The MoU establishes a collaborative framework to promote cross-border trade and investment by combining ICIEC’s expertise in credit and political risk insurance solutions with BoH’s banking capabilities and client network.

Under the MoU, the two institutions will work together to identify and develop business opportunities, support trade finance transactions, and offer Shariah-compliant appropriate risk mitigation solutions to public and private sector entities meeting ICIEC’s eligibility criteria.

Commenting on the signing, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, said: “Our partnership with Bank of Huzhou reflects ICIEC’s commitment to building strong alliances with financial institutions that can help expand trade and investment in between China and our Member States. By bringing together BoH’s banking capabilities and ICIEC’s Shariah-compliant suite of risk mitigation solutions, we aim to support businesses in accessing new markets, mobilising finance, and pursuing opportunities with greater confidence.” He added: “This MoU provides a practical platform to advance cross-border cooperation, strengthen financial connectivity, and contribute to sustainable development across member markets.”

Through this non-exclusive partnership, ICIEC and BoH will focus on jointly marketing and sourcing opportunities, providing advisory support, and facilitating financing backed by ICIEC’s insurance solutions for BoH’s corporate clients. The MoU also provides scope to explore innovative initiatives including potential InsurTech-enabled platforms, to expand access to trade and investment opportunities, enhance service delivery, and strengthen economic linkages between China, other major markets and ICIEC Member States in support of sustainable development in line with ICIEC’s eligibility criteria.

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Held at the Baku Convention Center, the session brought together senior representatives from Azerbaijani public- and private-sector stakeholders, export credit agencies, multilateral development banks, commercial banks, insurers, investors, government entities, State-Owned Enterprises, and business leaders.

The discussion focused on how risk mitigation can unlock private capital, strengthen investor confidence, and support regional integration across Azerbaijan, ICIEC Member States, and the broader OIC region, in alignment with the Annual Meetings theme, “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity”. Convened in Baku, the session explored how political risk insurance, trade credit insurance, and credit enhancement solutions can help transform opportunities in infrastructure, energy, logistics, ICT, manufacturing, and trade into bankable projects, while supporting Azerbaijan’s expanding role as a regional gateway for investment, connectivity, export-oriented growth, and wider OIC market integration.

The event featured keynote remarks by Mr. Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO), who highlighted Azerbaijan’s growing role as a regional hub for trade, investment, and connectivity.

The panel featured Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC; Mr. Yuichiro Akita, President of the Berne Union; Mr. Sujithav Sarangi, Executive Director, Development and Agency Finance Team, Standard Chartered; and Mr. John Lentaigne, Global Head of Structured Credit and Political Risks, Specialist Risk Group. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Elnur Aliyev, Advisor to the Chairman, KOBIA Azerbaijan.

Speaking during the session, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla said: “Regional prosperity can only deliver its full development impact when trade and investment opportunities are supported by confidence, bankability, and effective risk mitigants. ICIEC’s Shariah-compliant solutions help governments, financial institutions, and investors move from ambition to implementation and execution. Through strong partnerships with public and private sector institutions, ICIEC is helping mobilise capital for strategic sectors, reduce perceived and actual risks, and support sustainable growth across Member States and beyond.“

The discussion underscored that Regional Prosperity requires more than connectivity and project pipelines. It requires a coordinated ecosystem in which governments, financial institutions, insurers, investors, and development partners work together to manage risk, mobilise finance, and deliver tangible development outcomes. The session reinforced ICIEC’s role as a catalyst for trade, investment, and sustainable development through Shariah-compliant risk mitigation solutions, partnership-building, and support for investment-ready projects across Member States.

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PUNE: Accelerating India’s trajectory toward Viksit Bharat 2047, the Pune Chapter of the Hindu Economic Forum (HEF) successfully concluded its high-profile Shakti Summit 2026 at the Pune International Centre. The summit represented an operational launchpad for Bharat’s Strategic Power Framework: Strategic Defence & Aerospace, Hindu Temple Economy, Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge & Media, Technology, and Infrastructure. 

