briefindia, Author at BRIEF

Measurement of Cost of Regulation in India – Eastern Region

briefindia — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:49:13 +0000

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BRIEF supported the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, in conducting the Measurement of Cost of Regulation (CoR) study across five eastern states—Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar. The study aimed to systematically quantify the time, financial, and procedural burden faced by businesses while complying with regulatory approvals and licences, and to identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve the ease of doing business.

The assessment covered 13 key regulatory services, including land allotment, building and factory plan approvals, fire and factory licences, environmental clearances, consents to establish and operate, and utility connections. BRIEF implemented a robust mixed-methods approach, combining large-scale quantitative surveys of enterprises with focus group discussions involving industry stakeholders and experts. The analysis examined time costs, substantive compliance costs, intermediary costs, statutory fees, inspection practices, and delay-related impacts, highlighting systemic inefficiencies, reliance on intermediaries, documentation challenges, and digital platform constraints.

Findings from the multi-state assessment provided comparative, evidence-based insights into regulatory performance across states and informed actionable recommendations on process simplification, digitisation, inter-departmental coordination, and service-level standardisation. The study contributed to DPIIT’s broader reform agenda by supporting data-driven policy decisions to reduce compliance burden and strengthen regulatory governance at the state and national levels.

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Mid-Term Evaluation of Watershed Development Component (PMKSY–WDC 2.0), Haryana

briefindia — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:47:17 +0000

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BRIEF carried out a mid-term evaluation of the Watershed Development Component under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY–WDC 2.0) for the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA), Rural Development Department, Government of Haryana. The study covered five districts—Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Gurugram, Mahendragarh, and Yamuna Nagar—across nine watershed projects, assessing progress over a total project area of 31,221 hectares with an outlay of ₹80.59 crore.

The evaluation adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining structured household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, participatory rural appraisal tools, and GIS and remote sensing-based geospatial analysis to assess physical, financial, ecological, and socio-economic outcomes. BRIEF evaluated implementation processes, institutional arrangements, fund utilisation, asset creation, and governance mechanisms, with a strong focus on water security, soil and moisture conservation, agricultural productivity, livelihood enhancement, and community participation. The assessment generated evidence-based findings on achievements, implementation gaps, and sustainability prospects, and provided actionable recommendations to strengthen programme execution, optimise resource use, and support the long-term resilience of watershed interventions in Haryana.

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National Level Monitoring (NLM) – Regular Monitoring, Phase I (2025–26)

briefindia — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:43:59 +0000

briefindia

BRIEF conducted district-level monitoring under the National Level Monitoring (NLM) system for the Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, as part of Regular Monitoring 2025–26, Phase I, covering districts in Uttar Pradesh (Raebareli, Siddharth Nagar, Prayagraj, and Pratapgarh) and Punjab (Pathankot and Hoshiarpur). The assignment aimed to independently assess the implementation, transparency, and effectiveness of key rural development programmes through third-party monitoring.

The monitoring exercise followed the prescribed NLM framework and guidelines, involving field visits to selected blocks, gram panchayats, and villages to verify assets, review programme processes, interact with beneficiaries and officials, and assess gender sensitivity in implementation. BRIEF evaluated multiple flagship schemes including MGNREGS, PMAY-G, NSAP, DAY-NRLM, PMGSY, PMKSY–WDC, DDU-GKY, RSETIs, SVAMITVA, and Panchayati Raj institutions. Findings from the monitoring visits were consolidated into district-level reports, providing evidence-based observations, good practices, gaps, and actionable recommendations to support improved programme implementation, accountability, and service delivery.

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Baseline Assessment of Pre-Consumer Textile Waste Management, Ludhiana

briefindia — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:41:01 +0000

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A study on pre-consumer textile waste management was conducted in Ludhiana, Punjab, India’s largest textile manufacturing hub, for the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The study focused on understanding the scale, composition, and management of pre-consumer textile waste generated across spinning, processing, dyeing, and garment units, and examining existing handling practices, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory challenges within the industrial ecosystem.

The assessment adopted a quantitative, stratified survey approach, covering approximately 350–400 textile units across different industry types, pollution categories, and enterprise sizes. BRIEF designed and implemented digital CAPI-based surveys, engaged with industry associations, waste handlers, recyclers, and government authorities, and carried out rigorous quality control during field implementation. The study generated a robust evidence base on waste flows, stakeholder roles, and systemic bottlenecks, and informed actionable recommendations to support circular economy interventions, policy design, and sustainable industrial waste management practices in Punjab’s textile sector.

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Strengthening Maldives’ Gender Inclusive Initiatives Project – Impact Evaluation

briefindia — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:37:18 +0000

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BRIEF undertook the baseline survey and impact evaluation of the Strengthening Gender Inclusive Initiatives (SGII) Project in the Maldives for Ernst & Young LLP, with funding support from the Government of Maldives and the Asian Development Bank, across Hulhumalé, Addu City, and Raa Ungoofaaru. The project formed part of a flagship gender equality initiative aligned with SDG 5 and national priorities on gender and social inclusion, aimed at reducing women’s unpaid care burden and strengthening institutional responses to domestic and gender-based violence (DV/GBV).

The evaluation followed a mixed-methods, pre–post design, combining household surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions to assess the effectiveness of gender-responsive social services, gender-responsive budgeting, aged care and early childcare systems, and the availability and use of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) statistics. BRIEF led survey implementation, enumerator training, digital data collection using KOBO Toolbox, and quality assurance, working closely with national institutions and local partners to ensure ethical, gender-sensitive, and culturally appropriate research. The findings supported evidence-based policymaking and informed the design and sustainability of future gender-inclusive programmes in the Maldives.

