NOVEMBER 20268TOP STORIESDefense manufacturing in India is gaining a new export milestone as Sigma Advanced Systems secures an order worth approximately Rs 974 crore from a NATO customer. The Hyderabad-based company will manufacture and supply base bleed units for 155-mm artillery ammunition under a contract scheduled for execution over 12 months. The order adds to its existing work on artillery shell bodies and fuses, widening its presence across the ammunition component chain.Beyond the contract value, the development highlights how Indian suppliers are pursuing specialized manufacturing roles in international defense supply networks, while raising questions about production scale, integration and delivery capabilities. The Rs 974 crore contract represents another step in Sigma Advanced Systems' efforts to expand its participation in ammunition manufacturing. The India-UK trade deal could create new opportunities for businesses by easing cross-border operations and reducing trade barriers. Global companies are also looking at India's expanding manufacturing base as a source of growth. Nexperia, a semiconductor maker, plans to double its revenue in India over the next few years. The company also aims to triple its existing footprint within five years. Meanwhile, Dimi Albers, Global CEO of DEPT, has highlighted how smoother trade and easier movement of people and products could support business expansion.The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into force on July 15, 2026, opening new opportunities for businesses in both countries. The agreement aims to improve market access and simplify trade between the two economies. peaking during Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to the Netherlands, Nexperia Interim CEO Stefan Tilgner outlined the company's expansion plans for India. Tata Electronics exports rose 29% to nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in FY26, highlighting the company's growing role in Apple's global supply chain. The iPhone contract manufacturer reported combined exports of Rs 99,128 crore across three entities. The growth reflects the Tata Group's expanding electronics manufacturing operations in India. It also supports Apple's efforts to diversify production beyond China. However, the company's rising export revenue came alongside a wider net loss and a significant dependence on imported components.In FY25, the three entities reported combined exports of Rs 76,953 crore. However, the figures are not directly comparable because Tata Electronics System Solutions, the former Wistron business, reported a 15-month financial period in FY25. The combined export figures cover three entities: Tata Electronics, Tata Electronics System Solutions, and Tata Electronics Products and Solutions, formerly Pegatron Technology India. Tata Electronics holds a 60% stake in Tata Electronics Products and Solutions, while Taiwan-based Pegatron retains the remaining 40%. Shipbuilding policy is gaining urgency after Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Chairman A S Sahney said India needs a stronger shipping fleet to ensure discounted crude imports translate into savings. Speaking at the Energy Technology and Innovation Meet in Goa, Sahney warned that rising tanker freight costs were eroding the advantage and called for crude oil and LPG storage. His remarks raise a manufacturing question beyond vessel availability: can Indian shipyards become more competitive, while suppliers expand their role in marine equipment and components?Government support is growing, but delivery, localization and cost competitiveness will determine whether policy turns into capacity. Sahney's October 27 remarks highlight the commercial consequences of India's limited tanker availability. Higher freight rates for Russian crude shipments from western ports have weakened the savings refiners could otherwise achieve through discounted purchases. India needs competitive shipyards capable of constructing suitable commercial vessels and a supply chain that can deliver marine machinery, propulsion equipment, electrical systems and other specialized components. SIGMA ADVANCED SYSTEMS BAGS RS 974 CR DEFENSE MANUFACTURING ORDERA S SAHNEY FLAGS INDIA'S SHIPBUILDING POLICY GAPINDIA-UK TRADE DEAL COULD BOOST BUSINESS GROWTH, SAYS DEPT CEOTATA ELECTRONICS EXPORTS HIT RS 99,128 CRORE IN FY26, UP 29%
< Page 7 | Page 9 >