The Summit delivered extensively on its multipronged objective: anchoring indigenous Artificial Intelligence, unlocking domestic venture capital, and reinforcing strategic self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) across critical defence and economic ecosystems

Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, graced the event as the Chief Guest, delivering the special address. He underlined the importance of stronger collaboration between government, industry, investors, and knowledge institutions in sectors central to India’s long-term growth and strategic self-reliance.

Gaurav Tripathi, President, HEF Pune District Chapter, and Co-founder & CTO, Partex.AI said, “The SHAKTI Summit 2026 marks a paradigm shift in how we approach economic growth. We are now building an execution-first ecosystem where serious capital, strategic industrial sectors, and civilizational clarity converge.

The Pune AI Grid is positioning Pune as the Applied AI and Strategic Capital of Bharat by redoubling its manufacturing and digital prowess. By aligning our deep research talent, robust industrial shopfloors, and foundational infrastructure, we are turning national priorities like Atmanirbhar Bharat into measurable economic milestones.”

The $500 Million Pune AI Vision:

Partex.AI presented a comprehensive roadmap to establish Pune as the global capital of applied AI: from a $50 million foundation phase with distributed GPU clusters and an AI Model Foundry, scaling to a $500 million platform aimed at training 100,000 professionals and developing exportable solutions for defence, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Dr. Gunjan Bharadwaj, Founder & CEO, Partex.AI, stated: “The Pune AI Vision is an opportunity to leverage exploratory and exploitative innovation on a scale that few cities globally can match. By unifying Pune’s unique constellation of talent, we can build decision-making technology that transforms not just Indian industry, but the world. Partex is committed to being a partner in this vision, bringing our expertise in AI-driven platforms to accelerate innovation across defence, manufacturing, and life sciences.”

India’s First Indigenous Autonomous Surface Vehicle on Display for the First Time:

Accurate Industrial Controls displayed ISACA, India’s first indigenously developed Autonomous Surface Vessel. Validated through Indian Navy-evaluated trials, ISACA combines AI, sensor fusion, and indigenous collision-avoidance software, marking a major milestone in India’s maritime autonomy.

Shri Kiran Jadhav, Chairman & Managing Director, Accurate Group, said: “Indigenous autonomous vessel technology is a statement of India’s capability and our resolve for Atmanirbharta. At the SHAKTI Summit, we created the conditions for transformative solutions that will serve our nation’s defence and maritime strength.”

Strategic Discussions on critical sectors: formed a highlight of the summit, covering defence, aerospace, rare earths, infrastructure, technology, temple economy, AI, startups – by a diverse selection of industry leaders, founders, and experts.

To ensure these strategic conversations yield tangible results, the HEF Pune District Chapter announced the formation of a Defence Working Group, reinforcing their commitment to structured, post-summit follow-through.

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The firm will deploy the majority of this capital toward pursuing international acquisitions to expand into new markets, including entry into new jurisdictions such as Australia and the addition of firms that strengthen its service capabilities. Alongside this, organic growth will remain an equally important driver, with continued investment in talent, leadership development, and training to build skills across its global teams. A portion of the investment will also support KNAV’s ongoing automation and AI deployment across its service lines.

KNAV is currently in Phase 1 of its AI deployment, focused on embedding AI into core workflows to improve quality, efficiency, and decision-making, with further expansion planned over time.

This financing builds on KNAV’s initial funding from NKSquared in September 2024. Since then, the firm has grown its global revenues from $26 million in 2023 to $50 million in 2025 and expanded its presence across international markets, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and, most recently, in the UAE.

Headquartered in Atlanta, KNAV operates across seven countries, serving more than 1,500 enterprises, primarily multinational. The firm has built a global delivery model that combines local expertise with cross-border execution, supporting clients seamlessly across markets.

