India's 85% Oil Import Dependence Risks Economy; ₹14B Per $10 Crude Hike, 500 GW RE Target by 2030

India-Japan Critical Minerals: Joint Africa Investment to Reduce China Dependence

India and Japan are exploring joint investments in Africa to secure critical mineral supplies, reducing dependence on China. FICCI President Anant Goenka highlighted this during a business delegation to Japan with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, focusing on sectors like AI, semiconductors, and shipbuilding. The initiative also aims to address the widening trade deficit with Japan since the 2011 economic partnership agreement.

Govt to Mandate Design-in-India Chips for Smart Meters by Mid-2028, 7.24 Cr Installed

The government plans to mandate domestically designed and manufactured chips in smart meters by mid-2028 to counter cybersecurity threats and reduce import dependence. With 7.24 crore smart meters already installed under various schemes, this move also aims at cost reduction and grid modernization under the new National Electricity Policy.

Govt Sets 63,810 Tonnes/Day LPG Production Target for 21 Refineries to Cut Import Dependence

India has, for the first time, fixed maximum LPG production targets for 21 refineries (63,810 tonnes/day) to build a domestic supply buffer after the 2026 West Asia crisis exposed the country's 64% import dependence. Reliance's DTA refinery gets the largest private quota (18,000 tonnes/day), while public sector units must produce 31,470 tonnes/day. The move creates a standing framework to prevent future shortages and rationing.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal: Japan Commits $70 Billion Investment, $10 Billion Already Inflow in 10 Months

India is deepening economic ties with Japan, expecting faster investment inflows from a $70 billion commitment, of which $10 billion has already been realized in 10 months. The Commerce Minister highlighted India's strategy to become Japan's global sourcing partner, leveraging FTAs with 38 countries and addressing Japanese firms' concerns like BIS certification hurdles for high-tech industries.

India's Proposed 28 MT Crude, 9 MT LNG, 4 MT LPG Strategic Fuel Reserves

India is considering a decade-long strategic fuel programme to add 28 MT crude, 9 MT LNG and 4 MT LPG storage to buffer energy shocks. The plan is still a proposal, and analysts stress that storage alone cannot ensure energy security—deliverability through ships, pipelines and governance matters equally.

India's LNG Imports Rise 15.4% in May-July as US, Nigeria, Oman Offset Strait of Hormuz Crisis

India successfully diversified its LNG import sources during the Strait of Hormuz crisis, increasing imports by 15.4% in May-July 2026. The US became the top supplier, while imports from Qatar plummeted 91.3%, highlighting India's energy security strategy amid geopolitical turmoil.

Kudankulam Nuclear Reactor Costs Surge 55%: Impact on India's Nuclear Expansion Plans

Cost of four under-construction nuclear reactors at Kudankulam has risen by 55% to ₹1,38,330 crore, driven by Russia-Ukraine war. This poses a challenge to India's ambitious nuclear expansion plans and could increase electricity tariffs, especially as the government opens the sector to private participation.

₹38,000 Cr Greenfield Shipyard in Thoothukudi: India's First Mega Shipyard

India's first mega greenfield shipyard is proposed at Thoothukudi with an investment of ₹38,000 crore. This project is a strategic move to boost domestic shipbuilding capacity, create a maritime manufacturing hub, and generate significant employment in southern Tamil Nadu.