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President Message
The proposed amendments to the MSMED Act mark one of the most significant attempts in recent years to modernize India's legislative framework for Micro, Small and Medium enterprises. At FISME, we welcome the Government's continued commitment to strengthening the institutional ecosystem for MSMEs and in particular to addressing one of the sector's most persistent challenges—delayed payments. Several provisions deserve special appreciation but two deserve special mention: one, the proposal to institutionalize TReDS as the preferred platform for settlement of MSME invoices by CPSEs is another important step towards creating a more transparent and technology-driven payment ecosystem. Second, the reforms relating to delayed payments are especially noteworthy. Time-bound mediation and arbitration, the introduction of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), and the proposal to enable execution of awards through recovery as arrears of land revenue or through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code have the potential to substantially improve the enforceability of MSME dues. If implemented effectively through well-crafted Rules, these measures could significantly reduce the time and cost involved in recovering legitimate business receivables. At the same time, these amendments should be viewed as the beginning rather than the culmination of MSME reforms. India today requires a comprehensive MSME legislation that reflects the realities of a rapidly changing business environment. The present amendments continue to focus primarily on definitions and delayed payments, while critical issues such as access to finance, technology adoption, industrial infrastructure, labour flexibility, regulatory simplification, and emerging green compliance requirements remain outside the legislative framework. These are areas that increasingly determine the competitiveness of Indian enterprises in domestic and global markets. Legislative reform is always an evolving process. The proposed amendments demonstrate the Government's willingness to strengthen the MSME ecosystem, and they provide a valuable opportunity to build a more robust, comprehensive, and future-ready law. FISME remains committed to working constructively with policymakers, industry, and all stakeholders to ensure that the final legislation not only addresses delayed payments but also creates an enabling environment in which India's MSMEs can innovate, compete, and grow with confidence.
On 9 July 2026, FISME President Rakesh Chhabra and Secretary General Dr. Anil Bhardwaj met Hon'ble Delhi Cabinet Minister Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa. They presented "Delhi 2047: Economic Development Strategy – An MSME-Focused Approach" and proposed a capacity-building initiative for Delhi-based MSME associations to strengthen their capabilities and enhance support for the city's MSME ecosystem.
FISME, in association with Mahindra University, organized a national conference on 17 July in New Delhi on Global Shocks, Local Stakes: MSMEs at the Crossroads of Trade and Transition. The conference examined the impact of evolving U.S. tariff policies, shifting global trade dynamics, and the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Experts highlighted emerging opportunities for Indian MSMEs through innovation, sustainability, cleaner technologies, and enhanced competitiveness in global markets.
On 31 July 2026, FISME, in collaboration with the Centre for Improving Access to Justice (CIAJ), organised an awareness webinar on the recently introduced Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The session highlighted the key provisions, objectives, and implications of the Bill, which was introduced in Parliament on 28 July 2026 to strengthen the MSME ecosystem and align the legal framework with the sector's evolving business and regulatory landscape.
At its core, international business involves transactions across different countries and cultures. While this may sound straightforward, navigating differences in trade laws, business practices, languages, and social norms can present challenges. To succeed globally, business professionals must develop key skills to build relationships, negotiate effectively, and drive business success across borders. Here are eight essential international business skills to master, and tips for building those skills.
Small businesses supplying goods and services to central public sector undertakings (CPSUs) will get their dues cleared faster under proposed amendments to the MSME Development Act, 2006, introduced in Parliament Tuesday, that seek mandatory digital invoicing, stronger protection against delayed payments and faster settlement of disputes. The move is aimed at improving liquidity and reducing the long waiting period that often leaves small businesses short .of working capital despite having completed their supplies or services....
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Saturday said its concessional swap facility has attracted foreign exchange inflows of USD 40.82 billion as of July 31, 2026. The facility, introduced to encourage capital inflows and support the balance of payments, has seen strong and steady participation since its launch in June..Of the total inflows, Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] deposits accounted for the bulk at USD 36.73 billion. Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings (OFCBs) contributed USD 2.57 billion, while External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) amounted to USD 1.52 billion.
India’s textile and apparel exports, including handicrafts, rose 1.8 percent to Rs 3,25,339 crore in 2025–26 from Rs 3,19,573.2 crore in 2024–25, with export growth recorded across more than 100 countries. The information was provided by Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.The Government has implemented schemes and measures to strengthen the sector’s export competitiveness, including the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel Parks Scheme, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles, National Technical Textiles Mission and SAMARTH.
