Union minister for chemicals and fertilizers JP Nadda urged India’s pharmaceutical industry to cut dependence on imported active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and strengthen domestic manufacturing over the next decade.

Pushing India from ‘Pharmacy of the World’ to ‘Laboratory of the World’

At the 60th Annual Summit of the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), Nadda said India must shift its focus from primarily supplying medicines to leading global innovation. He stressed that the country needs to scale efforts in biosimilars, novel molecules, gene and cell therapies, AI-driven drug discovery and advanced diagnostics. He also emphasised that affordability and equitable healthcare should continue to guide India’s strategic growth in the sector.

Highlighting India’s Global Pharma Strength

Transitioning to India’s achievements, Nadda noted that the nation now supplies medicines to over 200 countries, meets a large portion of US and UK generic drug demand, and provides 60% of the world’s vaccines. He added that national initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat offer health coverage to more than 600 million people. The Jan Aushadhi scheme lowers the cost of essential drugs, creating strong healthcare foundations.

India’s Rapid Rise as a Research and Digital Innovation Hub

Nadda also underlined India’s expanding innovation ecosystem. The country today hosts over 1,600 Global Capability Centres (GCCs), many of which specialise in pharmaceuticals and life sciences. These centres are driving advanced R&D, digital development and technology-led drug discovery.

Industry Outlook

At the summit, EY-Parthenon and OPPI released a report projecting that India’s pharmaceutical industry could reach $450 billion by 2047. This growth will require stronger innovation pipelines, improved Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) capabilities and enhanced digital infrastructure across GCCs. The report also revealed that India’s CRDMO segment is set to grow from USD 7 billion to USD 14 billion by 2028. However, it highlighted a concern: India recorded only 19 new drug approvals in 2024, far behind leading global markets.

Key Priorities for Future Growth

To accelerate progress, the report identified several critical areas, including:

*Greater regulatory agility

*Higher R&D investment

*Innovation-focused financing

*Skilled talent development

As reported by knnindia.co.in, the measures, the report noted, will be essential for India to fully unlock its potential as a global innovation powerhouse.

ENGIE bagged 280 MW/560 MWh of battery storage capacity project in an auction conducted by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL). The allocation forms part of India’s two GW/four GWh national tender, marking a strong step forward in the country’s energy storage roadmap.

Strengthening ENGIE’s Clean Energy Footprint in India

The project marks ENGIE’s official entry into utility-scale storage in India. It is also one of the largest BESS allocations awarded in the country so far. With this development, ENGIE’s India portfolio expands to nearly 2.75 GW, reinforcing its contribution to India’s clean energy transition. The project will play a key role in managing peak electricity demand, ensuring smoother integration of renewable power, and supporting ongoing grid modernisation efforts across the country.

Advancing Global and National Renewable Goals

In a statement, ENGIE said, “This marks a significant step in our commitment to accelerating the shift towards a future-ready renewable power system in India.” As reported by projectstoday.com, globally, the company aims to deploy 95 GW of renewable and storage capacity by 2030, and this latest win aligns strongly with that mission.

India, Australia, and Canada announced a new trilateral technology and innovation partnership after Prime Ministers Antony Albanese, Mark Carney, and Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The initiative marks a significant step toward deeper collaboration among the three countries.

Strengthening Cooperation in Key Technology Areas

The partnership aims to accelerate cooperation in emerging technologies, clean energy, and resilient supply chains. In a joint statement, the three nations committed to enhancing their collaboration on critical and emerging technologies, complementing existing bilateral efforts.

Focus on Green Energy and Critical Minerals

The initiative will leverage the natural strengths of each country. It will place strong emphasis on green energy innovation, critical minerals, and diversified supply chains. The three governments noted that the partnership will support their shared goals of achieving net zero, ensuring strategic resilience, and strengthening long-term sustainability.

Next Steps: Meeting Scheduled for Early 2026

As part of the roadmap, officials from India, Australia, and Canada will convene in the first quarter of 2026 to advance the partnership. The meeting will help outline key work streams, cooperation frameworks, and future areas of joint development.

