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President Message
The National Manufacturing Mission (NMM), announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, arrives at a crucial juncture for India's manufacturing sector. Despite inherent advantages of large domestic market, abundant labor and favorable geopolitical shifts such as the China+1 strategy, the sector grapples with significant quantitative and qualitative challenges. NITI Aayog had recently organized a discussion with major associations on the structure of the Mission. Identifying the challenges industries in general and MSMEs in particular face, FISME proposed that institution to rest on four verticals. The first vertical focuses on Feedback and Grievance Redressal, aiming to establish a responsive system with a centralized national portal and district-level cells. The second vertical, Coordination, Monitoring, and Evaluation, emphasizes the creation of a central NMM Coordination Authority, the implementation of district-level KRAs for industrial growth, the development of a data dashboard for tracking progress, rigorous performance monitoring of existing schemes, and regular stakeholder engagement. The third vertical centers on Improving Regulations (Existing & Emerging) and Justice Delivery System, proposing measures such as regulatory simplification through consolidation and decriminalization. The fourth vertical addresses the Competitive Functioning of Factor Markets (Including Banking and Finance), suggesting reforms in banking and finance to promote diversification and AI-driven credit assessment, land reforms to develop affordable industrial estates and regularize unauthorized areas, labor reforms to base minimum wages on objective criteria and cap social security contributions, raw material market interventions to review duties and create raw material hubs and public procurement reforms to prioritize quality over the lowest price on platforms like GeM. The note also suggests the possibility of sector-specific interventions for focused support to emerging industries. Administratively, the NMM is proposed to be headed by a private sector manufacturing expert with Cabinet rank, supported by Secretary and Joint Secretary level officials overseeing the verticals, each with an advisory committee comprising industry stakeholders and government officials. Finally, the NMM will be subject to periodic reviews based on key parameters of ease of doing business, industry dynamics and investment and export performance across geographies and sectors.
With the support of the Ministry of MSME, the Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) hosted an Intellectual Property (IP) awareness webinar on 25 April 2025. It was designed to educate MSMEs on the benefits of protecting their innovations and enhancing competitiveness. The webinar brought together IP experts to discuss the importance of IP protection, commercialization strategies, and government support available for MSMEs.
The speakers were Pooja Kumar, Founder of Innova Intellects LLP and Saniya Scott, Senior Associate at CIP Legit.
In an era shaped by uncertainty, rapid innovation and blurred lines between physical and digital leadership, executive presence has become one of the most critical — and yet most underestimated — skills for high-impact leadership. It's not just about how you look in a boardroom or sound on a Zoom call. It's about the intangible authority you project, the trust you build and the decisions you influence. Executive presence is the signal that tells your team, your board and your investors: "This is someone worth following." But here's the catch: Most executives are never taught how to build it.
In a significant step towards strengthening the Make in India initiative, the government has set up an inter-ministerial committee to develop the framework for a new national manufacturing mission. The mission was first announced during the Union Budget in February 2025, with the goal of increasing the manufacturing sector’s contribution to India’s GDP. The committee, led by Niti Aayog CEO B V R Subrahmanyam, has already begun consultations with key stakeholders, including state governments and domestic industries. The Indian government has formed an inter-ministerial committee tasked with drafting a comprehensive plan for a new national manufacturing mission.
India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) registered a growth rate of 3.0 percent for March 2025, slightly higher than the 2.9 percent recorded in February 2025, according to the latest Quick Estimates released by the government.
The Quick Estimates of IIP stands at 164.8 for March 2025 compared to 160.0 in March 2024. Among the three major sectors, Electricity showed the strongest performance with a growth rate of 6.3 percent, followed by Manufacturing at 3.0 percent and Mining at 0.4 percent. The indices for these sectors stand at 217.1, 160.9, and 156.8 respectively.
Chinese firms are increasingly turning to Indian exporters to fulfill U.S. orders amid escalating tariffs and trade tensions.
The U.S. has imposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports, including a 145% baseline tariff and additional duties on shipments under the de minimis threshold, significantly impacting Chinese exporters. In response, Chinese companies are seeking Indian partners to maintain their presence in the U.S. market. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has identified a $25 billion export opportunity for India, particularly in sectors where China has been a dominant supplier.
