International

South Korea Warns US Demands May Spark Financial Crisis

By BPN News Desk September 22, 2025

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has warned that U.S. investment demands in ongoing trade talks could spark a financial crisis similar to the 1997 Asian meltdown. He cautioned that without financial safeguards, such commitments would put the nation at severe risk. What the Deal Involves In July 2025, Seoul and Washington reached a verbal understanding: […]

Business Finance

SMBC Exits Kotak as Yes Bank Investment Nears

By BPN News Desk September 10, 2025

Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) has decided to exit Kotak Mahindra Bank by selling its entire 1.65% stake through a block deal valued at around ₹6,166 crore. The shares will be sold at a floor price of ₹1,880 each, marking SMBC’s complete divestment from Kotak after several years as a minority investor. Exit Supports […]

International

India and Israel Ink Investment Treaty

By BPN News Desk September 9, 2025

India and Israel have signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement aimed at boosting trade and strengthening investor confidence. The treaty was endorsed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, marking a key milestone in economic cooperation. First OECD Partner under New Model Israel has become the first OECD country to sign a […]

Op-Eds Opinion

India–EFTA FTA: Opening Doors to $100 Billion and 1 Million Jobs

By BPN News Desk September 8, 2025

India’s trade diplomacy is entering a decisive phase. With the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) set to take effect from October 1, 2025, the country has signed its first free trade pact with a developed Western bloc. The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) — comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein — may not […]

International

CPEC 2.0 Launches with $8.5B Pakistan-China Accord

By BPN News Desk September 5, 2025

Pakistan and China have formally agreed to advance the next phase of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0), introducing five new development corridors. The understanding followed a high-level meeting in Beijing between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Scale of Investment Both sides signed agreements worth around US $8.5 billion,

Business Trade

Switzerland Eases Rules for India-EFTA FTA Rollout

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

Switzerland has streamlined its regulations to activate the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with India, effective from 1 October 2025. The move clears the way for the pact to come into force as scheduled. Regulatory Changes Enable Entry Into Force Switzerland, the largest economy within the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA), has completed

National

Japan Doubles Investment Target in India Amid U.S. Tariff Pressure

By BPN News Desk August 31, 2025

Japan has pledged ¥10 trillion (around $68 billion) in investments in India over the next ten years, doubling its earlier commitment. The move comes as both countries seek to deepen economic cooperation at a time when U.S. tariffs on Indian exports are creating fresh challenges. Strategic Cooperation Roadmap Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shigeru Ishiba […]

International

India–Japan Adopt Joint Declaration on Defence

By BPN News Desk August 30, 2025

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tokyo on August 29, 2025, India and Japan adopted a new Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, updating their 2008 framework and marking a significant step forward in their strategic partnership. Defence and Security Cooperation The declaration commits both nations to enhance interoperability and strategic coordination

International

Japan Plans $68B Investment Push in India

By BPN News Desk August 27, 2025

Tokyo is preparing to double its private-sector investment target in India to 10 trillion yen (about $68 billion) over the next decade. The announcement is expected during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan from August 29–31. Focus on Chips, AI and Clean Technologies The new investment plan will focus heavily on technology sectors such […]

National

Singapore to Announce $4.6B Investment in India

By BPN News Desk August 13, 2025

Singapore is set to unveil an investment plan in India worth $4.6 billion during the third India–Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR), ahead of an expected state visit by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Focus Areas and Deals About 10 memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed, covering advanced manufacturing, green energy, connectivity, skills training,