A Positive Shift in India–Canada Relations

The launch of the trilateral partnership also reflects the renewed momentum in India–Canada relations following Mark Carney’s appointment as Canada’s Prime Minister earlier this year. Carney is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi on Sunday. The meeting will review progress in resetting ties since their interaction at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in June.

Earlier this month, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand described India as an “important partner” after meeting External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during the G7 foreign ministers’ gathering in the Niagara region—further signalling a steady improvement in diplomatic engagement.

Driving a Secure and Sustainable Future

As reported by msn.com, the trilateral initiative highlights the shared vision of India, Australia, and Canada. The partnership aims to build secure, sustainable, and resilient technology ecosystems. By aligning their strengths and strategic priorities, the three nations aim to drive innovation and advance clean energy leadership. They also seek to bolster supply chain stability for the future.

India has reached a historic milestone in its clean energy transition as Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) commenced the country’s first-ever export of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Nepal. This landmark initiative marks a decisive step toward strengthening cross-border energy cooperation and accelerating sustainable growth across South Asia.

A Landmark Delivery from Dhamra LNG Terminal

The inaugural LNG consignment was dispatched from IOCL’s Dhamra LNG Terminal, following the agreement signed with Yogya Holdings Pvt. Ltd. (YHPL) during India Energy Week 2025. The successful shipment not only activates the partnership but also highlights India’s growing leadership in delivering reliable and clean energy solutions to neighbouring countries.

Strengthening Regional Energy Security

By exporting LNG to Nepal, India reinforces its long-standing commitment to supporting regional energy security and enabling smoother transitions to cleaner fuels. Moreover, the initiative helps Nepal adopt LNG as a viable industrial energy alternative, supporting its move toward sustainable and efficient fuel systems.

Infrastructure to Enable LNG Adoption in Nepal

To facilitate this historic export, IOCL developed cryogenic storage and regasification facilities at Simara, Nepal. The dedicated infrastructure establishes the foundation for Nepal’s industrial LNG ecosystem, enabling efficient utilisation and encouraging wider adoption of clean energy in its industrial sector.

Smooth Cross-Border LNG Movement

The LNG consignment travelled in cryogenic road tankers through the Raxaul border, reaching YHPL’s Simara facility on 19 November 2025. This seamless delivery sets the tone for a long-term LNG partnership between India and Nepal, ensuring consistent and dependable energy support.

Advancing a Cleaner, More Integrated South Asia

The first-of-its-kind LNG export illustrates India’s vision for a cleaner, integrated, and energy-secure South Asia. By helping Nepal shift to sustainable industrial energy solutions, India strengthens bilateral ties. It also contributes to regional efforts to lower carbon emissions and adopt greener fuels.

Driving Innovation and Sustainable Energy

As reported by nepalenergyforum.com, IOCL is India’s largest commercial public sector enterprise. It continues to lead in refining, marketing, and distributing petroleum products nationwide. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and energy security, the company is expanding its capabilities in cleaner fuels and LNG infrastructure. It is also strengthening its presence in international energy trade, reinforcing its role as a key driver of India’s clean energy future.

Jakson Group commenced phase one of its six GW integrated solar manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, marking a major step toward expanding India’s renewable energy manufacturing capacity. The foundation stone was laid at the Maksi Phase II site in Ujjain district. Spanning 113.5 acres, the project supports India’s mission to build a strong, self-reliant solar manufacturing ecosystem.

Strengthening Madhya Pradesh as a Clean Energy Hub

The launch reinforces Madhya Pradesh’s growing role as a clean energy manufacturing hub. The presence of state leadership and Jakson’s top management highlights the strategic importance of this facility in advancing India’s renewable manufacturing capabilities and strengthening the broader supply chain.

₹8,000 Crore Investment to Boost Domestic Manufacturing

*3 GW solar cell manufacturing capacity

*4 GW solar module manufacturing capacity

Future phases will introduce backward integration into ingot and wafer production, helping develop a complete solar manufacturing ecosystem in the state.

