India’s cloud & agtech attract businesses while expanding with semiconductors & automated EVs

India is actively attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and strengthening trade relations with global partners to drive economic growth and enhance its position in the international market. In January, Seven privately-held Indian startups were chosen for a first-of-its-kind India-US space and defense collaboration program, potentially unlocking a lucrative and strategic market for Indian firms, an investor who co-launched the project told Reuters. US-based Parent Geenee Inc. launched in India, as well as, Japan’s SHARP Corporation launched its latest Air Conditioners in India.

The Tech Panda takes a look at how India has been attracting foreign businesses from business hubs like the US stemming from the country’s needs in agtech and market for cloud. At the same time, Indian companies are expanding to the US and the Netherlands by engaging in mutual trade and providing solutions in automated EVs and semiconductors.

OUTGOING

India & the Netherlands Strengthen Ties with $52 B FDI Equity Inflows

As pera Rubix Data Sciences report, India and the Netherlands have witnessed a remarkable surge in trade relations, making the Netherlands India’s 3rd largest export destination in FY2024, a sharp rise from 7th in FY2020. During these five years, Indian exports to the Netherlands grew at an impressive 28% CAGR, driven largely by refined petroleum, which now makes up 64% of India’s total exports to the country. FDI inflows from the Netherlands into India between April 2000 and September 2024 stood at USD 52 billion, making it India’s 4th largest foreign investor.

“India and the Netherlands have built a strong trade and investment bond, and the numbers speak for themselves,” said Mohan Ramaswamy, Co-founder and CEO at Rubix Data Sciences. “With the Netherlands now India’s 3rd largest export market and a major investor, Indian businesses have a real opportunity to expand their reach. Whether it is tapping into trade flows or attracting investment, those who understand the trends and act fast will stay ahead.”

Delivering Autonomous EVs to the US

In February, Affordable Robotic and Automation Limited (ARAPL) (BSE: 541402) (NSE: AFFORDABLE) subsidiary ARAPL RaaS started delivering autonomous electric vehicles to its warehousing clients in the US. With an order book of US$4 M, ARAPL RaaS is vying for a share in the $300 B warehousing automation market.

Milind Padole, Managing Director, ARAPL, said, “US is among the top three warehousing automation markets and the most competitive globally. Putting our products on the ground here is a testament to our R&D, system-reliable technology, and ability to deliver quality efficiently. We envision US markets to account for significant revenue by this year”.

The company is consolidating its strategy to foray into the European markets once it marks significant revenues in the US this calendar year.

A semiconductor deal with the US

RRP Electronics Limited, a company in the semiconductor industry and backed by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, tied up with US-based Deca Technologies, Inc. (Deca), to enhance its semiconductor capabilities. Under the alliance, RRP Electronics – a firm focused on assembling and testing of semiconductor components – will utilise Deca’s cutting-edge wafer-level packaging solutions to enhance its semiconductor capabilities. RRP will integrate Deca’s WLCSP and M-Series™ FOWLP technologies with the company’s assembly and testing processes. Deca is backed by major industry investors such as Qualcomm, Infineon, and ASE Group.

Currently, RRP is collaborating on a high-profile project for a Swiss customer, focused on the production of sophisticated ASICs in QFN packages, further demonstrating commitment to excellence and innovation in the electronics sector.

Rajendra K Chodankar, Chairman and CEO, RRP Electronics said, “We are prepared to invest in a large-scale Technology Transfer License Agreement (TTLA) with potential exclusive terms for the complete automated infrastructure and take this alliance beyond horizons. The present infrastructure will also significantly contribute to the Deca ecosystem. We envisage the set up functional operations after a qualification test in August 2025. This collaboration has the potential to generate revenue of over USD 30 million (about ?260 crore) in the second year of operation, with quantum jumps in subsequent years.”

Tim Olson, Founder and CEO of Deca said, “We are excited to be an integral part of India’s exciting journey to become a prominent player in the growing global semi-conductor industry. I am deeply impressed by the focus of the RRP Electronics team and believe that the relationship with Deca will accelerate their ambitious plans.”

INCOMING

Sustainable Pheromone-Based Pest Control Solutions from the US

Provivi, a pheromone-based crop protection company, and Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL), an Indian Research & Development focused food and agri-business conglomerate, tied up to deliver sustainable pest control solutions tailored for India’s critical rice and corn farmers.

Under this collaboration, GAVL would be introducing sustainable solutions in India. The company will distribute Provivi’s YSB Eco-Dispenser, specifically designed to control Yellow Stem Borer (YSB) in rice and will hold exclusive commercialization rights for the FAW Eco-Dispenser targeting Fall Armyworm (FAW) in corn in India. These pheromone-based technologies will provide Indian farmers with advanced, environmentally friendly pest management tools, supporting the livelihoods of millions of growers who depend on rice and corn cultivation.

Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, GAVL, said “With changing climatic conditions leading to increased pest challenges, it’s more important than ever to empower Indian farmers with innovative, sustainable technologies that enhance productivity. As a Research & Development-driven agri-conglomerate, we are dedicated to delivering solutions that support and uplift farming families. Our partnership with Provivi reflects our commitment to providing timely, effective support—combining their expertise with our extensive distribution network to make a real difference for farmers.”

Rice and corn are essential crops in India, playing pivotal roles in national food security and the economy. As a major player in the global rice market and a significant producer of corn for various industries – including food, animal feed, and manufacturing – India is well-positioned to benefit from innovations in sustainable pest management.

The Provivi YSB and FAW Eco-Dispensers are developed using biodegradable materials, ensuring long-lasting efficacy while minimizing environmental impact. These products will be available to Indian farmers in 2029.

A new cloud region in India from US software

Qlik®, a US based software company, launched its new cloud region in India. Located in Mumbai, this strategic investment enhances Qlik’s global cloud infrastructure and deepens its long-term commitment to the Indian market, meeting the growing demand for local data storage, regulatory compliance, and advanced AI capabilities.

“As one of India’s largest public sector enterprises, Indian Oil is committed to utilizing data intelligence for operational efficiency and sustainability across our energy grid. Qlik’s first cloud region in India will surely empower businesses to access data faster. Such cloud offerings will provide the scalability and security needed to manage extensive datasets, supporting large organizations to make informed, data-driven decisions,” said Suresh Nambiar, Executive Director (Information Systems), Indian Oil Corporation Limited.

With the new cloud region, customer data will be stored and processed within India, aligning with local privacy laws. This approach will not only mitigate geopolitical risks but also cater to India’s unique regulatory landscape. By keeping data closer to end-users, Qlik reduces latency, enabling faster access to services and more stable operations, resulting in improved user experience. Customers can benefit from Qlik’s advanced AI features, like Qlik AutoML and Qlik Answers, for rapid data analysis and automated workflows. These tools help organizations extract actionable insights from unstructured data, fostering innovation and informed decision-making. It will give access to responsive, localized customer support, ensuring tailored solutions that meet specific business needs. Support to Qlik’s growing customer base with the aims to double market share in India by 2026, fostering both scalability and innovation within the local business ecosystem.

In addition to enhancing customer experiences, the new cloud region will create new job opportunities in India, which is currently Qlik’s second-largest employee base in the Asia Pacific region. This expansion will involve hiring across sales, presales, consulting, and professional services, with a strong emphasis on AI and data governance expertise. Qlik is dedicated to investing in local talent and resources, positioning India as a key hub for research and development (R&D), customer support, and marketing initiatives.