India's engineering goods exports grew 21 percent year-on-year to USD 11.48 billion in June, driven by strong demand from key markets including China, the United States, Germany and Oman, according to EEPC India.Engineering exports rose 18.09 percent to USD 34.14 billion during the April-June quarter of FY27, compared to USD 28.91 billion in the corresponding period last year.
The sector, which accounts for over a quarter of India's merchandise exports, contributed 28.4 percent of the country's total merchandise exports in June, based on government quick estimates cited by EEPC India.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, has approved ‘Samudra Manthan’—the National Offshore Exploration Scheme—with an outlay of Rs 84,084 crore for implementation up to FY 2030–31. The scheme aims to expand India’s offshore oil and gas exploration and production, in line with the government’s broader objective of strengthening energy security and supporting long-term economic growth, according to a government release.
The Supreme Court has clarified that the moratorium under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 applies only to the corporate debtor and does not extend to promoters, directors, or other associated parties in consumer disputes. The ruling came while hearing appeals against an order of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which had adjourned a consumer complaint indefinitely due to insolvency proceedings against a developer company.
India’s increasing use of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on industrial products has led to higher manufacturing costs and supply chain disruptions, particularly affecting smaller firms, according to a study by the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP). QCOs mandate that products comply with standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) before being sold in India. While intended to ensure quality and safety, the study found that their rapid expansion—especially on intermediate goods—has added compliance burdens for both domestic manufacturers and importers.
The Finance Ministry has imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty of USD 42.95 to USD 128.83 per tonne on imports of low-ash metallurgical coke from Australia, China PR, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan and Russia. The duty applies to metallurgical coke containing less than 18 percent ash and will be effective for five years from the date of imposition of the provisional anti-dumping duty, unless revoked, amended or superseded earlier, according to a government notification.
The Odisha government has secured investment commitments worth Rs 913.13 crore through 13 MoUs with women entrepreneurs across sectors, with the proposed projects expected to generate 4,302 direct jobs.The MoUs were signed at an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Indian Women Network (IWN) in Bhubaneswar as part of the state's efforts to promote women as entrepreneurs, employers and investors, reported Business Standard.
The Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) being established in Gwalior is expected to attract Rs 10,000-12,000 crore investment across two phases, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia said. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Madhya Pradesh government have signed an MoU to establish the TMZ across 170 acres in Gwalior, reported PTI. Fourteen companies have announced investments in the first phase. These include HFCL with Rs 700 crore, VVDN Technologies with Rs 500 crore, Sparsh CCTV with Rs 300 crore, Syrma SGS with Rs 250 crore, Dixon Technologies with Rs 200 crore, Paramount Cable with Rs 200 crore, Optiemus Infracom with Rs 150 crore and Lava International Group with Rs 130 crore, among others.Internet & Telecom
The Haryana government unveils a new MSME and Export Promotion Policy aiming at attracting over Rs 55,000 crore in manufacturing investment, creating more than 5 lakh jobs and doubling exports over the next five years. Approved under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the policy introduces 60 initiatives for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector as Haryana approaches its 60th year of formation.
The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to implement the Integrated Model Building Regulations-2026 to bring uniformity in building construction norms across industrial development authorities in the state.A five-member committee headed by Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Planning, P. Guru Prasad, studied building policies in Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, Telangana, Maharashtra, Odisha and Tamil Nadu before drafting the proposed regulations.
India and Bhutan held high-level discussions to review the progress of ongoing development projects supported by India, while also expanding cooperation in key sectors including health and infrastructure. The fifth round of the India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks was co-chaired by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Bhutanese counterpart Dasho Pema Lektup Dorji on Thursday.The discussions centred on the implementation of projects under Bhutan 13th Five-Year Plan, with both sides reviewing progress across sectors such as infrastructure, connectivity, education, and capacity building.
The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) announced the operationalisation of the integration between the Maldives Instant Payment System, Favara, and India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on July 30, 2026, enabling real-time person-to-person fund transfers from the Maldives to UPI-enabled bank accounts in India. The service initially involves Bank of Maldives Plc and Maldives Islamic Bank Plc. Customers of these banks can initiate P2P transfers through their mobile banking applications using the Favara payment rail. Transactions are initiated in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) and credited to recipients in Indian Rupees (INR) through UPI.
