On this Special Report, strategic affairs expert Dr. Wael Awad discusses the escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. Dr. Awad notes that with Donald Trump at the helm, 'he may be looking for a diplomatic outcome, but he's more keen on doing something, sabotaging any kind of tranquility in the region.' He highlights that the presence of Arab ministers in India for a summit after a decade signifies that these nations view India as a 'major stakeholder' capable of 'triangulizing the area without going into a war.' The discussion further explores the potential impact on Arab countries hosting American military bases, with Dr. Awad warning that Iran has identified such locations as legitimate targets if used for attacks. He also points to the movement of American warships toward Diego Garcia and the deployment of sophisticated weaponry as indicators of the intensifying military posturing in the Persian Gulf region.
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Sajid Chinoy: 'We should be thinking of easing Press Note 3 and attracting more Chinese FDI'
This India Today Special Report, hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai, features a pre-budget roundtable ahead of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth consecutive Union Budget. The panel, including economists Neelkanth Mishra and JP Morgan’s Sajid Chinoy, analyzes the 2026 Union Budget challenges amidst global headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty. Key discussion points include fiscal consolidation, job creation, and the necessity of private investment to drive long-term economic growth. Sajid Chinoy advocates for strategic trade shifts, suggesting the easing of Press Note 3 to attract Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for local job creation and technology transfer. The experts debate India's potential entry into the CPTPP and the impact of rupee volatility on macroeconomic stability. The program examines the balance between fiscal discipline and structural reforms required to boost labor incomes. This comprehensive analysis explores how global financial instability and fragmented trade environments influence India's growth trajectory as the nation approaches its demographic peak in 2047, emphasizing the urgency of a fast-paced reform agenda.
Sajid Chinoy: 'We Should Be Thinking Of Easing Press Note 3' To Attract Chinese FDI
This India Today special report features a pre-budget roundtable hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai, focusing on the Union Budget 2026 and the challenges facing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Top economists, including Neelkanth Mishra, Sajid Chinoy, and Naina Lal Kidwai, analyze India's strategy amidst global geopolitical shifts and the 'fog of uncertainty.' Key discussion points include the 4.4% fiscal deficit target, the impact of 'Operation Sindoor' on defense spending, and the necessity of structural reforms to boost manufacturing. Experts deliberate on easing Press Note 3 to attract Chinese FDI, the role of the 16th Finance Commission, and tax clarity for Global Capability Centres. The panel provides a GDP growth forecast for FY27 between 6.5% and 7%, emphasizing the urgency of micro-reforms in urban infrastructure and agriculture. The report highlights the tension between fiscal consolidation and the need for private investment to jumpstart the economy, exploring trade relations with ASEAN and the importance of export-led growth in a fragmented global order.
Naina Lal Kidwai Urges Tax Clarity And Dispute Settlement Reforms Ahead Of Union Budget
On this India Today special report, the panel discusses critical expectations for the upcoming Union Budget and the necessity of structural reforms. Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairperson of Rothschild & Co India, emphasizes the need for tax clarity, stating, 'the way our tax regimes are very complicated muddy the works and it's going to be very critical to have a principle by which we can actually set these frameworks in advance.' She highlights the challenges faced by Global Capability Centres (GCCs) regarding transfer pricing and ESOPs. Neelesh Surana, CIO of Mirae Asset Investment Managers, proposes an 'Ease of Doing Business Commission' to assist entrepreneurs with compliance. Neelkanth Mishra, Chief Economist at Axis Bank, addresses the fiscal indiscipline in states and the pivotal role of the 16th Finance Commission in creating incentives for capital expenditure. The discussion underscores the importance of urban governance, skilling, and the federal dynamics between central and state finances in driving India's long-term economic growth.
Rajdeep Sardesai Hosts Panel On Budget 2026: Experts Urge Customs Reform And Chinese FDI
On this India Today special report, Rajdeep Sardesai hosts a panel of economic experts to discuss the upcoming Union Budget 2026 and necessary structural reforms. The discussion features Neelkanth Mishra, Sajid Chinoy, Pranjal Sharma, and Soumya Kanti Ghosh. A key point raised during the session was: 'The specific reform has to be to clean up the customs duty part.' The experts highlight that while fiscal consolidation is largely complete, the focus must shift to jumpstarting private investment and improving the 'speed of doing business.' The panel explores the necessity of integrating with Asian supply chains, potentially easing Press Note 3 to attract Chinese FDI, and addressing the volatility of the Indian rupee. Further suggestions include an omnibus credit guarantee scheme for the agricultural sector and property card schemes for urban households to streamline land reforms. The programme provides a comprehensive look at the macroeconomic challenges and the 'test match' approach required for sustainable Indian growth.

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