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India US Tariff War

briefindia — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:19:41 +0000

briefindia

Sagnik Samadder|

Senior Research Associate

Tariffs and Trust: Why the U.S.-India Trade Rift Threatens a Strategic Partnership

In late August 2025, the United States took a sharp turn in its economic engagement with India, raising tariffs on Indian imports to as high as 50%[1]. The measure instantly doubled duties on a wide range of goods, from textiles and leather to machinery and gems. It was a move that stunned policymakers and traders alike, marking the steepest escalation in U.S.-India trade tensions in over a decade.

[1] https://cleartax.in/s/us-tariff-on-india

Washington framed the decision as a response to India’s “unfair trade practices” and its continued purchases of discounted Russian oil. New Delhi, however, saw it differently: as an act of economic aggression against a strategic partner. The result is a rapidly widening rift between two democracies that only recently promised to build the world’s most consequential partnership.

Till 2024, the scenario was quite different:

Product category	India tariff on US goods (MFN avg)[1]	US tariff on Indian goods (MFN avg)[2]	Analysis
Agricultural products (overall) Agricultural products (all food, fish, dairy, etc.)	36.7%	5.0%	India’s agri tariffs are among the highest globally; US agri tariffs are low on average but with some very high peaks (esp. dairy, sugar).
Electrical machinery & equipment Electrical machinery and electronic equipment	10.9%	1.2%	Covers HS 85-type products (motors, transformers, electronics, etc.).
Locomotives, aircraft & ships Transport equipment (vehicles, aircraft, vessels, rail)	20.4%	3.4%	Includes motor vehicles as well as aircraft, ships and rolling stock. India’s protection here is much higher.
Textiles (not clothing) Textiles (separate from clothing)	15.9%	8.0%	For apparel, India ≈21.3%, US ≈11.7% under “Clothing”.
Pharma Chemicals (includes organic, inorganic chemicals & many pharmaceuticals)	9.0%	2.7%	Many finished medicines enter the US duty-free or at very low rates; India commonly levies around 10% basic customs duty on pharma plus surcharges, roughly consistent with this average[3].
Precious stones Minerals and metals (includes precious metals/stones; many HS 71 lines are 0%)	9.8%	1.8%	In practice, US duty on many diamonds/gems is 0%; India’s tariffs on gold/jewellery are much higher than this average4.
Fish and aquatic products Fish and fish products	32.8%	0.7%	India treats fish more like a sensitive food product; US fish tariffs are very low on average.
Dairy products	35.6%	16.8%	Both are high by global standards; the US uses tariff-rate quotas, with some out-of-quota rates above 100%.
Plastic materials Chemicals + Rubber, leather & footwear	≈10–16% (Chemicals 9.0%; Rubber/leather/footwear 16.4%)	≈3–4% (Chemicals 2.7%; Rubber/leather/footwear 4.0%)	Plastics (HS 39) sit between chemicals and rubber in classification, so I’ve given a range rather than a single point.
Organic & inorganic materials Chemicals (organic & inorganic chemicals, etc.)	9.0%	2.7%

[1] WTO Tariffs of India on USA

[2] WTO Tariffs of USA on India

[3] Trade Policy Review

A sudden shift in trade dynamics:

One must consider the broader trajectory of U.S.-India relations to understand the shockwaves this decision sent. Over the past decade, the two nations have deepened defence cooperation, aligned on Indo-Pacific strategy, and sought to reduce global dependence on Chinese manufacturing. Yet, on the trade front, friction has never truly disappeared.

India lost its Generalised System of Preferences (GSP)[1] benefits under the Trump administration in 2019, and despite high-level assurances, they were never reinstated. Now, with the second Trump administration in power, Washington’s renewed tariff push suggests that trade protectionism has re-emerged as a defining feature of U.S. policy.

[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/despite-revoking-gsp-status-in-trump-1-0-india-us-trade-surged-trump-2-0-could-continue-the-trend-sbi/articleshow/115199197.cms?from=mdr

For India, which exported USD 79.4 billion[1] worth of goods to the U.S. last year, this decision is not merely an economic setback; it’s a political insult. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s response was uncharacteristically sharp: “India will not bow down.”

[1] BRIEF compilation from WITS Database

The table below provides an example of the various sectors in which India majorly excelled in exports in 2024 (values are showcased in billion USD).

India’s exports far exceed imports from the USA in the pre-tariff year (2024), indicating India’s strong electronics and components export base, possibly including telecom parts, electrical components.

BRIEF compilation from WITS Database semiconductor assemblies, pharmaceuticals, textiles and other items. India exports more in this category, likely from sectors such as aerospace parts and ship components. The USA’s exports include high-tech aerospace machinery, but India still maintains a positive balance here. India is a net exporter, supplying garments, fabrics, and home textiles to the U.S., while imports from the U.S. are minimal. India leads due to its globally competitive generic drug and API industry, though the U.S. also exports some high-value speciality chemicals. Another major surplus category for India is driven by exports of cut and polished diamonds, gold jewellery, and gems. The U.S. exports mainly uncut stones or raw precious metals.

India has a significant advantage, largely from seafood and shrimp exports. U.S. exports in this category are negligible. India exports more agricultural goods to the U.S., such as spices, rice, and tea, while importing limited agricultural produce from the U.S. This is one of the most balanced categories. Both countries trade machinery, but India maintains a slight surplus, possibly reflecting industrial parts and machinery exports. India’s exports are marginal, and imports from the U.S. are almost nonexistent, possibly due to trade restrictions and different sanitary standards. Plastics are one of the few categories where the U.S. slightly outpaces India, showing a narrow deficit for India, reflecting higher-value plastics or polymers imported from the U.S. The data underscores India’s comparative advantage in labour-intensive manufacturing and natural resource-based exports, while the U.S. holds strength in high-value engineered products and polymers.

