India advances digital infrastructure and automotive manufacturing

India is seeing significant advancements in both its digital infrastructure and industrial manufacturing sectors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the country's digital ecosystem at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, emphasizing how digital payment platforms promote inclusion by allowing businesses of all scales, from street vendors to large showrooms, to access the same systems. This digital growth is supported by rapid 5G adoption; GSMA Chair Gopal Vittal noted that India now has 450 million 5G connections, underpinning a growing digital economy.

In the manufacturing sector, Maharashtra officials inaugurated Hyundai Motor India’s advanced manufacturing facility in Talegaon, Pune. The plant represents an investment of over $1.5 billion and utilizes AI-powered operations and smart manufacturing systems. The facility has an initial annual production capacity of 170,000 units, with plans to expand to 320,000 units by 2030. The project is expected to boost local employment and strengthen the state's position as a global automotive hub, with the plant set to export vehicles to more than 35 countries.