French shipping giant CMA CGM has marked a significant milestone by launching its first Indian-flagged container vessel, CMA CGM Vitoria.
This move positions CMA CGM as the first major global carrier to operate under the Indian flag, enhancing India's maritime presence. The CMA CGM Vitoria, with a capacity of 2,592 TEUs, will serve on the Group’s BIGEX Network, offering direct links between India, the Gulf, and the Red Sea. The vessel will make weekly calls at Nhava Sheva and Mundra ports.
India's textile industry is facing a significant challenge as Bangladesh has closed its land ports for yarn exports, affecting nearly 30 per cent of India's yarn shipments, primarily dyed and special yarn.
This closure has disrupted the usual trade flow, leaving Indian textile mills scrambling for alternative transportation options. At a recent meeting, yarn exporters discussed various strategies, including shipping yarn in containers via sea and exploring inland waterways. However, there are concerns about the lead time associated with shipping by sea, as currently, about 70 per cent of Indian yarn exports to Bangladesh are transported via sea.
Union Bank of India’s Regional Office in Guntur organised a “Mega MSME Outreach Camp” on Monday, aimed at empowering small borrowers and fostering greater financial inclusion.
The event was marked by the presence of Renu Nair, General Manager of Union Bank of India, who attended as the chief guest. During the program, the bank disbursed loans totalling Rs 100 crore to eligible micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) beneficiaries.
In a significant move towards sustainable industrial practices, the Indian government is set to introduce a range of incentives aimed at promoting the production of green steel.
This initiative aligns with India's broader goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik announced that the government is working on a comprehensive mission to support the domestic steel industry's decarbonisation efforts.
"We are trying to do a lot of things to incentivise green steel... including working on a mission where we will try to support the industry for decarbonisation," Poundrik stated at an industry event.
The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) has formally petitioned the Commerce Ministry to extend the Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme for aluminum producers operating in Advance Authorisation (AA) holder units, Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). This appeal follows a similar request made by the Aluminium Association of India (AAI) to the Finance Ministry earlier. The RoDTEP scheme serves as a critical safeguard for maintaining the global competitiveness of nearly 45 percent of India's aluminum exports, which originate from AA/EOU/SEZ units.
The Odisha government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to drive inclusive and sustainable agricultural development across the state.
This landmark collaboration aims to promote innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, precision farming, climate-smart practices, and increased productivity in the dairy and fisheries sectors. The multi-year partnership will focus on providing technical support, conducting research, and implementing science-based solutions at the grassroots level.
Gujarat has reinforced its status as India's pharmaceutical leader by approving 183 new allopathic drug manufacturing facilities in the fiscal year 2024–25, the highest number since the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge brings the total number of new allopathic drug plants approved since March 2019 to over 800, underscoring the state's pivotal role in the nation's pharmaceutical landscape. H.G. Koshia, Commissioner of the Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA), highlighted that these new plants are poised to become operational soon, further bolstering Gujarat's dominance in the sector.
At the valedictory session of The Hindu Tamil Nadu Startup Summit 2025 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu’s MSME Minister TM Anbarasan announced significant developments in the state’s entrepreneurial landscape. Over the past four years, nearly Rs 70 crore has been invested in 205 start-ups through various state-run entrepreneurship development programmes. The Minister also revealed that Rs 20 crore has been allocated for start-ups in the current fiscal year. In a bid to professionalise the state’s start-up ecosystem, Chief Minister MK Stalin initiated the formation of StartupTN, which now boasts a professional CEO and 10 regional hubs across the state.
The Chhattisgarh government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), marking a significant step toward transforming the state into a hub for textile and apparel manufacturing. The agreement is expected to boost economic development and generate substantial employment opportunities throughout the state. During an event at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai interacted with investors and industrialists from the textile sector, inviting them to invest in Chhattisgarh while presenting the state's ambitious vision for textile development.
India and France have formalized a significant defense partnership through the signing of an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Aircraft specifically configured for the Indian Navy. These industrial arrangements are projected to generate substantial employment opportunities and revenue streams for numerous Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in the establishment, production, and operational phases of these facilities. The procurement package encompasses 22 Single-Seater and four Twin-Seater aircraft, along with comprehensive training, simulators, associated equipment, weapons systems, and performance-based logistics support.
Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal has concluded a three-day visit to the Netherlands from April 24-26, 2025, aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The visit underscored India's commitment to strengthening its economic engagement with the Netherlands, a key European partner. During his visit, Barthwal met with Michiel Sweers, Director General for Foreign Economic Relations at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague.
The theatre of work: When employees act busy to appear useful
In offices across the globe, a curious performance unfolds daily. Employees scroll through documents, toggle between spreadsheets, attend endless meetings and dispatch just enough emails to appear industrious. Yet beneath this flurry of activity lies an uncomfortable truth: many have emotionally withdrawn from their roles whilst maintaining the veneer of engagement.
5 Money Habits That Separate Successful Entrepreneurs From Struggling Ones
Successful entrepreneurs build systems, think long-term and let their money habits fuel their growth. On the other hand, struggling entrepreneurs chase revenue and react to financial stress. Here are five specific, high-impact financial habits that consistently set thriving entrepreneurs apart.
5 key marketing tips for early-stage business startup founders
Starting a business-to-business (B2B) startup is an exciting journey filled with challenges and opportunities. As a founder, your vision drives your company, but effective marketing is crucial to convert that vision into reality. In this blog post, we’ll explore five essential marketing tips to help early-stage B2B startup founders navigate the complexities of the startup environment and achieve sustainable growth.
Domestic Steelmakers Now Seek Anti-Dumping Duty to Counter Import Surge
India’s primary stainless steel producers have urged the government to impose anti-dumping duties amid a surge in cheap imports, especially from China and Vietnam.
With global trade tensions escalating due to the ongoing tariff war between the US and China, Indian manufacturers fear a flood of excess Chinese production into the domestic market.
Evren Secures USD 100 Mn Investment From UAE’s ALTÉRRA For Clean Energy Projects
ALTÉRRA, the UAE-based climate investment firm, has announced a significant USD 100 million investment in Indian renewable energy developer Evren.
The capital injection is earmarked to support the development and construction of up to 11 gigawatts (GW) of wind, solar, and battery storage projects across India, with primary focus on Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh states.
Domestic Equity ETFs See 500% Surge In Inflows In March 2025 Amid Market Volatility
Domestic equity-oriented ETFs witnessed a dramatic 500 per cent month-on-month increase in net inflows during March 2025, according to ICRA Analytics.
Domestic Equity ETFs focus specifically on stocks (equities) within the country's market. For Indian investors, these ETFs invest exclusively in shares of India-based companies.
The National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the Quick Estimate of Index of Industrial Production and Use-Based Index for the month of March 2025 (Base 2011-12=100).
FISME regularly receives monthly reports on the economies of various countries from their missions in India. These reports provide information on key economic parameters, trade related information and all news relevant for importers and exporters. In this edition you can take a look at reports on:
Write your comments on the FISME Factor. Share your views and suggestions on MSME issues. Win prize! The best mail will get a special book every fortnight.
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The National Manufacturing Mission (NMM), announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, arrives at a crucial juncture for India's manufacturing sector. Despite inherent advantages of large domestic market, abundant labor and favorable geopolitical shifts such as the China+1 strategy, the sector grapples with significant quantitative and qualitative challenges. NITI Aayog had recently organized a discussion with major associations on the structure of the Mission. Identifying the challenges industries in general and MSMEs in particular face, FISME proposed that institution to rest on four verticals. The first vertical focuses on Feedback and Grievance Redressal, aiming to establish a responsive system with a centralized national portal and district-level cells. The second vertical, Coordination, Monitoring, and Evaluation, emphasizes the creation of a central NMM Coordination Authority, the implementation of district-level KRAs for industrial growth, the development of a data dashboard for tracking progress, rigorous performance monitoring of existing schemes, and regular stakeholder engagement. The third vertical centers on Improving Regulations (Existing & Emerging) and Justice Delivery System, proposing measures such as regulatory simplification through consolidation and decriminalization. The fourth vertical addresses the Competitive Functioning of Factor Markets (Including Banking and Finance), suggesting reforms in banking and finance to promote diversification and AI-driven credit assessment, land reforms to develop affordable industrial estates and regularize unauthorized areas, labor reforms to base minimum wages on objective criteria and cap social security contributions, raw material market interventions to review duties and create raw material hubs and public procurement reforms to prioritize quality over the lowest price on platforms like GeM. The note also suggests the possibility of sector-specific interventions for focused support to emerging industries. Administratively, the NMM is proposed to be headed by a private sector manufacturing expert with Cabinet rank, supported by Secretary and Joint Secretary level officials overseeing the verticals, each with an advisory committee comprising industry stakeholders and government officials. Finally, the NMM will be subject to periodic reviews based on key parameters of ease of doing business, industry dynamics and investment and export performance across geographies and sectors.