To understand the depth and distribution of the tariff escalation, it is essential to examine the full structure of U.S. duties imposed during the 1 February-20 November 2025 period. The table below outlines the tiered system, combining country-specific, sector-specific, and emergency-driven measures that form the basis for the sharp increases now impacting Indian exports:

Additional tariffs are currently in effect on top of pre-January 2025 tariffs, based on presidential actions.

Percentage of Tariff	Country-specific tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)
+10-41%	Ranging from 10% to 41%, Algeria 30%, Angola 32%, Bangladesh 37%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 35%, Botswana 37%, Brunei 24%, Cambodia 49%, Cameroon 11%, Chad 13%, China 34%, Côte d’Ivoire 21%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 11%, Equatorial Guinea 13%, European Union 20%, Falkland Islands 41%, Fiji 32%, Guyana 38%, India 26%, Indonesia 32%, Iraq 39%, Israel 17%, Japan 24%, Jordan 20%, Kazakhstan 27%, Laos 48%, Lesotho 50%, Libya 31%, Liechtenstein 37%, Madagascar 47%, Malawi 17%, Malaysia 24%, Mauritius 40%, Moldova 31%, Mozambique 16%, Myanmar (Burma) 44%, Namibia 21%, Nauru 30%, Nicaragua 18%, Nigeria 14%, North Macedonia 33%, Norway 15%, Pakistan 29%, Philippines 17%, Serbia 37%, South Africa 30%, South Korea 25%, Sri Lanka 44%, Switzerland 31%, Syria 41%, Taiwan 32%, Thailand 36%, Tunisia 28%, Vanuatu 22%, Venezuela 15%, Vietnam 46%, Zambia 17%, Zimbabwe 18%. (from amendment of Executive Order 14257, Annex I[1]).
Percentage of Tariff	Sector-specific national security tariffs, Section 232 (exempted from country-specific tariffs)[2]
+50%	on iron or steel and derivatives of steel, except for the United Kingdom, 25%
+50%	on aluminium and derivatives; except for the United Kingdom, 25% and the Russian Federation, 200%
+50%	on copper and derivatives
+25%	on automobiles and parts; except for the United Kingdom (≤10%), and the European Union and Japan (≥15%)
+10-25%	on timber, lumber and derivatives; except for the United Kingdom (10%), and the European Union and Japan (≤15%)
+10-25%	on medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, their parts, and buses
Percentage of Tariff	Other tariff treatment pursuant to “deals”, “unilateral preferences” and emergency measures (IEEPA)5
+50%	on goods from India–a 25% country-specific tariff, plus an additional 25% penalty related to oil imports from the Russian Federation
+50%	on goods from Brazil–a 10% country-specific tariff, plus an additional 40% duty related to political reasons, if not exempted
+0-38%	expiry of trade preferences under AGOA for sub-Saharan African economies and the Hope/Help scheme for Haiti on the 30th September 2025
+35%	on non-USMCA-compliant goods from Canada
+25%	on non-USMCA-compliant goods from Mexico
+20%	on goods from China, including Hong Kong SAR–a 10% baseline tariff, plus an additional 10% fentanyl tariff
min 15%	on goods from Japan and the European Union, tariffs increased to 15% if they were lower; for MFN rates apply to certain products
+10%	on non-USMCA originating potash from Canada and Mexico
+10%	on non-USMCA originating energy-related products from Canada

[1] https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-06063.pdf

[2] UN Trade and Development-Overview of the United States’ tariffs

Taken together, these layered tariff measures translate into sharply uneven impacts across Indian export sectors, the effects of which are detailed in the following section.

In textiles and apparel, India exported USD 8.68 billion worth of goods to the U.S. in 2024. The U.S. imposed tariffs between 45% and 50%[1] (previously 8%), effectively eliminating India’s cost advantage over competitors such as Vietnam and Bangladesh. Analysts at India Briefing (2025) estimate that these hikes could reduce exports by 7-8%, impacting over 45 million MSME workers engaged in the sector[2].

[1] US Tariff on India: Impact, Affected Products, Rates & India’s Response

[2] How US tariffs are unraveling India’s textile industry

The gems and jewellery industry, India’s second-largest export to the U.S., valued at USD 9.15 billion, now faces tariffs of 50%4, up from the pre-2025 rate of 1.8%. The Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) projects losses amounting to USD 3 billion in FY2025-26, particularly impacting diamond polishing hubs in Surat and gold jewellery units in Mumbai[1]. Over 1.7 million workers are at risk due to a potential relocation of U.S. sourcing to Thailand and Hong Kong.

[1] Indian gems, jewellery exports

For pharmaceuticals and chemicals, in September 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff specifically on branded and patented pharmaceutical products, effective since October 1[1]. General tariffs of 25% or 50% were imposed on a broader range of Indian goods, but pharmaceuticals were specifically exempted, directly impacting India’s generic drug exports, which were valued at USD ~8.72 billion every year[2]. According to the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil, 2025), the new tariffs will squeeze the profits for major exporters such as Sun Pharma and Dr Reddy’s, while U.S. healthcare costs could rise correspondingly due to reduced access to low-cost generics[3].

[1] Tariffs on Pharma

[2] Donald Trump’s drug tariff spares generics, but India braces for fallout

[3] Trump’s 100% pharma tariffs

The electrical machinery and industrial equipment category, India’s largest industrial export to the U.S. at USD 18.97 billion, now faces tariffs of 30%4 (previously 1.2%). The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) warns that this will erode India’s competitiveness within the China-plus-one diversification strategy, deterring investments in electronics and automotive components.

The marine and agricultural products segment, which includes exports such as seafood, spices, and basmati rice worth USD 2.3 billion, now faces tariffs of 35%4 (previously 0.7%). The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA, 2025) claimed a shrimp export reduction of 6% (from April – September 2025), due to U.S. importers shifting to Ecuador and Indonesia. This will particularly affect coastal economies in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. Therefore, the experts believe to emphasise the need to focus on producing and processing high-value marine products to revive the fisheries sector[1].

