Schneider’s subsidiaries.Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, emphasized that full ownership of SEIPL will enhance its decision-making speed and agility in India, a critical hub in its multi-hub global strategy. The company operates 31 factories and 31 distribution centers in India, positioning the country as a cornerstone for its research, development, and supply chain operations, particularly for the Asia-Pacific and emerging markets. Schneider projects double-digit compound annual growth in SEIPL’s organic sales in the coming years and plans to scale its Indian operations by 2.5 to 3 times.“This transaction represents the logical next step in Schneider Electric’s strategic investment focus on India as both an attractive domestic growth market and one of the key hubs in its multi-hub strategy,” Schneider Electric stated in a press release. Olivier Blum, the company’s CEO, underscored India’s role, noting, “India is one of the key focus markets of Schneider Electric for the years to come.”The deal, subject to regulatory approval from India’s antitrust regulator, the Competition Commission of India, is expected to close in the coming quarters. It follows earlier reports in July 2025 that Schneider was in talks to acquire Temasek’s stake for approximately US$1 billion, which would have valued the joint venture at US$5 billion, including debt. The final transaction price of 5.5 billion euros reflects a significantly higher valuation, underscoring the venture’s growth and India’s rising importance in global markets.Temasek’s exit aligns with its broader investment strategy in India, where dealmaking activity is surging. Mergers and acquisitions in India reached US$31 billion in 2025, a 16 percent increase from the previous year, according to Bloomberg data. Temasek has been active in the region, recently investing US$1 billion in Indian snacks maker Haldiram and increasing its stake in Italian luxury group Ermenegildo Zegna to 10 percent. Chia Song Hwee, Temasek’s Deputy CEO, highlighted the success of the Schneider partnership, stating, “We have been privileged to journey alongside Schneider Electric India and look forward to seeing them grow as a leading franchise in India.”The sale reflects growing investor confidence in India’s economic potential, driven by its status as the world’s most populous nation and government initiatives promoting domestic manufacturing. Schneider Electric’s deepened commitment to India includes plans to manufacture 90 percent of its products locally and expand its research and development capabilities, further solidifying the country’s role in its global operations.The transaction marks a significant milestone for both companies, with Temasek securing a substantial return and Schneider Electric positioning itself to capitalize on India’s rapid economic growth and industrial transformation.Sources: The Business Times International, The Hindu BusinessLine, Business Standard, News18, NDTV ProfitJoin Startup Europe India Network - a verified platform connecting Indian and European business and product leaders to accelerate growth.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signed a free trade deal with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a multi-billion pound export boost.The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in mid-2025, is a major trade deal expected to significantly deepen economic ties between the two nations. After over three years of negotiations, the deal aims to boost bilateral trade by around £25.5 billion annually by 2040 and add roughly £4.8 billion each year to the UK’s GDP.Key elements include substantial tariff cuts:For UK exports to India, tariffs on most goods fall from about 15% to just 3%. This benefits sectors like alcoholic beverages (whisky tariffs drop immediately from 150% to 75%, then to 40% over 10 years), automotive (tariffs on cars drop from up to 110% to 10% under quotas starting with internal combustion engine vehicles and transitioning to electric and hybrids), cosmetics, medical devices, and advanced manufacturing.For Indian exports to the UK, 99% of goods will have duty-free access. This opens up markets for textiles, footwear, clothing, seafood, jewelry, electronics, and certain vehicles. The UK is eliminating or reducing tariffs significantly to enhance Indian competitiveness in the British market.Beyond goods, the deal breaks new ground in services and professional mobility:Mutual recognition of professional qualifications in fields like accountancy, law, and architecture makes it easier for individuals from both countries to work cross-border.Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK gain up to a three-year exemption from double National Insurance contributions if covered by India’s social security scheme (and similarly for UK employees temporarily in India), cutting costs for businesses and workers.UK firms get access to bid on Indian federal government contracts worth about £38 billion annually, especially in clean energy and infrastructure.Economically, the deal is predicted to create over 2,000 jobs in the UK and stimulate an additional £6 billion in investment, especially in technology and automotive sectors. It also locks in UK ownership caps for Indian insurance and banking firms up to 74%, ensuring fair treatment for British financial services companies in India.Some criticisms remain. The UK imports a higher share of Indian goods duty-free (99%) compared to UK goods entering India (about The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in 2025, is a landmark deal expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually by 2040 and