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Edition of Sunday, 25 October 2026English edition
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The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

India · Country watch

Arunachal Protests, Smartphone Shift, Stock Market Drop

Violent protests in Arunachal Pradesh over a hydropower project, a shift in smartphone market dynamics, and a significant drop in stock market valuations impact business in India today.

· · 8 articles read

The picture Deteriorating How this is judged →

Business conditions in India are deteriorating due to violent protests in Arunachal Pradesh affecting energy projects, a decline in Chinese smartphone sales, and a significant drop in stock market valuations. These developments signal increased volatility and operational challenges for the week.

Flare-up watch: Calm (0.8) · Active flag: Heightened vigilance for staff and travel · How this is judged → · All India briefings →

In this briefing Siang Upper Multipurpose Project · NHPC Limited · Arunachal Pradesh · Lava International · Chinese smartphone brands · HDFC Bank · Bajaj Finance · Tata Consultancy Services

Internal tension

  • Energy
  • Public sector

Protests in Arunachal Pradesh over hydropower project

NHPC Corporate Office at Faridabad
NHPC Corporate Office at Faridabad — Vrs1201, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Indian government has dispatched 250 Rapid Action Force personnel to Arunachal Pradesh after violent protests erupted against the 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, according to the Times of India. Protesters set fire to an NHPC office and a police station in Pasighat, injuring over 40 police officers. The project, intended as a strategic counter to China's dam initiatives, faces strong opposition from local communities.

Impact Energy companies and public-sector planners face delays and increased costs due to unrest over the hydropower project.

Sources: Times of India ↗

Companies

  • Technology
  • Retail

Chinese smartphone sales drop in India, Lava benefits

Sales of Chinese smartphones in India have declined due to rising chip costs, making budget phones harder to find, TV9 Hindi reports. This shift has benefited Indian brands like Lava, which are gaining market share as Chinese brands lose dominance. The trend reflects broader changes in consumer preferences and supply chain dynamics.

Impact Retailers and technology firms in India see shifts in market dynamics as Indian brands gain ground over Chinese competitors.

Sources: TV9 Hindi ↗

Markets

  • Finance

Indian stock market loses ₹1.55 trillion in value

HDFC Bank EXCON 2025, Bangalore International Exhibition Centre
HDFC Bank EXCON 2025, Bangalore International Exhibition Centre — Gpkp, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Indian stock market saw a significant decline, with the market cap of eight out of the top ten companies dropping by over ₹1.55 trillion, according to NavBharat Times. HDFC Bank and Bajaj Finance were among the most affected, while TCS and L&T experienced market cap growth. The decline reflects broader market volatility influenced by global economic conditions.

Impact Investors in Indian equities face substantial losses as market valuations drop sharply.

Sources: NavBharat Times ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Regulation · Disruption · Safety & health · Trade · Politics.

Also today in the local press

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

All India briefings →

The same day elsewhere