Should organisations hire for adaptability over expertise?
The hiring conversation has shifted dramatically over the past few years. Once, technical expertise was the gold standard, proof that a candidate could step in and deliver from day one. Today, that assumption is being challenged. AI is transforming jobs, industries are evolving at breakneck speed and the skills employees possess today may become outdated much sooner than expected. As organisations navigate this changing landscape, adaptability has emerged as one of the most sought-after qualities. Recruiters increasingly value curiosity, learning agility and the willingness to embrace change.
Astartup financial model is not just a spreadsheet for investors. It is a decision-making tool for founders. In India’s funding environment, where capital cycles fluctuate, investors expect discipline and clarity. A strong model shows how your startup scales, how long your runway lasts, and how much capital you need to raise. The key is to build it bottom-up using granular assumptions rather than broad market guesses.
Small Business Marketing In 2026: The Ultimate Guide
Whether you’re launching a new business or refining your current strategy, building a marketing plan from the ground up can feel daunting. This guide breaks down the essential first steps to help you create a clear, focused and effective strategy tailored to your goals and resources. You’ll learn how to better understand your audience, choose the right digital channels and set yourself up for marketing success.
Indian Textile Exporters May Face Competitive Pressure In US Over Lack Of TRQ Benefits
Indian textile and apparel exporters may lose some competitive edge in the US market despite being placed in a relatively favourable tariff bracket under new trade measures, according to a report by Emkay Research. The report noted that the US has imposed a 10 per cent tariff on Indian exports under Section 301,
Quick Clean Raises ₹133 Crore to Scale Laundry Infrastructure
Quick Clean, an on-premise laundry infrastructure company, has raised US$14 million (approximately ₹133 crore) in a Series B funding round led by Stakeboat Capital, with continued participation from existing investors Alkemi Growth Capital and Blue Ashva Capital. The fresh capital will be used to expand the company’s footprint across India,
VoltSeal installs batteries at factories and offices to replace diesel generators
India has added solar power faster than it has built the storage to use it efficiently. Output peaks in the middle of the day, and a share of it goes unused. Demand peaks in the evening, when the sun has gone, and tariffs are at their highest. Factories and offices bridge the gap with diesel generators, which are expensive to run and dirty. Electricity is no longer priced the same around the clock. Under time-of-day pricing,
The National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has released the Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and Use- Based Index for the Month of June 2026 (Base 2022-23=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 proposed amendments to the MSMED Act mark one of the most significant attempts in recent years to modernize India's legislative framework for Micro, Small and Medium enterprises. At FISME, we welcome the Government's continued commitment to strengthening the institutional ecosystem for MSMEs and in particular to addressing one of the sector's most persistent challenges—delayed payments. Several provisions deserve special appreciation but two deserve special mention: one, the proposal to institutionalize TReDS as the preferred platform for settlement of MSME invoices by CPSEs is another important step towards creating a more transparent and technology-driven payment ecosystem. Second, the reforms relating to delayed payments are especially noteworthy. Time-bound mediation and arbitration, the introduction of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), and the proposal to enable execution of awards through recovery as arrears of land revenue or through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code have the potential to substantially improve the enforceability of MSME dues. If implemented effectively through well-crafted Rules, these measures could significantly reduce the time and cost involved in recovering legitimate business receivables. At the same time, these amendments should be viewed as the beginning rather than the culmination of MSME reforms. India today requires a comprehensive MSME legislation that reflects the realities of a rapidly changing business environment. The present amendments continue to focus primarily on definitions and delayed payments, while critical issues such as access to finance, technology adoption, industrial infrastructure, labour flexibility, regulatory simplification, and emerging green compliance requirements remain outside the legislative framework. These are areas that increasingly determine the competitiveness of Indian enterprises in domestic and global markets. Legislative reform is always an evolving process. The proposed amendments demonstrate the Government's willingness to strengthen the MSME ecosystem, and they provide a valuable opportunity to build a more robust, comprehensive, and future-ready law. FISME remains committed to working constructively with policymakers, industry, and all stakeholders to ensure that the final legislation not only addresses delayed payments but also creates an enabling environment in which India's MSMEs can innovate, compete, and grow with confidence.
