India

India is intensifying efforts to secure critical mineral resources in Canada, aiming to bolster domestic supply chains for technology, energy, and defense sectors. With global demand for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earths surging, India is seeking strategic partnerships and investments to reduce import dependence and mitigate supply risks. Analysts highlight that Canada’s rich mineral reserves and stable regulatory environment make it a prime target for Indian investors and government-backed initiatives.

India’s equity benchmarks ended lower as sustained selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) dampened investor sentiment and erased early gains. The Sensex and the Nifty retreated amid concerns over global interest-rate trajectories, a stronger U.S. dollar, and cautious risk appetite across emerging markets. Financials and information technology stocks bore the brunt of the decline, while selective buying in defensive pockets offered limited support.

India’s export performance returned to positive territory in January, reflecting improving global demand and stronger competitiveness across key sectors, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The rebound comes after months of uneven trade conditions driven by global inflation, geopolitical tensions, and slowing growth in major economies. Officials highlighted resilience in engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and services exports, supported by policy reforms and diversification of markets.

The Indian rupee weakened sharply to Rs. 90.44 against the US dollar, reflecting mounting pressure from global economic uncertainty and sustained dollar strength. The decline underscores challenges facing emerging market currencies as higher US interest rates, volatile crude oil prices, and cautious investor sentiment weigh on capital flows. Despite intervention measures and supportive domestic fundamentals, the rupee struggled to hold ground amid risk-off trade globally.

India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector is expected to witness a gradual but meaningful acceleration in growth, according to the latest Worldpanel assessment. The outlook reflects improving rural demand, easing inflationary pressures, and a shift in consumer spending toward both essentials and discretionary categories. Volume-led growth is likely to replace the price-driven expansion seen over the past year, as household confidence stabilizes and purchasing power improves. While urban markets remain resilient, rural India is emerging as the key growth driver.

Gold opened 2026 with steady prices, reflecting investor preference for safe-haven assets amid ongoing global economic uncertainties. In contrast, silver retreated after a strong year-end rally, pressured by profit-booking and softer industrial demand. Market analysts note that geopolitical tensions, inflation expectations, and currency movements continue to influence precious metals. While gold benefits from risk aversion and portfolio diversification demand, silver remains more sensitive to industrial activity and cyclical trends.

India is increasingly turning to chemical recycling as a strategic response to two pressing challenges: the mounting burden of plastic waste and heavy reliance on imported naphtha for petrochemical production. By converting end-of-life plastics into feedstock such as pyrolysis oil, chemical recycling offers an alternative source of hydrocarbons while supporting circular economy goals. The approach has drawn interest from refiners and chemical manufacturers seeking supply security and sustainability gains.

India’s insolvency resolution framework is under growing pressure as the National Company Law Tribunal faces a sharp increase in bankruptcy filings. The surge reflects financial stress across multiple sectors and the wider use of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code by creditors seeking faster recovery. However, limited bench strength and procedural bottlenecks have slowed case resolution, undermining the time-bound intent of the law. Delays risk eroding asset value and investor confidence at a time when efficient capital reallocation is critical.

Silver prices surged to an unprecedented level in the national capital, with rates climbing to Rs. 2.41 lakh per kilogram, marking a new record for the metal. The sharp rise highlights renewed investor interest in precious metals amid global economic uncertainty, currency volatility, and sustained industrial demand. Market participants attribute the rally to a combination of safe-haven buying and supply-side constraints, positioning silver as both a defensive asset and a critical industrial input.

The government has permitted the export of up to 50,000 tonnes of organic sugar, marking a calibrated policy move aimed at supporting niche agricultural producers while safeguarding domestic supply. The decision comes amid steady global demand for organic sweeteners and is expected to benefit certified growers and mills that cater to premium international markets. By allowing a restricted export window, policymakers seek to balance farmer incomes, foreign exchange earnings, and food security considerations.