With the support of the Ministry of MSME, the Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) hosted an Intellectual Property (IP) awareness webinar on 25 April 2025. It was designed to educate MSMEs on the benefits of protecting their innovations and enhancing competitiveness. The webinar brought together IP experts to discuss the importance of IP protection, commercialization strategies, and government support available for MSMEs.
The speakers were Pooja Kumar, Founder of Innova Intellects LLP and Saniya Scott, Senior Associate at CIP Legit.
In an era shaped by uncertainty, rapid innovation and blurred lines between physical and digital leadership, executive presence has become one of the most critical — and yet most underestimated — skills for high-impact leadership. It's not just about how you look in a boardroom or sound on a Zoom call. It's about the intangible authority you project, the trust you build and the decisions you influence. Executive presence is the signal that tells your team, your board and your investors: "This is someone worth following." But here's the catch: Most executives are never taught how to build it.
India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) registered a growth rate of 3.0 percent for March 2025, slightly higher than the 2.9 percent recorded in February 2025, according to the latest Quick Estimates released by the government.
The Quick Estimates of IIP stands at 164.8 for March 2025 compared to 160.0 in March 2024. Among the three major sectors, Electricity showed the strongest performance with a growth rate of 6.3 percent, followed by Manufacturing at 3.0 percent and Mining at 0.4 percent. The indices for these sectors stand at 217.1, 160.9, and 156.8 respectively.
Chinese firms are increasingly turning to Indian exporters to fulfill U.S. orders amid escalating tariffs and trade tensions.
The U.S. has imposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports, including a 145% baseline tariff and additional duties on shipments under the de minimis threshold, significantly impacting Chinese exporters. In response, Chinese companies are seeking Indian partners to maintain their presence in the U.S. market. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has identified a $25 billion export opportunity for India, particularly in sectors where China has been a dominant supplier.
French shipping giant CMA CGM has marked a significant milestone by launching its first Indian-flagged container vessel, CMA CGM Vitoria.
This move positions CMA CGM as the first major global carrier to operate under the Indian flag, enhancing India's maritime presence. The CMA CGM Vitoria, with a capacity of 2,592 TEUs, will serve on the Group’s BIGEX Network, offering direct links between India, the Gulf, and the Red Sea. The vessel will make weekly calls at Nhava Sheva and Mundra ports.
India's textile industry is facing a significant challenge as Bangladesh has closed its land ports for yarn exports, affecting nearly 30 per cent of India's yarn shipments, primarily dyed and special yarn.
This closure has disrupted the usual trade flow, leaving Indian textile mills scrambling for alternative transportation options. At a recent meeting, yarn exporters discussed various strategies, including shipping yarn in containers via sea and exploring inland waterways. However, there are concerns about the lead time associated with shipping by sea, as currently, about 70 per cent of Indian yarn exports to Bangladesh are transported via sea.
Union Bank of India’s Regional Office in Guntur organised a “Mega MSME Outreach Camp” on Monday, aimed at empowering small borrowers and fostering greater financial inclusion.
The event was marked by the presence of Renu Nair, General Manager of Union Bank of India, who attended as the chief guest. During the program, the bank disbursed loans totalling Rs 100 crore to eligible micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) beneficiaries.
In a significant move towards sustainable industrial practices, the Indian government is set to introduce a range of incentives aimed at promoting the production of green steel.
This initiative aligns with India's broader goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik announced that the government is working on a comprehensive mission to support the domestic steel industry's decarbonisation efforts.
"We are trying to do a lot of things to incentivise green steel... including working on a mission where we will try to support the industry for decarbonisation," Poundrik stated at an industry event.
The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) has formally petitioned the Commerce Ministry to extend the Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme for aluminum producers operating in Advance Authorisation (AA) holder units, Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). This appeal follows a similar request made by the Aluminium Association of India (AAI) to the Finance Ministry earlier. The RoDTEP scheme serves as a critical safeguard for maintaining the global competitiveness of nearly 45 percent of India's aluminum exports, which originate from AA/EOU/SEZ units.
