Sharmila Kantha

Sharmila Kantha

Sharmila Kantha is an industrial policy specialist and author. Formerly a consultant at the CII*, she has worked extensively on economic policy and India’s international engagement. 

India’s 2025 Exports Resilient, but Policy Gaps Remain

India’s exports weathered a turbulent 2025 marked by protectionism and trade disruptions, showing resilience. Delayed policy support and uneven gains from trade agreements, however, leave the sector vulnerable as global uncertainties persist into 2026.

Sharmila Kantha

January 2, 2026 at 7:32 AM IST

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India’s Industrial Policy Drifts Amid Bold Claims and Faltering Delivery

India’s industrial policy remains a patchwork of ambitions, reversals and stalled schemes, where lofty declarations outpace execution, coherence and long-term vision.

Sharmila Kantha

December 17, 2025 at 6:02 AM IST

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Comprehensive Customs Reforms Are Urgent for India’s Trade Competitiveness

India’s high tariffs and cumbersome customs procedures are eroding its trade competitiveness. A comprehensive overhaul of tariffs, systems, and infrastructure is now essential.

Sharmila Kantha

December 11, 2025 at 10:01 AM IST

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Formalisation at Scale: What India’s New Labour Codes Unlock

India’s Labour Codes offer scalability and ease for large enterprises, but MSMEs may struggle with rising costs and unfamiliar compliance burdens unless implementation is carefully supported.

Sharmila Kantha

November 24, 2025 at 12:45 PM IST

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FHEIs Can Boost India’s Education Services Exports

Foreign universities entering India can transform the country from a major exporter of students into a competitive global education hub.

Sharmila Kantha

November 18, 2025 at 5:44 AM IST

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Bihar’s Economy Is Hostage to Its Politics: Its People Deserve Better

Bihar stands at a crossroads where political disinterest threatens to choke its economic promise. Unlocking its vast human potential and demographic dividend requires governance that prioritises growth over electoral gains.

Sharmila Kantha

October 28, 2025 at 8:08 AM IST

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India’s Innovation Gap Widens: GII 2025 Highlights Urgent Need for R&D Investment

The Global Innovation Index 2025 spotlights persistent gaps in India’s innovation ecosystem that reiterate the imperative for greater incentives for businesses to engage in R&D.

Sharmila Kantha

October 16, 2025 at 7:43 AM IST

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H-1B Visa Clampdown Puts Spotlight on India’s Innovation Deficit

As the US clamps down on H-1B visas, India must look beyond brain drain debates and build R&D strength, skills, and domestic innovation to absorb its tech talent.

Sharmila Kantha

September 22, 2025 at 3:07 PM IST

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India’s Outbound Investment Surge Signals Confidence, Not Flight

India Inc’s surge in overseas investment is less about an alternative to domestic investments than a strategic embrace of global markets, technology, and supply chains.

Sharmila Kantha

September 15, 2025 at 8:02 AM IST

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