Amit's Blog

The India-France Defense Partnership: Six Decades of Strategic Collaboration and Technological Excellence The India-France defense partnership, spanning over 60 years, has evolved into a strategic alliance, with France as India’s second-largest arms supplier, delivering over $30 billion in systems since the 1950s. From Ouragan jets and AMX-13 tanks in the early years to modern Rafale fighters and Scorpene submarines, France has provided aircraft, naval platforms, missiles, and more. Joint ventures like the Scorpene project and co-development of jet engines strengthen India’s “Make in India” initiative. Despite high costs and competition from Russia and Israel, the partnership thrives, with $13 billion in recent contracts (2015–2025). Bilateral trade reached $15.7 billion in 2023–24. Over the next decade, expect deeper co-production in stealth tech, AI, and space, with trade projected to hit $25 billion by 2035, cementing a bond rooted in shared democratic values and strategic convergen...

Blackstone's Impact: A Dive into its Indian Private Equity Journey Blackstone, the global alternative asset manager, has carved a formidable presence in India over the last two decades, evolving from a cautious entrant to the country's largest foreign investor. With an estimated AUM of $50 billion in India as of early 2025, and ambitious plans to double it to $100 billion, the firm's success is rooted in its adaptable investment philosophy, strategic operational enhancements, and astute exits. Initially challenged by market nuances, Blackstone refined its approach to focus on control deals in high-growth sectors like real estate, IT services, and infrastructure. Its ability to identify high-quality assets, infuse operational expertise, and leverage India's robust public markets for exits has consistently yielded strong returns, positioning it as a pivotal force in India's private equity landscape. I. Firm Overview & Strategy Blackstone, founded in 1985, st...

Info Edge: The Architect of India's Internet Landscape Info Edge (India) Ltd. stands as a unique and pioneering force in the Indian digital ecosystem, operating not just as a venture capital investor but also as a builder of its own successful internet businesses, notably Naukri.com and 99acres.com. For over two decades, Info Edge has leveraged its deep market understanding and internal resources to back early-stage, disruptive Indian startups. Its strategic investment in Zomato, transforming it from a nascent idea into a publicly listed food tech giant, exemplifies its visionary approach and significant impact. With a focus on long-term value creation across diverse sectors like food tech, insurance, and fintech, Info Edge has consistently identified and nurtured companies that have become cornerstones of India's digital transformation, solidifying its reputation as a strategic and patient capital provider. I. Investment Activity & Scale 1.      Funds Raised...

The India-Russia Defense Partnership: Six Decades of Strategic Trust and Technological Evolution The India-Russia defense partnership, spanning over 60 years, is a cornerstone of India’s military capability, with Russia (and formerly the Soviet Union) supplying 60–70% of India’s arms imports since the 1960s. From MiG-21 jets and T-55 tanks in the Cold War to modern S-400 systems and Su-30 MKI fighters, Russia has delivered aircraft, tanks, submarines, missiles, and more, totaling over $70 billion in deals. Joint ventures like BrahMos Aerospace produce world-class missiles, while co-production of T-90 tanks and AK-203 rifles supports India’s “Make in India” initiative. Despite challenges—spares delays, geopolitical shifts, and competition from Western suppliers—the partnership remains robust, with $10 billion in recent contracts. Over the next decade, expect deeper co-development in AI, stealth tech, and space, with trade projected to hit $20 billion, reinforcing a resilient alliance ...