FEBRUARY, 20269TOP STORIESADANI DEFENCE & LEONARDO TO DEVELOP HELICOPTER ECOSYSTEMAdani Defence & Aerospace and Italian aerospace major Leonardo have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a comprehensive helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India.The collaboration between the two parties will develop operational solutions which the Indian Armed Forces require through the complete local production process which uses Leonardo's AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopter systems.The partnership supports India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative which intends to increase domestic defence production while decreasing the need for imported materials.The two organizations will use the MoU to create complete helicopter manufacturing, maintenance and repair, overhaul and pilot training systems. The initiative will improve India's helicopter production capacity because it will enable design capabilities and lifecycle support and sustainment services in addition to assembly operations.The proposed strategy will create a self-sufficient aerospace industry in the country which will develop advanced technological capabilities over an extended period.The partnership will extend its scope beyond defence needs to include both civil aviation operations and international supply chain activities, which will depend on both market conditions and obtaining regulatory permissions. India will achieve greater integration into the worldwide aerospace manufacturing system through this particular expansion of its production capabilities.The Indian Armed Forces will need more than 1,000 helicopters during the upcoming ten years which will create a major chance for domestic manufacturing and extended industrial development.Experts in the industry say that this type of partnership will help organizations achieve their future needs while building stronger supply chain operations and better technological capabilities. The project will create multiple high-skilled job opportunities through its engineering, manufacturing, logistics and sustainment activities.The partnership enables India to become a worldwide aerospace manufacturing center by combining Leonardo's helicopter engineering expertise with Adani Defence's manufacturing capabilities and infrastructure. IMRThe Indian startup ecosystem together with its MSME sector has faced persistent challenges for many years because high tariffs reduced their ability to compete with US markets which serve as their primary international target. The barrier now shows signs of becoming less obstructive.The US-India trade agreement now reaches its final stage because both countries have completed their negotiations which will create new business channels for Indian export-based startups and small-scale manufacturing companies.Piyush Goyal, the Commerce and Industry Minister, described the trade agreement as a "very good trade deal" which brings multiple benefits through lowered tariffs and better market access and expanded Indian supply chain participation while maintaining protection for agriculture and dairy businesses.Although detailed terms will be released shortly through a joint India­US statement, early indications suggest substantial gains for India's export ecosystem.The deal contains a major component which mandates the United States to decrease its import taxes on Indian products. The highest rates, which previously reached 50%, will decrease to approximately 18%, which will create better pricing conditions for Indian exporters who sell products in the largest consumer market globally.The change holds special importance for MSMEs and manufacturing startups because they run their businesses with minimal profit margins. The textile, apparel, leather, footwear, gems, jewellery, engineering goods, machinery, aircraft components and the marine products industry will receive immediate advantages.The country will experience industrial growth through fresh export orders and long-term contracts which will be created by lower tariffs.The agreement creates economic value through its support of non-traditional export markets which include advanced manufacturing, technological partnerships and supply-chain development that includes semiconductor and AI and global capability center operations.The government has established complete protection for farmers' rights while it operates its agricultural programs. The upcoming deal completion will initiate a new business development phase for Indian startups and MSMEs which will result from reduced trade restrictions and improved international business ties and balanced international trade conditions. IMRINDIA-US TRADE DEAL TO PROPEL STARTUPS, MSMES, AND EXPORTS
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