[1] Seafood exports, MPEDA

The locomotives, aircraft, and ships segment, covering India’s exports of railway locomotives, aircraft components, and marine vessels valued at USD 3.33 billion, now faces significantly higher U.S. tariff barriers, rising to around 50%6. However, tariffs on aircraft and aircraft components remain minimal or even zero, and, similar to aircraft, India exports very few large fully assembled ships to the U.S. market.

It is self-explanatory that these steep tariff increases, particularly on locomotives and related engineering goods, may prompt U.S. buyers to shift procurement to suppliers in Europe and East Asia. This could erode India’s competitiveness in high-value engineering exports, potentially resulting in substantial revenue losses for Indian manufacturers. The impact would be felt most in the major production clusters of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, where heavy engineering industries are concentrated.

Economic Fallout: Exports in Jeopardy

The sectors most exposed to the tariff blow are precisely those that employ millions of Indian workers. Textiles, leather goods, gems and jewellery, automotive components and machinery will now face prohibitively high duties in their largest export market. For Indian exporters already grappling with tight margins and a strong rupee, this change could be the difference between survival and shutdown.

According to GTRI, due to these tariff increases, shipments dropped to USD 6.31 billion from USD 8.38 billion[1] between May and October 2025, coinciding with the US duties rising from 10% in April to 25% in early August to 50% by late August. The World Bank (2025)[2] projects a 6.3% reduction in Indian exports by FY26-27, saying the impact of US tariffs will dampen growth expected from the cut in GST rates and taxes.

[1] Tariff Shock

[2] World Bank Report

By October 2025, reports from Bloomberg indicated that Washington may reduce tariffs to 15-16% under a proposed bilateral trade recalibration[1]. The draft framework involves reciprocal commitments: India would grant greater U.S. agricultural access (corn, soymeal, and dairy derivatives[2]), while the U.S. would restore Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) benefits and moderate its stance on India’s Russian oil imports. Minister Goyal reiterated that “no deal will be made under pressure” (Hindustan Times, Oct 2025), highlighting India’s sovereignty-first policy stance. Meanwhile, domestic industry bodies such as CII and FIEO have urged the government to extend export subsidies and insurance credit to buffer short-term shocks.

[1] US May Cut India Tariff to 15-16% in Trade Deal

[2] Indian Market Opens for US Farm Goods as Trade Agreement Moves Forward

Next Steps for India to Curb the U.S.-India Tariff War:

A. Trade Architecture & FTA-Driven Measures:

Pursue Early Harvest Agreements: Secure quick tariff stabilisation in mutually dependent sectors, APIs, electronics components, and medical devices before a full FTA.
Negotiate Zero-Tariff Corridors for Critical Goods: Create tariff-free pathways for essential items (pharma APIs, clean energy components, data-centre hardware) to ensure continuity of supply.
Fast-Track Regulatory Alignment for Key Export Sectors: Accelerate U.S. approvals in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and digital equipment in exchange for predictable tariff schedules.
Integrate Value Chains with USMCA (Mexico & Canada): Co-produce goods where rules of origin permit partial Indian inputs, enabling tariff-free U.S. entry under USMCA.
Establish a Joint Tariff Review Mechanism under TPF: Create a technical body to anticipate tariff spikes, detect supply-chain harm, and jointly recommend rollbacks.

B. Sector-specific steps:

Sector	Strategy to be adopted
Textiles & Apparel	1. Negotiate TRQs or Tariff Exemptions for Cotton & MMF Garments: Target high-volume categories where U.S. retail depends on Indian supply. 2. Promote Product Standardisation & Scale Manufacturing: Push standardised SKUs (like basics, MMF staples) to achieve mass production efficiencies. 3. Upgrade to High-Value MMF, Technical Textiles: Move to higher-margin segments less sensitive to tariffs.
Leather & Footwear	1. Increase Value-Added Production: Shift from semi-finished leather to finished goods with higher pricing power. 2. Strengthen Clusters for Shared Processing & Lower Costs: Modernise tanning, finishing and common facilities to achieve cost reductions.
Gems & Jewellery	1. Promote Cutting, Polishing & High-Value Design Exports: Add more value domestically so margins absorb tariff impact. 2. Lower Input Duties on Rough Stones and Machinery: Reduce upfront costs and improve competitiveness in the U.S. market. 3. Expand Digital Retail Channels: Use B2C jewellery e-commerce and direct-to-consumer U.S. platforms to bypass intermediaries and retain price margins.
Automotive Components & Machinery	1. Advance Precision Engineering & Component Upgrading: Move from low-value to high-precision and electronics-integrated components. 2. Develop Scale Through Auto & Engineering Clusters: Reduce per-unit costs with shared testing labs, machining hubs, and logistics parks. 3. Deepen Regional Value Chains for Inputs (ASEAN, Africa, LATAM): Source cheaper metals, forgings, castings, and sub-components to offset tariff impact.
Marine Products (Seafood, Shrimp, Fishery Exports)	Marine: 1. Increase value-added processing (cooked, breaded, ready-to-eat shrimp) to improve margins and absorb tariffs. 2. Diversify export markets toward the EU, Japan, South Korea, and GCC to reduce U.S. dependence. 3. Strengthen cold-chain and port logistics to reduce spoilage and improve delivery speed. 4. Adopt MPEDA-led traceability and certification for premium pricing and lower rejection risks. 5. Develop aquaculture clusters with shared feed mills, labs, and processing centres to reduce per-unit costs. 6. Introduce resilient species and improved broodstock to stabilise output and reduce risk.
Agricultural Products	Agriculture: 1. Increase value-added exports (processed spices, ready-to-cook foods, oilseed derivatives) to raise margins. 2. Strengthen compliance with USDA/FDA standards to reduce rejections and secure stable access. 3. Develop specialised agri-export clusters for rice, spices, and horticulture to lower logistics and processing costs. 4. Expand markets to GCC, EU, and ASEAN to reduce price exposure to U.S. tariffs. 5. Leverage GI-based branding (Basmati, Malabar pepper, Darjeeling tea) to command premium prices.

