AUGUST 20268TOP STORIESExport growth has gained momentum in India, with merchandise shipments rising by about 15 per cent during April-July FY27. This increase comes as India expands preferential market access through free trade agreements and strengthens its export-focused manufacturing strategy.The government now targets USD 1 trillion in total exports in FY27, after exports reached USD 863 billion in FY26. The latest momentum reflects stronger global market opportunities, expanding trade partnerships and efforts to improve India's manufacturing competitiveness. However, sustaining export growth will depend on converting new market access into higher shipments across goods and services. India's chemicals industry is entering a stronger growth phase, supported by investment, industrial clusters, policy measures and rising manufacturing demand. Government programs are building new chemical parks, improving infrastructure, strengthening technical skills and encouraging companies to expand domestic production. The three operational PCPIRs have attracted INR 3.4 lakh crore investment and created nearly 3.7 lakh jobs across major manufacturing locations. Foreign investment has also increased sharply, while quality controls and research programs are helping Indian producers move toward higher-value products. At the same time, ethanol, petrochemical costs, specialty intermediates and cleaner production are influencing important decisions across agriculture and manufacturing. Boeing and Archer Aviation deepen their aviation technology tie-up through a deal that brings three Boeing businesses under Archer's portfolio. Archer will acquire Wisk Aero, Insitu and SkyGrid in an all-stock transaction, while Boeing will receive a 19.75 per cent stake in Archer and gain a board seat.The deal combines electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, autonomous flight, unmanned systems and airspace management technologies. Boeing will also retain access to Wisk's autonomous flight technology for its existing and future aircraft. The transaction marks a major expansion for Archer as it builds a broader aerospace technology platform. BEL's INR 600 crore Chitrakoot project could create more than a new defense manufacturing base. The project may also open opportunities for defense MSMEs across Uttar Pradesh. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) plans to set up the facility in Chitrakoot, strengthening the region's role in India's defense supply chain.The project comes as India pushes for higher domestic defense production. It also fits into Uttar Pradesh's wider effort to build a stronger defense manufacturing ecosystem. The facility will focus on advanced defense manufacturing. It is expected to support production linked to radar and air-defense systems. This could create demand for local suppliers and technology-focused businesses. E2W growth in India has gained another policy boost after the government increased funding for electric two-wheelers under the PM E-DRIVE scheme. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has raised the E2W allocation from Rs 1,772 crore to Rs 2,767 crore and expanded the supported vehicle target to 45.79 lakh units.The move comes as electric two-wheelers gain a larger share of India's two-wheeler market and manufacturers WHAT IS DRIVING INDIA'S 15% EXPORT GROWTH IN FY27?BEL'S INR 600 CRORE BET COULD OPEN DOORS FOR DEFENSE MSMESWHY 2,767 CRORE MATTERS FOR INDIA'S E2W GROWTHINDIA'S CHEMICALS INDUSTRY EXPANDS WITH INVESTMENT AND POLICY SUPPORTAI TAKES FLIGHT AS BOEING AND ARCHER DEEPEN AVIATION TIE-UPseek greater policy visibility. The revised support could strengthen EV adoption, improve pricing visibility for manufacturers and buyers, and give India's electric mobility market a longer runway for E2W growth.
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