Business
India-France Trade Grows to USD 20 Billion, Primarily Driven by Defence and Aerospace, Says Coumar Ananda
Ananda stated, “Trade between our two nations has remained below USD 20 billion, previously hovering between USD 15-18 billion, largely focused on defense and aeronautics, particularly aircraft and air force-related industries.”
He went on to highlight the potential for growth, saying, “There is a notable imbalance regarding the presence of Indian companies in France. Currently, fewer than 100 Indian firms operate here, which indicates substantial untapped potential. In contrast, French companies have established a significant presence in India, with over a thousand firms operating there, many having been in the country for more than a century. Indian companies are seeking numerous opportunities in France.”
“At this moment, France is extending a warm invitation to Indian investors, and we should seize this opportunity. This openness is not limited to specific industries; it spans the entire country, beyond just the Paris region. We see this as a pivotal moment for India in France. There is a willingness from France to engage, alongside strong interest from India to enhance collaboration,” Ananda told ANI.
Prime Minister Modi will co-chair the AI Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and will address the India-France CEOs forum during his visit from February 10 to February 12.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during a press briefing on Friday, underscored the importance of Artificial Intelligence and reiterated India’s expectations that AI applications should be designed, developed, deployed, and utilized in a safe, humane, responsible, and trustworthy manner.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s sixth official visit to France.
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to close its special forex swap facility for fresh FCNR deposits early.
The facility will now close on August 31, the RBI said on Friday.
The central bank said the decision was taken after receiving an encouraging response. The facility has attracted $52.3 billion through fresh foreign currency deposits.
Banks can continue to undertake swaps with the RBI against FCNR deposits raised under the facility until September 11.
Meanwhile, the schemes for External Commercial Borrowings and Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings will remain open until December 31, 2026.
The RBI launched the special US dollar-rupee forex swap facility on June 8. It allowed banks to raise fresh three-to-five-year FCNR deposits.
Banks could then swap these deposits with the RBI at a concessional rate. The facility effectively covered the entire hedging cost for banks.
The strong response to the scheme led the RBI to bring the facility to an early close.
Moodbidri: A dream that began in the rural area of Niddodi in Moodbidri has now gained national recognition. Leksa Lighting Technologies Pvt. Ltd., founded by Ronald Sylvan D’Souza, has been recognised as one of India’s Top 100 MSME companies.
The prestigious national recognition was presented by the MSME Udyog Foundation at a ceremony held in New Delhi on August 8, 2026.
Ronald Sylvan D’Souza started his entrepreneurial journey from a humble background. Through hard work, discipline and continuous efforts, he built Leksa Lighting Technologies into a recognised lighting technology company.
The company has focused on quality, technological innovation and indigenous manufacturing. Research and development have also played an important role in its growth.
Leksa Lighting has adopted Japanese work practices to improve its manufacturing and operational standards. The company has also worked towards developing quality lighting solutions in India.
What began as a dream in rural Karnataka has now reached different parts of the country. The company is also making its presence felt in international markets.
Speaking about the recognition, Ronald Sylvan D’Souza said the award was not an individual achievement. He credited the entire Leksa team, customers, business partners, family members and everyone who supported the company.
He said he was proud and happy to see a dream that began in Niddodi and Moodbidri receive recognition at the national level.
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The achievement highlights the potential of rural entrepreneurs. It also shows that determination, discipline and consistent hard work can help a business from a rural area achieve success on a national platform.
Leksa Lighting Technologies’ journey stands as an example of how a local dream can grow into a nationally recognised enterprise.
New Delhi: Buying a new vehicle is set to become more expensive from August 1, adding to the financial burden on consumers. Several automobile manufacturers have announced a price hike due to rising production costs.
The increase is mainly driven by higher prices of raw materials and components. The cost of steel, aluminium, rubber, plastic, electronic chips, batteries, and spare parts has gone up in recent months. Global market changes caused by ongoing conflicts and inflation have also increased manufacturing expenses.
As a result, vehicle companies have decided to raise the prices of new models. Customers planning to purchase a new vehicle are likely to pay more from August 1.
The price hike is also expected to affect the travel and transport industry. Travel agencies and tour operators say buying new cars, SUVs, and other passenger vehicles will become more expensive.
Operators have already been facing higher expenses due to increased fuel prices and toll charges. With the additional cost of new vehicles, many travel agencies are preparing to revise their rental charges.
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The Karnataka Travels Association has indicated that travel fares may be increased to manage the rising operating costs. Passengers may have to pay more for each trip if the revised rates are implemented.
Meanwhile, several automobile manufacturers have already published details of the upcoming price increase on their official websites. Consumers planning to buy a new vehicle may consider making their purchase before the revised prices come into effect on August 1.
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