C. Supply-chain integration with the U.S.:

Promote co-production and joint manufacturing Collaborate with U.S. firms in defence, aerospace, clean-tech, and electronics, making products jointly produced and less likely to face tariffs. In case of defence, India and the U.S. have a decade-long strategic defence framework in place to encourage collaboration on manufacturing and technology sharing. A key example is the planned co-production of GE 414 aero-engines in India. For aerospace, India’s growing aerospace industry, driven by domestic demand for commercial aviation and defence needs, provides a strong incentive for U.S. companies to partner on manufacturing and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul). Electronics and Clean-Tech as a sector are also key areas for collaboration, as India aims to become a global manufacturing hub and attract foreign investment.
Expand U.S. investments through targeted PLIs Attract U.S. companies in semiconductors, renewables, and electronics to deepen bilateral supply-chain interdependence. For the semiconductors, India is actively working to build its semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, as evidenced by the recent focus on the sector and the potential for U.S. investment and technology transfer. Renewables in India have set aggressive renewable energy targets and are attracting significant international investment, making it an attractive market for U.S. companies in this sector. The goal of the supply-chain interdependence initiatives is to create deeper, more resilient supply chains between the two countries, reducing reliance on single sources and creating new opportunities for growth in high-tech industries

India now stands at a decisive juncture in its economic engagement with the United States. The tariff escalation, broad, steep, and sectorally uneven, has exposed the vulnerabilities of labour-intensive and high-value export segments while underscoring the limits of existing trade safeguards. Yet it also provides a moment for strategic recalibration. By pursuing targeted early-harvest arrangements, rebuilding cost competitiveness, accelerating market diversification, and deepening supply-chain integration with North America, India can both cushion immediate disruptions and reshape its long-term export trajectory. The coming phase of negotiations will be critical: India’s response must balance firmness with flexibility, ensuring that short-term shocks evolve into opportunities for structural strengthening rather than a prolonged economic rift.

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Krishangi Kathotia

briefindia — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 19:04:31 +0000

briefindia

Research Assistant

Krishangi Kathotia is a research and policy professional working at the intersection of trade, geopolitics, foreign policy, and strategy. She brings experience in analysing complex regulatory landscapes, mapping global value chains and assessing geopolitical risks that shape India’s engagement with the global economy. She has previously worked with the American energy policy team at FiscalNote Professional Services and holds an M.A. in Diplomacy, Law, and Business from the Jindal School of International Affairs, India.

At BRIEF, she analyses the trade and logistics landscape through a geopolitical and geoeconomic lens.

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Public Transportation and Gender: Bridging the Mobility Gap for Women in India

briefindia — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:58:41 +0000

briefindia

Swati Verma

Senior Research Associate

In a nation of 1.4 billion people, public transportation forms the backbone of mobility and economic development. It connects millions to jobs, education, and healthcare, driving social inclusion and productivity. Yet for nearly half of India’s population (women and girls), this essential system often acts as a barrier rather than a bridge.

The experience of navigating India’s vast network of buses, trains, and metros is deeply gendered. While public transport is intended to be a lifeline, its accessibility, affordability, and, most critically, its safety are not experienced equally. Addressing this gap is essential to building a more inclusive and equitable mobility ecosystem.

The High Cost of Constrained Mobility

The mobility gap begins with a fundamental divergence in travel patterns. Women’s journeys are rarely linear. According to the World Bank, they are more likely to travel during off-peak hours, make multiple, shorter trips for domestic and caregiving purposes, and be accompanied by children. Compounding this, women have lower rates of private vehicle ownership, making them overwhelmingly reliant on public transport.

This reliance comes at a steep price. A 2017 International Labour Organization (ILO) study identified inadequate access to safe transportation as the single largest factor limiting women’s economic participation in developing countries, reducing it by 15.5 percentage points.

India illustrates this vividly. While female labour force participation has risen modestly, it remains far below men’s. A striking example comes from Delhi, where the resettlement of 700,000 squatters to the city’s periphery led to a 5% increase in male employment, but a staggering 27% drop for women, whose travel time increased threefold. This is not a mere inconvenience; it is a structural constraint.

The mechanism of this limitation is clear. Barriers to transport narrow a woman’s potential “job radius”, restricting her opportunities to locations within walking distance or requiring slower, less efficient modes of travel. The same World Bank report notes that 45 percent of women walk to work in India, compared to 27 percent of men, largely because they cannot afford faster transport options. The result is a crippling “time poverty,” where long, arduous commutes and the burden of unpaid care work leave little time for rest, skill development, or formal employment.

These mobility-linked constraints reinforce occupational clustering. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023–24, over 75 percent of rural women remain concentrated in agriculture, while urban women are clustered in a narrow range of sectors; about 25 percent in manufacturing, 15 percent in trade, hotels, and restaurants, and nearly 40 percent in service-sector roles such as finance, administration, health, and social work. While these patterns stem from multiple structural issues, evidence increasingly shows that transport affordability, reliability, and safety deepen these divides and limit women’s upward mobility.

Compounding this is the lack of women within the public transport workforce itself. In FY 2021–22, women made up less than 2 percent of commercial drivers authorized to operate public transport vehicles, and female conductors accounted for under 10 percent. This underrepresentation amplifies feelings of isolation and reduces perceived safety, further discouraging women from using public transport.