“NKSquared’s continued support reinforces our long-term vision of building a truly global accounting and advisory firm,” said Nishta Sharma, CEO, KNAV Advisory Inc. “This investment allows us to pursue international acquisitions to enter new markets, while continuing to invest in our people and in building capabilities across the firm.”

“Our follow-on investment reflects our conviction in KNAV’s leadership, its consistent execution, and its ability to grow with both agility and discipline. That’s a rare combination, and it gives us real confidence in their vision to build a truly global professional services firm, proudly originating from Indian roots,” said Nikhil Kamath, investor and entrepreneur at NKSquared.

KNAV’s growth strategy continues to focus on a dual approach of international acquisitions and organic expansion, deepening client relationships, entering new markets, and strengthening capabilities across assurance, tax, and advisory.

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MUMBAI: Citi will host its flagship India Conference 2026 on June 3 & 4 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The largest event for Citi in India will convene more than 1,000+ clients, 40+ CXOs, and 120+ corporates, representing a combined market capitalization of approximately US$1.8 trillion.

Bringing together leaders from across the corporate and financial ecosystem, the conference will create opportunities for engagement through discussions, networking, and knowledge-sharing.

The two-day event will serve as a platform to discuss the forces reshaping business, investment, and economic activity in India and globally. The sessions will cover a range of topics, including the macroeconomic outlook, policy environment, capital markets, emerging investment trends, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and innovation.

Amol Gupte, Citi’s Asia South Cluster & Banking Head, said: “The Citi India Conference puts a spotlight on India’s significant and growing role in the world economy and reflects the confidence that global investors and businesses place in India’s future. As we approach 125 years of Citi’s presence in India next year, we are proud to continue to connect India’s most ambitious corporates to global opportunities and multinational companies to opportunities in India — and this conference sits right at the heart of that journey.”

K Balasubramanian, India CEO & Banking Head and Indian Subcontinent Sub-Cluster Head, Citi, said: “Citi is delighted to host Government dignitaries, senior clients, key investors, and thought leaders to this Conference, which is expected to unlock the value of India as an investment destination and provide investors an opportunity to take part in the long-term growth narrative amidst a volatile market. 

As the world’s most global bank, with our leading institutional banking platform in India, Citi connects cross-border perspectives, strategic capital, and transformative ideas. This conference is a natural extension of that commitment. We hope every participant leaves with new perspectives, stronger connections, and a deeper conviction in the India opportunity.”

The Citi India Conference reflects Citi’s longstanding commitment to supporting clients through deep market expertise, global connectivity, and access to strategic opportunities across markets.

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The session will bring together government officials, financial institutions, export credit agencies, investors, and development partners to discuss how risk mitigation solutions can mobilize private capital, strengthen regional integration, and support sustainable growth across Azerbaijan and the wider OIC region.

With Azerbaijan’s strategic location between Europe and Asia, and its growing role in connectivity, logistics, renewable energy, infrastructure, and non-oil economic diversification, the HLPD will highlight practical opportunities for de-risked investment and cross-border cooperation. The discussion will also showcase how ICIEC’s Shariah-compliant political risk insurance and credit enhancement solutions can help address investment barriers, enhance investor confidence, and unlock financing for priority development projects.

ICIEC’s CEO, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, stated, “This high-level panel discussion is an important platform to advance dialogue and partnerships around regional integration. Through its risk mitigation solutions, ICIEC helps turn investment opportunities into bankable projects that support trade, investment, and sustainable development across Member States.”

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PUNE: Angel One Asset Management Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Angel One Limited, announced the launch of Angel One Silver ETF and Angel One Silver ETF FOF. The New Fund Offers (NFOs) are open for subscription from 09th February 2026 and close on 19th February 2026 for the ETF, while the FOF will remain open until 23rd February 2026.

Both schemes offer exposure to silver by tracking domestic prices, providing investors with price transparency and ease of investing. The ETF will allow investors to invest through NSE on an ongoing basis, while the FoF will enable participation even without a demat account.