Advancing India’s Renewable Energy Targets

The mega project aligns with India’s national goals of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 and reaching Net Zero by 2070. The facility increases domestic value addition and reduces reliance on imported components. It supports long-term energy security and strengthens India’s renewable energy supply chain.

Expanding Jakson’s Presence in Madhya Pradesh

Jakson already operates a 150 KLPD grain-based ethanol plant in Balaghat. The new solar facility further expands the company’s presence in the state and reinforces its commitment to driving sustainable industrial growth. The vertically integrated approach will enhance cost efficiency and improve resilience against global supply chain disruptions.

Creating Growth Opportunities for Allied Industries

Lauda, a global manufacturer of precision temperature-control equipment and systems for laboratory and industrial use, inaugurated its sales subsidiary, Degree Lauda Precision Pvt. Ltd., in Pune. The move strengthens the company’s commercial footprint across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It also enables closer customer engagement and faster technical support.

Expanding Local Support and Service Capabilities

Leadership Presence Highlights Regional Commitment

Building a Strong, Customer-Focused Base in India

Managing Director Marco Hauser emphasized, “My family and I relocated to Pune to build this presence on the ground, close to our customers and partners,” he said. He noted that the new subsidiary will extend Lauda’s technology reach. “With local expertise and proximity to our customers, Degree Lauda Precision is ready to deliver Lauda’s renowned quality and precision across industries—from semiconductors and pharmaceuticals to aerospace, chemicals, and the growing fields of electromobility and hydrogen,” Hauser added.

Supporting Regional Growth

With this strategic expansion, Lauda reinforces its commitment to delivering high-precision temperature-control solutions and stronger local service across South Asia. As reported by machinist.in, the launch of Degree Lauda Precision marks a key step in strengthening relationships with customers and partners. It also enables faster adoption of advanced thermal technologies in emerging industries.

Delivering a Modern Water Treatment Facility

WABAG will design and construct the advanced WTP next to the existing Melamchi Water Treatment Plant, which the company successfully delivered in 2017. The new plant will treat water sourced from the Melamchi, Yangri, and Larke Rivers, ensuring compliance with Nepal’s National Drinking Water Quality Standards. The facility will play a vital role in strengthening water security for Kathmandu’s rapidly growing population.

Comprehensive EPC and O&M Responsibilities

The project includes full Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services to be completed within 36 months. After completion, WABAG will operate and maintain the plant for five years, demonstrating its strong lifecycle project delivery capabilities. This long-term engagement ensures reliable water treatment performance and sustainable operations.

Strengthening WABAG’s Leadership in South Asia

Arvind Dullu, Regional Business Head, South and Southeast Asia, stated, “We sincerely thank MWSDB for this repeat order, which reflects their continued confidence in our technical expertise and capabilities. This Large order strengthens WABAG’s strategic presence in Nepal and reaffirms our leadership across the South Asian region.”

Advancing Water Security Through Innovation

Worley Consulting signed a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Aramco Overseas Company BV (Aramco), strengthening their long-standing global partnership. This agreement opens the door for future collaborations across the energy, resources, maritime, and infrastructure sectors throughout the EMEA region.

Expanding Strategic Collaboration

Under the new MSA, both companies will work together to support Aramco’s strategic decision-making and pursue opportunities that create long-term, high-value impact. The partnership reflects a shared vision of driving operational excellence and accelerating sustainable energy development.

Streamlined Access to Worley’s Global Expertise

Through this agreement, Worley will provide its full suite of consulting services via a streamlined commercial framework. By operating as one global team, Worley will deliver tailored solutions across the entire asset life cycle—efficiently, on time, and with a clear focus on long-term value creation.

Aramco Highlights Shared Commitment

Mishaal Al Harbi, Technical Services VP at Aramco Europe, emphasized the strength of this collaboration. He noted that the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to operational excellence and business growth. By leveraging Worley’s capabilities, Aramco aims to develop effective energy solutions that meet current demands while anticipating future energy transitions.