An Anatomy of Anxiety: The Female Commute, Stage by Stage

For many women in India, the journey to work or school is a daily exercise in risk management. In Delhi, over 90% of women reported experiencing sexual harassment in public transport settings (UN Women, 2013). A 2021 Observer Research Foundation (ORF) study revealed that 56% of women faced sexual harassment while commuting, and nearly half avoided professional or educational opportunities due to safety concerns.

To understand why this fear is so pervasive, we can map the female commuter’s journey. A recent study by the Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF), titled, Empowering Women: Unveiling the Importance of Public Transport, breaks it into multiple stages, and at every point, her freedom is chipped away:

It begins at home, with pre-planning routes to avoid “unsafe” areas, often with limited information.
It continues at the stop, with waiting in poorly lit or isolated areas.
It peaks in-transit, with overcrowded buses and trains where groping and harassment are often hidden in plain sight.
It culminates at the destination, with the insecurity of finding safe “last-mile” options to her final doorstep.

These are not isolated inconveniences but interconnected links in a chain of constraints. Critically, over 70% of respondents in the ORF study said they would use public transport more if it were safer, cleaner, and better connected. This daily anxiety is not merely a transport issue, it is a barrier to equality, limiting access to education, employment, and public life.

Charting a Path Forward: A Blueprint for Gender-Inclusive Transport

As India urbanizes rapidly, with its urban population projected to reach 820 million by 2051, the demand for safe mobility will only intensify. Dismantling this architecture of anxiety requires a systemic response that addresses each point of failure. This demands a comprehensive, gender-responsive strategy integrating policy, infrastructure, and community engagement.

Institutionalize Gender Inclusion: Transport governance must mainstream gender equality. This requires establishing dedicated R&D divisions within transport ministries and creating gender teams at state and city levels to collect disaggregated data and monitor compliance.
Enforce a Zero-Tolerance Policy: Stronger, more visible enforcement against harassment is non-negotiable. This must be coupled with public awareness campaigns and seamless coordination between transport authorities and police.
Design for Safety and Accessibility: Infrastructure must be reimagined from a woman’s perspective. This means installing CCTV cameras, improving lighting at stops and stations, providing gender-sensitive amenities like clean restrooms, and ensuring universal accessibility.
Empower a Representative Workforce: Actively recruiting and training women as drivers, conductors, planners, and administrators is crucial. This builds trust, fosters accountability, and makes the system more responsive to its users.
Foster a Culture of Collective Responsibility: Awareness campaigns in schools and communities can promote bystander intervention and challenge patriarchal norms, making public safety a shared civic duty.

Conclusion: Mobility as a Catalyst for Equality

If public transportation is to be a true catalyst for equality, then the system itself must be rebuilt with gender equity at its core. It is more than a mode of travel. It is a social equalizer and an economic enabler. For millions of women across India, it represents the tangible bridge between a life of constraint and a world of opportunity.

A transport system that prioritizes women’s safety, comfort, and accessibility will ultimately benefit everyone. It supports inclusive urbanization, increases workforce participation, and advances sustainable development. Empowering women through mobility is not only about safer travel. It is about unlocking the full potential of a nation.

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Viksit Bharat: India’s Aspirations and Challenges

briefindia — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:14:06 +0000

briefindia

Vaswati Rudrapal

Research Associate

India’s Vision for 2047

India has set its sights on becoming a Viksit nation by 2047. The vision of Viksit Bharat is not limited to higher income levels. It aims for transform the country into a self-reliant and prosperous economy by 2047.

The broader goals of Viksit Bharat include:

Sustained high growth in GDP and per capita income,
Strengthening India’s position as a leader in science, technology, and innovation (STI),
Ensuring universal access to quality healthcare and education,
Enhancing social equity by reducing regional and gender disparities, and
Pursuing environmentally sustainable growth.

The journey toward becoming Viksit is thus not only about how much India grows, but also about how it grows, and how growth translates into better health, education, skills, and opportunities for all.

To qualify as a developed economy, India must meet international benchmarks of per capita income and social progress. Based on the World Bank’s current threshold for defining an advanced economy i.e. $14,006 per capita, India would need to sustain a nominal GDP growth rate of 10.19% annually from 2023-24 onwards. When adjusted for long-term exchange rate fluctuations and dollar value changes, the target rises to $18,414 per capita, requiring 11.41% annual growth (Rangarajan & Shanmugam, 2025).

However, monetary income alone does not define “development.” While economic growth is often measured through per capita income and industrialisation, true development requires proportional progress in human development.

India’s Current Standing

According to the UNDP Human Development Report 2025, India’s HDI rank improved from 133 in 2022 to 130 in 2025. India’s HDI improved from 0.447 in 1990 to 0.685 in 2023, while its GNI per capita rose from $2,167 to $9,047. This indicates income expanded by over 300%, whereas HDI increased by just 53%.

Its HDI of 0.685 keeps India in the medium human development category, just below the 0.700 threshold for high human development. Over the same period, life expectancy increased from 58.6 years in 1990 to 72 years in 2023, while expected years of schooling rose from 8.2 to 13 years (UNDP, 2025).

India's Economic and Human Development Indicators

*Indicator*	1990	2023	Growth (%)
*HDI*	0.447	0.685	53.2%
*GNI per capita*	2167.22	9046.76	317%
*Life Expectancy at Birth (years)*	58.6	72	22.9%
*Expected Years of Schooling (years)*	8.2	13	58.5%

Source: Tabulated using data from UNDP 2025

These are impressive gains, but India remains below the high-HDI threshold of 0.7. Peers such as China and Vietnam have made faster progress by investing heavily in human capital alongside economic growth.

Global Benchmarks

Countries that began at similar starting points in the 1990s have since diverged sharply in outcomes.