add about £4.8 billion per year to the UK economy.The agreement slashes tariffs dramatically:UK exports to India will see average tariffs drop from 15% to 3%. Whisky tariffs fall from 150% to 75% immediately, then to 40% over 10 years. Car tariffs reduce from up to 110% to 10% under quotas, covering internal combustion engines and transitioning to electric and hybrid vehicles. Other beneficiaries include cosmetics, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing.Indian exports to the UK enjoy duty-free access on 99% of goods, especially textiles, footwear, jewelry, electronics, clothing, seafood, and certain vehicles.Beyond goods, the deal opens new doors in services and mobility:Professional qualifications in sectors like law, architecture, and accountancy will be mutually recognized, making temporary work across borders easier.Indian workers in the UK get a three-year exemption from double National Insurance payments if covered by India’s social security, with a reciprocal arrangement for UK workers in India.UK firms can bid for Indian government contracts worth around £38 billion annually, notably in clean energy and infrastructure.Economically, the FTA is predicted to create more than 2,000 jobs in the UK and attract £6 billion in investments, especially in technology and automotive. It also locks in UK investments in Indian insurance and banking sectors up to 74%.Critics point out that while 99% of Indian goods enter the UK duty-free, only about 85% of UK goods will gain duty-free access in India. Also, the deal does not alter UK immigration policies, including visa rules beyond professional mobility and social security arrangements.The agreement still needs ratification by both countries and is expected to come fully into effect by 2026, allowing businesses and professionals time to prepare for new opportunities.Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c307ggj492voJoin the UK-EU-India Tech and Science Expansion Network www.startupeuropeindia.net

India and Slovenia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties through the 10th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in New Delhi. Co-chaired by Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Marko Štucin, State Secretary of Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the consultations underscored the robust partnership between the two nations, built on shared democratic values and mutual interests.The discussions covered a wide spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including trade, technology, defense, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides reviewed progress since the 9th FOC in Ljubljana in 2023, noting significant advancements in economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching €339.6 million in 2020 despite global challenges. Slovenia remains India’s second most important trading partner in Asia, with key imports including pharmaceuticals and chemicals, while Slovenia exports machinery and electrical equipment to India.A key highlight was the emphasis on science and innovation, with ongoing joint projects in health, biomedicine, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. The consultations also explored new avenues for collaboration in digitalization, green energy, and smart cities, aligning with India’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision and Slovenia’s focus on sustainable development.State Secretary Štucin’s meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar further reinforced the strategic importance of India-Slovenia ties. Jaishankar highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, where Slovenia is a candidate for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2024-2025. Both nations expressed a shared commitment to effective multilateralism and addressing global challenges such as climate change and regional stability.The consultations also touched on regional and global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, India’s G20 legacy, and UN Security Council reforms. The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination in international organizations, leveraging India’s growing global influence and Slovenia’s strategic position within the European Union.Cultural and educational exchanges were another focal point, with Slovenia offering 24 scholarships annually for Indian students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and five for doctoral studies. The 2019 signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including cooperation in sports, culture, and standardization, continues to foster people-to-people connections.Economically, the Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC) has been instrumental in driving growth, with its 9th session held virtually in 2021. Both nations expressed optimism about further diversifying trade and investment, particularly in high-tech and green energy sectors.The FOC concluded with an agreement to hold the next round in Ljubljana at a mutually convenient date, signaling a sustained commitment to elevating bilateral ties. As India and Slovenia mark over three decades of diplomatic relations, established in 1992, this milestone consultation paves the way for a stronger, more resilient partnership in a rapidly evolving global landscape.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on publicly available information and do not constitute investment or policy advice.---Join SEINET – the Europe-India Tech & Science Corridor.Connect seamlessly with industry leaders, startups, and organizations driving innovation across borders. Sales, Partners and M&A on www.startupeuropeindia.net