Categories, unlike tags, can have a hierarchy. You might have a Jazz category, and under that have children categories for Bebop and Big Band. Totally optional.
A careful beginning India and the United States have announced a framework for an interim trade agreement. It’s a first step that could, over time, lead to a free trade deal. The framework focuses on a few practical goals: lowering selected tariffs, improving market access, and reducing long-standing frictions. India will cut or remove tariffs on several U.S. industrial goods and some food and...
Trump-era tariff rhetoric and renewed geopolitical friction have made global trade feel less optimistic than it has in a long time. It’s increasingly difficult to see positive developments that signal stability or long-term cooperation. In that climate, when Ursula von der Leyen announced the signing of a free trade agreement between the European Union and India — calling it the “mother of all...
And how to read them without overestimating—or underusing—their influence The trigger for this blog post came from a conversation last month with a PhD student working on a thesis on foreign direct investment. During the interview, he asked a question that was simple on the surface but difficult to answer cleanly: what role do consultancy reports actually play in FDI decisions? Not policy. Not...
Why localisation looks different for Tier-2 and Tier-3 automotive suppliers Last week, I spoke with a specialised firm that helps international automotive suppliers enter new markets. They work with highly specialised, technology-driven companies. They have an impressive client base, and testimonials highlighted successful engagements. However, what stayed with me more was how they spoke about...
A Moment of Excitement and Unease Public excitement around artificial intelligence has grown rapidly. New models appear every few months. Companies feel pressure to declare themselves “AI-ready”. Investors chase deals at historic speed. At the same time, conversations continue in policy circles, boardrooms and research institutes: are we living through an AI bubble? The short answer is that parts...
Every IT pitch sounds the same: “This will save time, cut costs, and transform how you work.” Then go-live happens. Teams get busy, adoption lags, and someone asks: “So… how do we know it’s actually working?” The answer lies in what most ignore — measuring what truly drives impact. Why I Started Thinking About This Why I Started Thinking About This I’ve worked with companies that build and roll...
Compliance, technology, and partnerships are reshaping how global businesses get paid. The Simplicity Illusion: When “Click, Fill, Send” Isn’t Enough Last week, I tested a new invoicing platform. The interface was simple, almost beautiful — click, fill, send. But when I imagined using it for a client in Italy, everything changed. Suddenly, there were rules about FatturaPA, XML files, and real...
In my earlier post, I reflected on how small and mid-sized firms are under constant pressure to digitize their operations while also meeting rising compliance expectations. Many still rely on manual paperwork, Excel trackers, and fragmented processes for contracts and invoices. Mor than inconvenience, it’s a structural weakness that slows growth, invites errors, and makes it harder to compete in...
Introduction Recently, I read a post by Akshansh that struck a chord. He talked about how small firms are under constant pressure to digitize and comply with regulations — a pressure that often feels overwhelming. Around the same time, I had a conversation with a Dutch IT firm. They described how they work with Indian SME partners to put digital systems, audit trails, and smoother compliance...
Introduction: Beyond the First Introduction International expansion often begins with high-level support from embassies and trade missions. They are invaluable for securing initial introductions to officials and building early legitimacy. However, this is just the first step. Sustainable, long-term success requires embedding your company within the local business fabric. The purpose of this blog...