*Country*	HDI 1993	HDI 2023	GNIPC 1993	GNIPC 2023
India	0.458	0.685	$ 2,277	$ 9,046
China	0.52	0.797	$ 2,245	$ 22,029
Viet Nam	0.53	0.766	$ 2,723	$ 13,032
Bangladesh	0.42	0.685	$ 1,863	$ 8,497
South Asian Average	0.47	0.672	$ 2,931	$ 8,722

Source: Tabulated using data from UNDP 2025

In 1993, India, China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh were clustered closely in terms of income and HDI. By 2023, however, China surged to $22,029 per capita income with an HDI of 0.797, Vietnam reached $13,032 with HDI 0.766, and Bangladesh, despite a modest income base, matched India’s HDI at 0.685. India’s performance, while significant in absolute terms, has not matched the pace of its peers.

Over the past three decades, India’s GNIPC has grown far faster than its HDI.

Source: Created using data from UNDP 2025

Between 1993 and 2023, GNIPC increased from $2,277 to $9,046, with compound annual growth rates (CAGR) of 4.19% (1993-2003), 5.17% (2003-2013), and 4.75% (2013-2023). By contrast, HDI rose from 0.458 to 0.685, with corresponding CAGRs of 1.45%, 1.52%, and 1.08%.

This persistent divergence is reflected in the widening gap between GNIPC and HDI growth rates from 2.74 pp in 1993-2003 to 3.67 pp in 2013-2023. Without deeper investment in health, education, and social well-being, income growth alone cannot deliver Viksit Bharat.

The Pearson correlation coefficient between India’s GNIPC and HDI values for the last 30 years is 0.97, which may be interpreted as perfect correlation. While this confirms that income and human development are linked, the imbalance in magnitude of this growth highlights the structural challenge: income gains are necessary but not sufficient for proportional advances in human development.

Key Challenges

Despite these gains in India’s human development indicators, significant challenges persist. Inequality in India remains high, reducing the effective HDI by over 30%, among the highest in the region. Low female labour force participation and political representation highlight gender disparities, despite recent policy efforts (UNDP, 2024).

Educational gaps persist in quality and employability, particularly across rural and marginalized groups, undermining demographic dividends (Chatterjee, 2024). Health inequalities, including malnutrition and inadequate access to care, constrain gains in life expectancy (Bhan, 2016).

Regional disparities exacerbate inequalities, with certain states and social groups lagging behind (Chatterjee, 2024). India’s innovation ecosystem, while expanding, still invests less than 1% of GDP in R&D, constraining competitiveness (Rangarajan & Shanmugam, 2025).

Addressing these intertwined issues is critical to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Recommendation and Conclusion

Human development plays a critical role in driving economic growth by enhancing the capabilities and productivity of individuals. The Human capital theory posits that education, skills, and health improve workforce efficiency and generate increasing returns through knowledge spillovers and innovation. Moreover, economic growth itself expedites human development by increasing the resources available for investments in health, education, and social infrastructure, creating a virtuous cycle of mutual reinforcement (Ranis, 2004; Bloom et al., 2022). This dynamic interplay implies the need for balanced focus on income growth and human development necessary for a truly prosperous and Viksit nation.

India’s experience over the past three decades reflects substantial income growth, but moderate gains in human development. While life expectancy and expected years of schooling have improved, challenges remain. This highlights the urgent need for enhanced investment in healthcare infrastructure, quality education, and social safety nets.

Key Policy Priorities:

Targeted nutrition support: Expand state-specific programmes in high-burden states (such as Bihar and Madhya Pradesh) and improve primary healthcare hubs in lagging districts.
Skills for employability: Align vocational education with industry demands to bridge workforce gaps through policies like NEP and digital initiatives DIKSHA for improving access to quality education.
Data-driven monitoring: Enhance NITI Aayog’s SDG dashboard to track state-level HDI progress and inequalities.
Boost innovation capacity: Raise public and private R&D spending to at least 2% of GDP by 2030, prioritising health, education, and renewable energy.
Decentralised accountability: Introduce citizen scorecards for health, education, and social welfare schemes at block and panchayat levels.

References

Bhan, N. (2016). Health inequalities research in India: A review of trends. International Journal for Equity in Health, 15(1), 1–8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5053026

Bloom, D. E., Canning, D., Kotschy, R., Prettner, K., & Schünemann, J. (2022). Health and economic growth: Reconciling the micro and macro evidence. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4144725
Chatterjee, S. (2024). Inclusive economic growth in India: Inducing prosperity and ending deprivations. Routledge.
Vijayakumar, N. (2025). A study on Human Development Index in India. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.41083
Ranis, G. (2004). Human development and economic growth. Center Discussion Paper No. 887, Yale University.
Rangarajan, C., & Shanmugam, K. R. (2025). Quantitative dimensions of Viksit Bharat. Indian Public Policy Review, 5(6), 1–19.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2024). Human Development Report 2024: Equality in an unequal world. UNDP.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2025). Human Development Report 2025: Advancing human development in a changing world. UNDP.

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Arctic–MENA–Asia Trade Triangle: New Corridors, New Competitions

briefindia — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 13:07:18 +0000

briefindia

Smrithi B

Research Intern

The global trade map is undertaking an ultimate recasting, where the Arctic-MENA-Asia Trade Triangle is becoming a core pivot in a disaggregated geopolitical-economic whole. It is a fluid trade route linking Arctic, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Asia and is likely to cut transit times, diversify supply chains and cause new strategic alliances – although it poses acute climate and security issues.

Why the Arctic, and Why Now?

Climate change is opening the Arctic at a very high rate. Due to the melt of sea ice, new shipping routes like the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and Transpolar Route are getting more accessible, which guarantees the potential of 40 percent less transit time between Europe and East Asia than the established routes, like the Suez Canal. The transformation is an unexpected opportunity to the countries of Asia and MENA who have found substitutes to the congested/ geopolitically-sensitive choke-points such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Malacca Strait.