Silver is gaining prominence due to its dual role as a precious metal and industrial commodity, with rising demand from solar energy, electric vehicles, and data centres, alongside supply constraints, supporting strong investor interest. Reflecting this trend, AMFI data shows that Silver ETF AUM in India crossed ₹72000 crores in December 2025. Over the last 10-year period ended 31st January 2026, Silver (INR) delivered a CAGR of 25.8%, reinforcing its potential for portfolio diversification and inflation-hedging benefits.

Speaking on the launch, Hemen Bhatia, Executive Director & CEO, Angel One AMC, said, “Silver is no longer just a precious metal; it is emerging as a strategically important asset in the modern global economy. Its growing role across next-generation industries and critical technologies is creating sustained structural demand, making silver a compelling long-term investment. As investors adapt their portfolios to a rapidly evolving world, exposure to silver is becoming increasingly relevant for diversification and resilience. Through our Silver ETF and Silver FOF, we aim to provide a simple, transparent, and cost-efficient way for investors to participate in the long-term potential of this dynamic asset class.”

Key Features

• During the NFO, the Angel One Silver ETF will allow investment with a minimum application of Rs. 1,000 and in multiples of Re. 1 thereafter. Post listing on NSE, the units will be traded on the NSE, providing liquidity and real-time price discovery. The scheme eliminates the operational challenges of holding physical silver, such as storage, purity verification, and making charges, while also offering the potential for margin usage subject to exchange norms.
• The Angel One Silver ETF FOF is structured as a FOF scheme that will invest in units of the Angel One Silver ETF, enabling investors to access silver without requiring a demat account. The minimum application amount is Rs. 500, with flexible systematic investment plan (SIP) options starting at Rs. 250 for daily contributions and Rs. 500 for weekly, fortnightly, and monthly frequencies, while quarterly SIPs start at Rs. 1,500.
• Together, the schemes provide a convenient, cost-efficient route to gain silver exposure with no exit load, suitable for investors seeking portfolio diversification. For Angel One AMC, the launch marks its entry into the silver investment category, expanding its passive product portfolio alongside the Gold ETF and Gold FOF, and strengthening its position in ETFs across equity, debt, and commodity asset classes.

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The KIAD Railway is a flagship infrastructure project under Türkiye’s 12th Development Plan (2024–2028), spanning 223.9 km from Kars to Dilucu at the Turkish-Azerbaijani border and linking directly to the Kars–Tbilisi–Baku corridor. With five stations serving key districts in the Kars and Iğdır provinces, the line will become a vital segment of the Silk Road Economic Belt, strengthening the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor as a competitive Asia–Europe freight route.

The Project is set to generate a strong economic and environmental impact by shifting freight from road to electrified rail, cutting logistics costs by an estimated 40% by 2030, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and supporting regional industries. It will employ around 3,000 workers at peak construction and stimulate broader economic activity. Its fully electrified, double-track design will also contribute significantly to Türkiye’s climate goals, reducing 498,276 tons of CO₂e annually and achieving 95% energy efficiency—placing KIAD among the region’s greenest transport initiatives.

Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC, stated, “Thisstrategic investment reflects ICIEC’s continued commitment to supporting sustainable, high-impact infrastructure in Türkiye and across our member states. The KIAD Railway strengthens regional connectivity, advances cleaner and more efficient transport solutions, and promotes trade integration between Asia and Europe. Our participation ensures confidence for financiers and helps accelerate completion of this transformative project.”

The Project reinforces ICIEC’s mandate to promote inclusive development and integration among member countries. By enhancing freight mobility, supporting economic diversification, and contributing to Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero vision, ICIEC’s support advances three key UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.