Leveraging Global Knowledge and Technology Insights

This partnership brings together Worley’s global network of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), deep industry experience, and understanding of emerging market trends, regulatory policies, and technology advancements. Worley can align the right expertise to address specific project requirements and deliver high-quality, customized solutions.

Focus on Strategic and Technical Advisory

Carmen Ortiz, VP of Worley Consulting, highlighted the significance of this renewed collaboration. She stated that Worley is proud to continue as Aramco’s trusted advisor, offering clear and objective guidance across areas including business strategy, options screening, financial modelling, master planning, asset optimization, M&A transactions, and lender advisory services.

Strengthening the Future of Energy and Infrastructure

Overall, the MSA signals a strong commitment to shaping the future of energy and infrastructure across the EMEA region. As per the press release, by combining technical excellence, strategic insights, and global expertise, Worley and Aramco are well positioned to deliver solutions that support long-term industry growth and energy transition goals.

India is helping shape the future of global energy, and Mozambique has become a vital hub in this transformation. Rather than observing from afar, India is actively investing, collaborating, and steering one of the world’s most significant LNG developments.

A $20 Billion Project Redefining Energy Infrastructure

The $20 billion Mozambique LNG project goes far beyond physical infrastructure. It creates a long-term energy bridge connecting two continents and two fast-growing markets. Moreover, it strengthens supply chains for millions of people who depend on reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

As per Business Standard, this development marks one of India’s most important global energy equity stakes, reinforcing its strategic ambitions.

Massive Capacity and Global Scale

With an impressive 13 mtpa LNG capacity and an estimated 64 TCF in natural gas reserves, the project ranks among the largest LNG ventures worldwide. Furthermore, the planned restart of construction in 2025 opens new avenues for suppliers, local enterprises, investors, and regional economic growth.

A Powerful International Consortium

A strong consortium backs the project, including TotalEnergies, BPCL, ONGC Videsh, Oil India, Mitsui, PTTEP, and Mozambique’s own ENH. Their combined participation signals robust global confidence in Mozambique’s energy future. Consequently, the project stands poised to influence an entire generation of energy development.

Mutual Benefits for India, Mozambique, and Partner Regions

For India, the project significantly enhances long-term energy security and diversification.
For Mozambique, it generates employment, fosters local industry, and strengthens global partnerships. Additionally, for companies across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, it offers an exceptional opportunity to participate in a transformative international venture.

Sumitomo Chemical has taken a decisive step to deepen its presence in the global semiconductor industry by acquiring Taiwan’s AUECC. This strategic move allows the company to broaden its semiconductor-related chemical offerings while simultaneously enhancing its competitiveness in a fast-growing, technology-driven sector. As per Chemanalyst, the acquisition aligns with Sumitomo Chemical’s long-term vision of becoming a leading solutions provider for the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing.

Integrating AUECC’s Capabilities for Greater Synergy

With the acquisition, Sumitomo Chemical integrates AUECC’s extensive sales and procurement networks, enabling it to strengthen its market reach across Asia and beyond. Additionally, AUECC’s flexible packaging expertise and diversified product portfolio offer significant synergy opportunities. By combining these strengths with its own resources, Sumitomo Chemical positions itself to deliver more efficient and reliable supply services to semiconductor manufacturers worldwide.

Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience

Furthermore, the company aims to reinforce its global supply chain through AUECC’s established operational infrastructure. This integration helps create a more resilient and responsive supply framework—an increasingly critical factor as semiconductor demand continues to surge across industries such as electronics, automotive, and renewable energy. The move also supports Sumitomo Chemical’s strategy to mitigate supply-related risks and maintain consistent product quality across all regions.

Driving Innovation and Future Growth

Looking ahead, Sumitomo Chemical plans to capitalize on the innovative capabilities introduced through this acquisition. By merging technological strengths and expanding production efficiency, the company actively prepares to meet the evolving needs of next-generation semiconductor technologies. Ultimately, the acquisition of AUECC not only supports Sumitomo Chemical’s immediate growth objectives but also strengthens its foundation for sustainable, long-term expansion in a rapidly changing global market.