India, France Step Up Maritime Security Cooperation In IOR

24 Jan 2025 CW Team

India and France are strengthening their maritime cooperation to promote a peaceful and secure Indian Ocean Region (IOR), with India set to assume the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in 2025 for a two-year term. During the recent Maritime Cooperation Dialogue in New Delhi, both nations agreed to jointly assess threats to maritime security in the IOR. This collaboration will focus on addressing illicit maritime activities such as piracy, armed robbery, maritime terrorism, contraband smuggling, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, hybrid and cyber security threats, and marine pollution, according to officials familiar with the matter. India and France also committed to ensuring free and secure access to sea lanes of communication by fostering collaboration between their maritime assets and organisations. France, which maintains territories within the IOR, remains one of India’s key strategic partners in the region.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..