The Odisha government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to drive inclusive and sustainable agricultural development across the state.
This landmark collaboration aims to promote innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, precision farming, climate-smart practices, and increased productivity in the dairy and fisheries sectors. The multi-year partnership will focus on providing technical support, conducting research, and implementing science-based solutions at the grassroots level.
Gujarat has reinforced its status as India's pharmaceutical leader by approving 183 new allopathic drug manufacturing facilities in the fiscal year 2024–25, the highest number since the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge brings the total number of new allopathic drug plants approved since March 2019 to over 800, underscoring the state's pivotal role in the nation's pharmaceutical landscape. H.G. Koshia, Commissioner of the Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA), highlighted that these new plants are poised to become operational soon, further bolstering Gujarat's dominance in the sector.
At the valedictory session of The Hindu Tamil Nadu Startup Summit 2025 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu’s MSME Minister TM Anbarasan announced significant developments in the state’s entrepreneurial landscape. Over the past four years, nearly Rs 70 crore has been invested in 205 start-ups through various state-run entrepreneurship development programmes. The Minister also revealed that Rs 20 crore has been allocated for start-ups in the current fiscal year. In a bid to professionalise the state’s start-up ecosystem, Chief Minister MK Stalin initiated the formation of StartupTN, which now boasts a professional CEO and 10 regional hubs across the state.
The Chhattisgarh government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), marking a significant step toward transforming the state into a hub for textile and apparel manufacturing. The agreement is expected to boost economic development and generate substantial employment opportunities throughout the state. During an event at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai interacted with investors and industrialists from the textile sector, inviting them to invest in Chhattisgarh while presenting the state's ambitious vision for textile development.
India and France have formalized a significant defense partnership through the signing of an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Aircraft specifically configured for the Indian Navy. These industrial arrangements are projected to generate substantial employment opportunities and revenue streams for numerous Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in the establishment, production, and operational phases of these facilities. The procurement package encompasses 22 Single-Seater and four Twin-Seater aircraft, along with comprehensive training, simulators, associated equipment, weapons systems, and performance-based logistics support.
Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal has concluded a three-day visit to the Netherlands from April 24-26, 2025, aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The visit underscored India's commitment to strengthening its economic engagement with the Netherlands, a key European partner. During his visit, Barthwal met with Michiel Sweers, Director General for Foreign Economic Relations at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague.
According to the FISME factor, 100% of MSMEs believe that Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on raw materials have increased their production costs.
In offices across the globe, a curious performance unfolds daily. Employees scroll through documents, toggle between spreadsheets, attend endless meetings and dispatch just enough emails to appear industrious. Yet beneath this flurry of activity lies an uncomfortable truth: many have emotionally withdrawn from their roles whilst maintaining the veneer of engagement.
Successful entrepreneurs build systems, think long-term and let their money habits fuel their growth. On the other hand, struggling entrepreneurs chase revenue and react to financial stress. Here are five specific, high-impact financial habits that consistently set thriving entrepreneurs apart.
Starting a business-to-business (B2B) startup is an exciting journey filled with challenges and opportunities. As a founder, your vision drives your company, but effective marketing is crucial to convert that vision into reality. In this blog post, we’ll explore five essential marketing tips to help early-stage B2B startup founders navigate the complexities of the startup environment and achieve sustainable growth.
India’s primary stainless steel producers have urged the government to impose anti-dumping duties amid a surge in cheap imports, especially from China and Vietnam.
With global trade tensions escalating due to the ongoing tariff war between the US and China, Indian manufacturers fear a flood of excess Chinese production into the domestic market.
ALTÉRRA, the UAE-based climate investment firm, has announced a significant USD 100 million investment in Indian renewable energy developer Evren.
The capital injection is earmarked to support the development and construction of up to 11 gigawatts (GW) of wind, solar, and battery storage projects across India, with primary focus on Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh states.
Domestic equity-oriented ETFs witnessed a dramatic 500 per cent month-on-month increase in net inflows during March 2025, according to ICRA Analytics.
Domestic Equity ETFs focus specifically on stocks (equities) within the country's market. For Indian investors, these ETFs invest exclusively in shares of India-based companies.