On 9 July 2026, FISME President Rakesh Chhabra and Secretary General Dr. Anil Bhardwaj met Hon'ble Delhi Cabinet Minister Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa. They presented "Delhi 2047: Economic Development Strategy – An MSME-Focused Approach" and proposed a capacity-building initiative for Delhi-based MSME associations to strengthen their capabilities and enhance support for the city's MSME ecosystem.
FISME, in association with Mahindra University, organized a national conference on 17 July in New Delhi on Global Shocks, Local Stakes: MSMEs at the Crossroads of Trade and Transition. The conference examined the impact of evolving U.S. tariff policies, shifting global trade dynamics, and the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Experts highlighted emerging opportunities for Indian MSMEs through innovation, sustainability, cleaner technologies, and enhanced competitiveness in global markets.
On 31 July 2026, FISME, in collaboration with the Centre for Improving Access to Justice (CIAJ), organised an awareness webinar on the recently introduced Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The session highlighted the key provisions, objectives, and implications of the Bill, which was introduced in Parliament on 28 July 2026 to strengthen the MSME ecosystem and align the legal framework with the sector's evolving business and regulatory landscape.
At its core, international business involves transactions across different countries and cultures. While this may sound straightforward, navigating differences in trade laws, business practices, languages, and social norms can present challenges. To succeed globally, business professionals must develop key skills to build relationships, negotiate effectively, and drive business success across borders. Here are eight essential international business skills to master, and tips for building those skills.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Saturday said its concessional swap facility has attracted foreign exchange inflows of USD 40.82 billion as of July 31, 2026. The facility, introduced to encourage capital inflows and support the balance of payments, has seen strong and steady participation since its launch in June..Of the total inflows, Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] deposits accounted for the bulk at USD 36.73 billion. Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings (OFCBs) contributed USD 2.57 billion, while External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) amounted to USD 1.52 billion.
India’s textile and apparel exports, including handicrafts, rose 1.8 percent to Rs 3,25,339 crore in 2025–26 from Rs 3,19,573.2 crore in 2024–25, with export growth recorded across more than 100 countries. The information was provided by Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.The Government has implemented schemes and measures to strengthen the sector’s export competitiveness, including the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel Parks Scheme, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles, National Technical Textiles Mission and SAMARTH.
India's engineering goods exports grew 21 percent year-on-year to USD 11.48 billion in June, driven by strong demand from key markets including China, the United States, Germany and Oman, according to EEPC India.Engineering exports rose 18.09 percent to USD 34.14 billion during the April-June quarter of FY27, compared to USD 28.91 billion in the corresponding period last year.
The sector, which accounts for over a quarter of India's merchandise exports, contributed 28.4 percent of the country's total merchandise exports in June, based on government quick estimates cited by EEPC India.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, has approved ‘Samudra Manthan’—the National Offshore Exploration Scheme—with an outlay of Rs 84,084 crore for implementation up to FY 2030–31. The scheme aims to expand India’s offshore oil and gas exploration and production, in line with the government’s broader objective of strengthening energy security and supporting long-term economic growth, according to a government release.
The Supreme Court has clarified that the moratorium under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 applies only to the corporate debtor and does not extend to promoters, directors, or other associated parties in consumer disputes. The ruling came while hearing appeals against an order of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which had adjourned a consumer complaint indefinitely due to insolvency proceedings against a developer company.
India’s increasing use of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on industrial products has led to higher manufacturing costs and supply chain disruptions, particularly affecting smaller firms, according to a study by the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP). QCOs mandate that products comply with standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) before being sold in India. While intended to ensure quality and safety, the study found that their rapid expansion—especially on intermediate goods—has added compliance burdens for both domestic manufacturers and importers.
The Finance Ministry has imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty of USD 42.95 to USD 128.83 per tonne on imports of low-ash metallurgical coke from Australia, China PR, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan and Russia. The duty applies to metallurgical coke containing less than 18 percent ash and will be effective for five years from the date of imposition of the provisional anti-dumping duty, unless revoked, amended or superseded earlier, according to a government notification.
The Odisha government has secured investment commitments worth Rs 913.13 crore through 13 MoUs with women entrepreneurs across sectors, with the proposed projects expected to generate 4,302 direct jobs.The MoUs were signed at an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Indian Women Network (IWN) in Bhubaneswar as part of the state's efforts to promote women as entrepreneurs, employers and investors, reported Business Standard.
The Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) being established in Gwalior is expected to attract Rs 10,000-12,000 crore investment across two phases, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia said. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Madhya Pradesh government have signed an MoU to establish the TMZ across 170 acres in Gwalior, reported PTI. Fourteen companies have announced investments in the first phase. These include HFCL with Rs 700 crore, VVDN Technologies with Rs 500 crore, Sparsh CCTV with Rs 300 crore, Syrma SGS with Rs 250 crore, Dixon Technologies with Rs 200 crore, Paramount Cable with Rs 200 crore, Optiemus Infracom with Rs 150 crore and Lava International Group with Rs 130 crore, among others.Internet & Telecom
The Haryana government unveils a new MSME and Export Promotion Policy aiming at attracting over Rs 55,000 crore in manufacturing investment, creating more than 5 lakh jobs and doubling exports over the next five years. Approved under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the policy introduces 60 initiatives for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector as Haryana approaches its 60th year of formation.
The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to implement the Integrated Model Building Regulations-2026 to bring uniformity in building construction norms across industrial development authorities in the state.A five-member committee headed by Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Planning, P. Guru Prasad, studied building policies in Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, Telangana, Maharashtra, Odisha and Tamil Nadu before drafting the proposed regulations.
India and Bhutan held high-level discussions to review the progress of ongoing development projects supported by India, while also expanding cooperation in key sectors including health and infrastructure. The fifth round of the India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks was co-chaired by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Bhutanese counterpart Dasho Pema Lektup Dorji on Thursday.The discussions centred on the implementation of projects under Bhutan 13th Five-Year Plan, with both sides reviewing progress across sectors such as infrastructure, connectivity, education, and capacity building.
The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) announced the operationalisation of the integration between the Maldives Instant Payment System, Favara, and India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on July 30, 2026, enabling real-time person-to-person fund transfers from the Maldives to UPI-enabled bank accounts in India. The service initially involves Bank of Maldives Plc and Maldives Islamic Bank Plc. Customers of these banks can initiate P2P transfers through their mobile banking applications using the Favara payment rail. Transactions are initiated in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) and credited to recipients in Indian Rupees (INR) through UPI.
According to the FISME factor, 100% of MSMEs prioritize the minimal documentation feature in ECLGS 5.0.
The hiring conversation has shifted dramatically over the past few years. Once, technical expertise was the gold standard, proof that a candidate could step in and deliver from day one. Today, that assumption is being challenged. AI is transforming jobs, industries are evolving at breakneck speed and the skills employees possess today may become outdated much sooner than expected. As organisations navigate this changing landscape, adaptability has emerged as one of the most sought-after qualities. Recruiters increasingly value curiosity, learning agility and the willingness to embrace change.
Astartup financial model is not just a spreadsheet for investors. It is a decision-making tool for founders. In India’s funding environment, where capital cycles fluctuate, investors expect discipline and clarity. A strong model shows how your startup scales, how long your runway lasts, and how much capital you need to raise. The key is to build it bottom-up using granular assumptions rather than broad market guesses.
Whether you’re launching a new business or refining your current strategy, building a marketing plan from the ground up can feel daunting. This guide breaks down the essential first steps to help you create a clear, focused and effective strategy tailored to your goals and resources. You’ll learn how to better understand your audience, choose the right digital channels and set yourself up for marketing success.
Indian textile and apparel exporters may lose some competitive edge in the US market despite being placed in a relatively favourable tariff bracket under new trade measures, according to a report by Emkay Research. The report noted that the US has imposed a 10 per cent tariff on Indian exports under Section 301,
Quick Clean, an on-premise laundry infrastructure company, has raised US$14 million (approximately ₹133 crore) in a Series B funding round led by Stakeboat Capital, with continued participation from existing investors Alkemi Growth Capital and Blue Ashva Capital. The fresh capital will be used to expand the company’s footprint across India,
India has added solar power faster than it has built the storage to use it efficiently. Output peaks in the middle of the day, and a share of it goes unused. Demand peaks in the evening, when the sun has gone, and tariffs are at their highest. Factories and offices bridge the gap with diesel generators, which are expensive to run and dirty. Electricity is no longer priced the same around the clock. Under time-of-day pricing,
