OCTOBER, 20259ASHOK LEYLAND TIES UP WITH CALB TO BOOST BATTERY MANUFACTURINGINDIA, AUSTRALIA INK DEAL TO BOOST ORGANIC PRODUCTS TRADEAshok Leyland, which is the second-largest manufacturer of trucks and buses in India, has established a long-term collaboration with China's CALB Group, which is the third-largest battery manufacturer in the world.This partnership is designed to bolster Ashok Leyland's position in the rapid growth area of electric vehicles and energy storage. Under the 20-year agreement, Ashok Leyland plans on initially importing lithium-ion cells from CALB as the company begins to develop skills to assemble the cells into battery packs.CEO Shenu Agarwal commented that the company's intention is to gradually develop capabilities to design and manufacture advanced batteries in India. In connection with the partnership, Ashok Leyland plans to invest more than 50 billion ($563 million) within the next seven to ten years in advanced battery technology that spans electric vehicles to grid-scale storage.The partnership illustrates how Indian conglomerates are relying on Chinese know-how to accelerate clean energy uptake, even though the Indian government is pressing for greater self-reliance. Reliance Industries, JSW Group, and Adani have also been exploring partnerships with Chinese companies to tap into China's global leadership in battery technology.Ashok Leyland will first focus on supplying packs for its own vehicles before expanding to two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and large-scale storage systems. The company also plans to set up a domestic R&D hub for battery innovation, packaging, and materials science.Agarwal emphasized that building battery technology demands patience and process discipline. "Batteries are a black box today. No one currently understands batteries in India," he said. India and Australia signed a landmark agreement which aims to facilitate the trade of organic products including wine, and agricultural produce and marks a significant move to strengthen the two countries' agritrade relations.The Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) will en-able both countries to recognize one another's organic norms and certification systems and so cut down on trade barriers and also ensure that there is equivalence in certifi-cation. The commerce ministry said in a statement that this step is expected to raise organic exports from India further and help more organic producers become empowered.The agreement will be executed by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Australia. It speaks of products and processed foods with no change in the cellular structure and wines.Since organic products tend to sell at 30­40 percent higher prices on the international market, farmer incomes and rural livelihoods will also grow as a consequence of the agreement. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal indicated the role of India's National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in upholding high standards, transparency, and credibility in the organic sector.He also mentioned the labeling, punishment, and regulatory control over the distribution of non-organic products which come from mishandling in addition to the requirement for farmer training and skill development which is necessary for farmer confidence.Speaking at the DAFF, Tom Black, Deputy Head of the Australian Department, observed the country as a pioneer in the matter of 53 million hectares of organic farmland and presented trade prospects in cereals, tea, spices, beverages, and wines. In 2024­25, Indian organic exports to Australia amounted to USD 8.96 million, of which the major items were psyllium husk, coconut milk, and rice. TOP STORIESOCTOBER, 20259
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