India Urges

• Indian stock markets opened lower at the start of the week, pressured by rising oil prices and a weakening rupee. • Market sentiment is currently being driven by anticipation of upcoming quarterly corporate earnings and the performance of the Nifty Bank index. • Investors are closely monitoring global growth expectations, central bank policy signals, and geopolitical developments to gauge future stability.

• Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police after conducting an indefinite hunger strike for 21 days at Jantar Mantar. • The hospitalization occurred on medical advice and in compliance with Delhi High Court directions to ensure Wangchuk's health was regularly monitored. • Activist Anna Hazare has urged the Union government to initiate talks with Wangchuk, while the BJP accused the Opposition of attempting to turn the medical emergency into a "political spectacle."

• India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged all parties in West Asia to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions following a surge in regional conflict. • The statement follows warnings from US President Donald Trump regarding potential strikes on Iran after he declared a ceasefire over due to Iranian attacks. • India emphasized the need to protect civilians and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global commerce and energy supplies, which are critical to regional stability.

• India has expressed deep concern regarding escalating tensions in West Asia, specifically citing recent attacks on commercial shipping as a threat to regional peace. • The Indian government is urging all involved parties to exercise restraint and return to diplomatic dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts. • This stance emphasizes the critical need to safeguard civilian lives, maintain maritime security, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global energy supply chains.

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India has reached a five-year high, driven by strong capital inflows and resilient domestic demand despite global trade headwinds. • The services sector emerged as the primary growth engine with a 10% expansion, followed by industry growth of 7.3% and a more subdued 3.6% increase in agriculture. • This surge is significant as robust investment momentum and gross capital formation are currently offsetting global economic uncertainties and inflation.

• S Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, urged the United States to ensure continuous and reliable access to AI technology to prevent abrupt cutoffs that could jeopardize critical Indian projects. • During the Pax Silica Summit, Krishnan emphasized the need to build diversified and resilient supply chains across the entire AI stack, including semiconductors and data center infrastructure. • The discussions focused on securing energy availability and developing AI models and applications that provide broad societal benefits.

• S Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, urged the United States to ensure reliable and continuous access to AI technology to prevent abrupt cutoffs that could jeopardize critical Indian projects and digital infrastructure. • During the Pax Silica Summit, Krishnan emphasized the need for both nations to build diversified and resilient supply chains across the entire AI stack, including semiconductors and data center infrastructure. • The collaboration aims to address essential requirements such as energy availability, the development of AI models, and data usage mechanisms to ensure technology benefits society at large.