India’s Strategic Stakes

As a very energy-dependent country, India is taking up the role of a principal stakeholder in this new triangle. In May 2025, India had been importing 1.96 million barrels per day of crude oil from Russia, representing close to 38 per cent of the imports. This flow of energy could be greatly boosted by the time and cost in transportation using countries such as the Arctic, whose maritime routes, such as the NSR, can greatly improve this transportation. The import of discounted Russian oil helped India save 25 billion dollars in 2023-24, and the optimisation of Arctic routes would only enhance its energy security and logistics efficiency.

The 2022 Aropahika Policy of India is based on a multidimensional policy, focused on scientific study, environmental care, and collaborating with other nations, also forming opportunities for economic interaction, such as investing in Arctic-capable infrastructure and maritime logistics.

Mundra, Vizhinjam and Mumbai ports have the potential of becoming transhipment centres of Arctic and Indian Ocean trade, particularly when fitted with LNG bunkering facilities, ice-class vessel support and cold-chain logistics to support perishables and pharmaceutical exports leading rank based Indian exports with FY 2023-24 of over INR 320.2 billion.

MENA’s Pivot Northward

Arctic shipping routes present a new avenue to the MENA (Qatar, UAE) to access the energy markets in Asia. Qatar was reported to export 9.3 billion cubic feet per day of LNG in 2023, with more than 80 percent of it going to Asia, and the UAE exported 0.7 billion cubic feet per day. Such nations are considering the NSR as an alternative to avoid the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal, thus improving the delivery speed and the geopolitical risks.

An existing major logistics hub like the Jebel Ali Port in the UAE could be used as a relay point in the transportation of goods destined to the Arctic, since the MENA region is a major energy exporter to Asia. Joint infrastructure, such as the creation of specialised Arctic bunkering services, might make ports in the Gulf, India, and Sri Lanka become the key facilitators of the new route.

New Trade Flows and Emerging Players

While Arctic engagement today focuses on crude oil and LNG, the potential for containerized trade, cold-chain perishables, and high-value exports is growing. India’s ambition to become a global export hub for auto components, electronics, seafood, and pharmaceuticals aligns with Arctic shipping advantages, shorter delivery times and lower costs.

Beyond India and the UAE, several strategic players are actively shaping the trade triangle:

China: Declares itself a “near-Arctic state” and is investing in Arctic infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative.
South Korea and Japan: Developing ice-class ships and advancing Arctic research.
Nordic nations like Norway and Iceland are leveraging geography and Arctic expertise to enhance connectivity and innovation.

Total Bilateral trade between India and Norway has been reaching INR 1.2 billion in FY 2023-24, following the cooperation in maritime energy and renewable energy. The India-EFTA TEPA in 2024 also eases the path to closer trade relationships with the Arctic-proximate countries.

Security and Governance Challenges

Despite its promise, the Arctic–MENA–Asia triangle introduces complex security risks. The Arctic’s harsh environment demands specialised vessels and rescue capabilities. Melting ice also increases the risk of accidents, oil spills, and environmental damage.

The Arctic is a geopolitically disputed region. This is because Russia, with a claim of control of a large part of the NSR, is opposed by nations such as Canada and the U.S that favour multilateral control. Maritime competition will also increase as the Arctic traffic expands, necessitating a new security framework and governance systems.

Upon the traditional sea lines, we have already witnessed lapses in the form of the ever-given blockage in the Suez Canal, rising tension in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. The Arctic offers a chance at avoiding these chokepoints on the condition that rules-based governance and infrastructure resiliency do the same.

Climate Paradox

Ironically, climate change is allowing the trade in the Arctic region, but also endangering the delicate ecosystem of the area. Unregulated increased shipping can upset indigenous populations, bring in invasive species and increase carbon emissions. Although shorter routes might help cut down global emissions, arctic warming is a dangerous global feedback loop.

Balancing economic gains with environmental protection will require inclusive decision-making and multilateral cooperation, especially involving local and indigenous stakeholders.

Rethinking Cooperation

To realize the potential of the Arctic–MENA–Asia Triangle, new forms of collaboration must emerge:

Infrastructure investment: Shared funding and technology for Arctic-capable ports, vessels, and refuelling services.
Governance and regulation: Harmonized policies for safety, environmental standards, and equitable access.
Maritime security alliances: Cooperation among Arctic, MENA, and Asian powers to secure new trade lanes.
Energy transition partnerships: Arctic–MENA–Asia synergies on renewable energy, carbon-neutral logistics, and sustainable development.

Existing frameworks, like the Arctic Council, and bilateral agreements (e.g., India-Norway, Russia-China) offer a foundation for expanded trade and climate cooperation. India, as an Observer State, should use its role to push for equitable access and sustainable growth.

What’s Next for India?

India must now align its Arctic Policy with trade, energy, and strategic priorities. Next steps include:

Investing in ice-class vessels and Arctic-ready port infrastructure
Expanding cold-chain logistics for exports
Participating in Arctic governance around maritime law and sustainability
Strengthening partnerships with Russia (energy), Norway (shipping), and UAE (logistics)

As Arctic routes become commercially viable, India must evolve from a passive observer to a strategic stakeholder, leveraging its scientific presence into economic and geopolitical advantage.

The Arctic–MENA–Asia Trade Triangle is more than a trade innovation—it’s a symbol of 21st-century geopolitics and climate-driven adaptation. As the world’s trade patterns shift, this corridor offers both promise and peril. The next decade will be crucial in shaping whether this emerging axis supports inclusive growth and sustainable development or becomes a flashpoint for competition and ecological harm. Global collaboration—between governments, corporations, and communities—will determine whether this new trade frontier is a bridge to shared prosperity or another source of tension in an already fragmented world.

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