China

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the significance of constructive engagement between India and China, framing their cooperation as essential for global stability and sustainable growth. Speaking against the backdrop of shifting geopolitical alignments, Modi emphasized that as two of the world’s largest economies and most populous nations, India and China bear a shared responsibility to foster peace, economic resilience, and multilateral cooperation.

China has agreed to resume trade with India through the Shipki-La pass in Himachal Pradesh, reviving a traditional border route that has remained largely inactive in recent years. The decision, seen as a step toward rebuilding economic engagement, is expected to benefit local traders and border communities while enhancing bilateral commerce. Trade via Shipki-La will primarily focus on region-specific goods, ranging from agricultural produce to handicrafts, with potential expansion into broader categories over time.

Walmart Inc. reported robust earnings for the second quarter of FY26, driven largely by strong contributions from its international portfolio, particularly Flipkart in India and its operations in China. The U.S. retail giant posted higher revenues as e-commerce and omnichannel strategies continued to gain traction across emerging markets. Analysts note that Walmart’s ability to leverage its scale, digital ecosystem, and localized strategies has positioned it favorably in regions with expanding consumer demand.

India and China are signaling a cautious thaw in their complex relationship, positioning themselves as stabilizing forces in a shifting global order influenced by the Trump administration’s policies. Both nations, historically marked by border tensions and competing interests, are now emphasizing dialogue, trade, and shared interests in multilateral forums. With Washington adopting a more unpredictable and transactional approach, New Delhi and Beijing appear to be recalibrating their strategies to protect economic growth and regional influence.

Former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar has called for a reassessment of India’s current restrictions on Chinese investments, arguing that such limitations may be counterproductive to the country’s long-term economic interests. He emphasized that while national security concerns must remain paramount, a more calibrated approach could attract greater foreign direct investment (FDI), enhance supply chain efficiency, and improve India’s global competitiveness.

Paytm, one of India’s pioneering digital payment platforms, has announced that it is now entirely Indian-owned, with no Chinese shareholding remaining. This strategic milestone follows the complete exit of Alibaba and Ant Group—once among its major investors. The development marks a significant turn in the company’s evolution amid rising scrutiny of foreign ownership in Indian tech firms.

The Adani Group has officially denied reports suggesting a strategic partnership with Chinese electric vehicle and battery manufacturer BYD for battery production in India. Clarifying its position, the conglomerate stated it is not engaged in any collaboration with BYD or any of its affiliates for battery manufacturing or related ventures. The denial comes amid heightened interest in India’s growing battery storage and EV ecosystem, where industrial alliances are closely scrutinized by policymakers and the public.

India has emerged as the leading exporter of smartphones to the United States, overtaking China for the first time, amid a dramatic 240% surge in its mobile phone manufacturing sector. This milestone signals India’s growing importance as a global manufacturing hub and underscores the success of its policy initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on China. The shift also reflects broader geopolitical realignments in global trade, with American companies increasingly turning to Indian production facilities to diversify supply chains.

Microsoft is reportedly conducting an internal investigation into whether Chinese state-sponsored hackers may have gained early knowledge of vulnerabilities in its SharePoint software through access to private security alerts. The inquiry follows concerns that the hackers exploited a known flaw shortly after it was disclosed in a threat intelligence report.

China’s leading technology firms are preparing to unveil a new wave of artificial intelligence innovations, showcasing resilience and strategic adaptation in the face of escalating U.S. sanctions. These AI breakthroughs, ranging from generative language models to advanced chip architectures, reflect a growing push for self-reliance and domestic substitution. While export restrictions have curtailed access to cutting-edge Western hardware and software, Chinese companies are leveraging indigenous research, open-source frameworks, and government backing to sustain momentum.