US Companies in India — 2026-09-09
India’s Commerce Secretary confirmed that the long-awaited trade deal with the US is "more or less finalised," removing a key regulatory hurdle for American firms. Meanwhile, Apple significantly expanded its engineering footprint in India with new AI-focused hiring, and Upstox launched a platform allowing Indians to buy US stocks like Apple and Tesla directly. <!-- /headline --> **US-India Trade Deal "More or Less Finalised"; Apple Expands AI Hiring** <!-- /headline -->
US Companies in India — 2026-09-09
India’s Commerce Secretary confirmed that the long-awaited trade deal with the US is "more or less finalised," removing a key regulatory hurdle for American firms. Meanwhile, Apple significantly expanded its engineering footprint in India with new AI-focused hiring, and Upstox launched a platform allowing Indians to buy US stocks like Apple and Tesla directly.
<!-- /headline -->US-India Trade Deal "More or Less Finalised"; Apple Expands AI Hiring
<!-- /headline -->Top developments
India-US Trade Deal Nears Completion
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated on September 9 that the India-US trade deal is "more or less finalised," with only a few issues remaining under discussion. This development is critical for US companies operating in India, as it promises to streamline freight costs, address UK carbon levy recognition, and potentially lower tariff barriers for American goods. The finalization of this pact has been a primary objective for US exporters seeking better market access in India.
Apple Expands AI and Engineering Hiring in India
Apple is aggressively expanding its technology hiring in India across artificial intelligence, data platforms, software engineering, infrastructure, and manufacturing intelligence. This move, reported on September 8, signals that India is taking on a broader role in Apple's global engineering operations beyond just manufacturing. The expansion suggests a strategic shift to leverage Indian talent for core R&D functions, reinforcing the country's position in Apple's global tech ecosystem.
Upstox Launches Direct US Stock Investing for Indians
Indian brokerage Upstox launched a facility on September 7 allowing users to invest in US stocks like Apple and Tesla starting from just $1. The platform offers access to over 8,000 stocks and 2,000 ETFs via GIFT City, facilitating fractional investing. This move democratizes access to US equities for Indian retail investors, potentially increasing capital flows from India into major US tech companies.
Deals, expansion & investment
US-India TRUST Fellowship Launched in Bengaluru
In early September, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor launched the U.S.-India TRUST Fellowship in Bengaluru. This initiative coincides with the expansion of the U.S. Commercial Service presence, aiming to strengthen strategic tech partnerships and facilitate business connections between American startups and the Indian market.
Regulation & market context
Commerce Secretary Clarifies Trade Negotiation Status
The clarification by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal regarding the "few issues" left in the India-US trade talks provides a clearer timeline for regulatory adjustments. For US companies, this means potential changes in compliance requirements regarding freight and carbon levies are imminent, reducing uncertainty for logistics and manufacturing operations.
By the numbers
- $1: Minimum investment amount for US stocks (like Apple/Tesla) via Upstox's new fractional investing feature.
- 8,000+: Number of US stocks accessible to Indian investors through Upstox's new GIFT City-based platform.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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