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PUNE: Tribe Stays, India’s pioneering premium managed-hospitality company, has raised $2.8M (₹24 Cr) led by Artha Venture Fund (promoted by Anirudh Damani) and co-led by RiverWalk Holdings (promoted by Satveer Thakral). The round also saw participation from Kunal Khanna (Founder & CEO – Vivaldis), Krishna Jain, and other prominent HNIs/family offices.

The fresh capital will be used to scale Tribe’s footprint under its three luxury sub-brands: Tribe Student Accommodation (hostels), Tribe Commune (co-living), and Tribe Suites (executive apartments). Currently operating 650 beds in Pune, Tribe is set to launch 1,000 additional beds this financial year, with a roadmap to expand to 25,000 beds across Tier-1 & Tier-2 cities, including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Gurugram, and Pune.

Speaking on the announcement, Yogesh Mehra, Founder & CEO, Tribe Stays, said, “This funding round is a strong validation of Tribe’s vision to redefine how young India experiences living. Our focus has always been to go beyond just accommodation and deliver a premium lifestyle experience through thoughtfully designed spaces, hospitality-driven services, and a vibrant community. With this investment, we are well-positioned to expand aggressively into new markets and strengthen Tribe’s position as the gold standard in student housing, co-living, and executive living.”

Tribe’s portfolio is uniquely positioned to serve long stays of up to one year for students, corporates, professionals, and extended-stay guests.

“We believe Tribe is emerging as one of the most promising players in India’s organized managed-living space,” said Anirudh Damani, Managing Partner, Artha Venture Fund. “The company addresses a massive, underpenetrated market in student and professional housing with an asset-light, hospitality-led approach that is both scalable and profitable. The team’s deep sector understanding and execution capability give us strong conviction that Tribe can set new benchmarks for premium living experiences across India.”

With a growing demand from universities and companies for relocation and managed accommodation solutions, Tribe aims to become the preferred partner for institutions and employers seeking reliable, premium living options.

Jai Sumer Singh, Co-founder and Partner, Riverwalk Holdings, said, “Tribe is well-positioned to address the gap that exists in the premium managed co-living space in India. Scaling sustainably in this category requires deep hospitality DNA coupled with real estate excellence. The Tribe team has built those foundations early and will emerge as a leading operator going ahead.”

With its Pre-Series A funding, Tribe is set to play a transformative role in India’s managed-hospitality sector, creating premium, scalable, and community-driven living solutions for the next generation.

As it enters its next phase of growth, the company is now focused on deepening its presence across major cities, scaling sustainably, and setting new benchmarks

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PUNE: GE Aerospace has announced a USD 14 million investment to expand capacity at the company’s Pune manufacturing facility as the site completes a decade of successful operations. This investment builds upon the USD 30 million announced last year. The new investment will strengthen the site’s capabilities through upgraded manufacturing processes and automation, including enhancements that support advanced engine components.

“Our team in Pune has built strong capabilities, and with the support of a country-wide network of suppliers, has delivered components for some of our most advanced commercial jet engines, with safety and quality at the forefront,” said Vishwajit Singh, Managing Director of the Pune facility, GE Aerospace. “This investment reflects our commitment to the Make in India initiative and to advancing India’s role in global aerospace manufacturing.”

The Pune facility, which began as a multi-business manufacturing site, has since evolved into a high-tech aerospace parts supplier for GE Aerospace’s global commercial engine factories. Today, the site is supported by a network of more than 300 suppliers serving the Pune facility, part of the over 2,200 suppliers GE Aerospace partners with across India. Over the past 10 years, the facility has trained more than 5,000 production associates in precision manufacturing processes, playing a vital role in developing local talent. The site is also ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified, reflecting GE Aerospace’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.

The facility’s success is driven by FLIGHT DECK, GE Aerospace’s proprietary lean operating model that emphasizes safety, quality, and efficiency. With FLIGHT DECK, the site has reduced waste, improved process efficiency, and increased output while enhancing shop-floor safety. On a new line for a critical component, it has also achieved shorter lead times, higher productivity, and reduced downtime.

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