Morning Brief: NIA Probes 'China Link' In Pahalgam Attack; India To Skip IWT Approval For Five J&K Hydroelectric Projects; China Supports Pakistan’s Position On Kashmir Attack

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NIA Investigates Huawei Phone Connection To Pahalgam Attack

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the Pahalgam terror attack case and is investigating the movement of a Huawei satellite phone in the same region on the day of the attack. Huawei, a Chinese company, is banned in India, and officials suspect the satellite phones were smuggled into the country from Pakistan.

Investigators have ruled out the involvement of four militants whose photos circulated widely, and are now focusing on eyewitness testimonies and overground workers in Jammu and Kashmir. The NIA is closely examining entry and exit points and gathering forensic evidence to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy behind the attack, which killed 26 people, including 25 Indians and a Nepalese citizen.

India To Fast-Track Five J&K Hydel Projects By Skipping IWT Clearance

With the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) now in abeyance, India is planning to fast-track five major hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir by bypassing the treaty’s clearance process. The projects — Bursar (800 MW), Dulhasti II (260 MW), Sawalkote (1856 MW), Uri Stage II (240 MW), and Kirthai II (930 MW) — are seen as critical for boosting J&K’s power supply and strengthening India’s strategic control over western rivers.

Except for Uri Stage II, which recently secured IWT clearance, the others have been stalled due to pending approvals under the treaty. Skipping the IWT clearance is expected to cut years off the timeline, especially for projects that already have domestic technical and environmental approvals. Over the last few decades, Pakistan has consistently used objections under the treaty to delay Indian projects on the western rivers.

China Endorses Pakistan’s Stand On Pahalgam Attack

China has backed Pakistan's call for a "neutral, transparent, and credible" investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, following a statement from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The backing came after a phone call between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday.

Wang reaffirmed China's commitment as a strategic partner, expressing full understanding of Pakistan's security concerns and supporting its sovereignty. This move is not surprising, as China has consistently shielded Pakistan by using its veto power to block the listing of Rawalpindi's proxies as terrorists at the UN, while also attempting to obfuscate Pakistan’s use of terror against India.

Other Developments

India To Grow At 6.5 Per Cent Despite Global Uncertainties

India’s economy is expected to grow by 6.5 per cent this year, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy despite global uncertainties, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). While this growth rate is slightly lower than in recent years, it remains the highest among major economies.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted that India’s strong domestic demand and limited reliance on exports help shield it from external economic shocks. To support growth, the RBI cut interest rates in April and adopted a more accommodative policy stance.

Chinese Companies Turn To India For US Market Orders

However, India’s restrictions on Chinese investment hinder direct operations, leading to deals where Indian firms co-brand or supply products under Chinese brands. As US-China trade tensions escalate, Indian companies are capitalizing on the increased demand from American firms seeking alternatives to Chinese suppliers.

Top Firms See Market Gains Of Rs 1.18 Lakh Crore

The combined market valuation of six of the top-10 valued firms surged by Rs 1,18,626.24 crore last week, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) leading the gains. TCS saw its valuation rise by Rs 53,692.42 crore, reaching Rs 12,47,281.40 crore, while Reliance Industries added Rs 34,507.55 crore, bringing its valuation to Rs 17,59,276.14 crore. Infosys and HDFC Bank also saw substantial gains, with market valuations increasing by Rs 24,919.58 crore and Rs 2,907.85 crore, respectively.

On the downside, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finance, and Hindustan Unilever saw their valuations drop, with Bharti Airtel losing Rs 41,967.5 crore. Reliance Industries remains the most valued firm, followed by HDFC Bank, TCS, Bharti Airtel, and others.

Reliance Competes For Stake In Haier

Reliance is in the running to acquire a significant stake in Haier’s Indian operations, as the Chinese consumer electronics company seeks a local strategic partner. The deal pits Reliance against a consortium led by Sunil Mittal of Bharti Group, which has also expressed interest in a 25-51 per cent stake in Haier Appliances India.

Haier, ranked third in India’s appliance market, is aiming for a $2-2.3 billion valuation and has been working with Citi to secure a sale. Reliance has entered the race with non-binding offers, planning to use its retail unit for the acquisition, while Haier is exploring an equity dilution to an Indian partner to meet regulatory requirements.

From The States

Tamil Nadu: Senthil Balaji, K Ponmudy Resign Amid DMK Turmoil

Senior Tamil Nadu ministers V Senthil Balaji and K Ponmudy resigned on Sunday amid legal and political pressure. The reshuffle follows the Supreme Court’s directive asking Balaji to choose between retaining his Cabinet post and securing his bail in a money laundering case, while Ponmudy faced mounting controversy over derogatory remarks about religious symbols and women.

Balaji, who had returned to the Cabinet after securing bail in September following a 15-month jail term, was seen as a key DMK strategist but had to step down after the top court's warning. Ponmudy’s resignation was expected after his controversial comments led to his removal from a key party post.

Chhattisgarh: Professors Booked For Forcing Students To Offer Namaz

Seven professors and a student from Guru Ghasidas Central University in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, were booked for allegedly forcing 155 students to offer namaz during an NSS camp on Eid without their consent. The incident took place on March 31 during a week-long camp in Shivtarai village, where students were reportedly made to join namaz activities typically performed by Muslim students.

A complaint was lodged by some students, leading to the registration of an FIR under sections related to promoting enmity and hurting religious sentiments.

You’re all caught up—until next time.