US technology giants Apple, Amazon, Cisco, Meta, HP and Intel have jointly opposed demands from Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea to allocate spectrum in the 6GHz band for mobile services, instead urging that the entire band be reserved for Wi-Fi use, reported PTI.In a joint response to Trai’s consultation paper for the next round of spectrum auctions, the companies said technical and commercial readiness in the 6GHz band “is not established” for mobile services and asked the government to avoid setting timelines for auction of the 6425-6725 MHz and 7025-7125 MHz ranges.“We do not recommend setting timelines for any future auction of the 6425-6725 MHz and 7025-7125 MHz ranges for IMT… TRAI, together with the Department of Telecommunications, should review the allocation of the upper 6 GHz band following the outcomes of WRC-27,” the joint submission said, adding that any unused upper 6GHz spectrum should be made available for unlicensed use in the interim.The government has said 400 MHz of 6GHz spectrum is immediately available for auction, an additional 300 MHz will be available by 2030, and 500 MHz in the lower band will be delicensed for low-power applications such as Wi-Fi.Jio has demanded inclusion of the entire 1200 MHz available in the 6GHz band in the auction, even though the government has decided to delicense 500 MHz in the lower range. Vodafone Idea has sought the sale of 400 MHz currently available for use. Airtel has asked the government to defer auction of the 6GHz band due to concerns over device availability, equipment readiness and global harmonisation.Qualcomm echoed similar concerns, stating, “The upper 6 GHz band is critical for mobile growth in India… By deferring the auction… until after WRC-27, India safeguards its 6G future, aligns with global standards, and honours its leadership aspirations.”Telecom industry body COAI, whose members include Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea, opposed delicensing. “Delicensing is misleading and counterproductive… Licensed IMT spectrum ensures quality-of-service, predictable performance and nationwide scalability,” COAI said, warning that allowing unlicensed Wi-Fi deployments could reduce exchequer revenues and give “disproportionate advantage to foreign OTT players”.The newly identified 6425-6725 MHz and 6725-7125 MHz bands form part of the upper 6GHz range, while the 5925-6425 MHz band has been earmarked for unlicensed low-power applications.

New Delhi: Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Sunday met with Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Israel.

 

During the discussions, Goyal conveyed warm greetings from the people of India and highlighted opportunities for deeper collaboration across trade, investment, innovation, and technology.

 

During the meeting, Goyal shared the positive outcomes of the recently held Business Forum and CEOs Forum, which brought together business leaders from both countries. He also underscored the first major step towards Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, highlighting its potential to boost economic engagement and facilitate bilateral trade.

 

In a post on social media platform X, he wrote, “Honoured to call on H.E. @Isaac_Herzog, President of the State of Israel. Conveyed the warm greetings of the people of India. Our discussions covered the full spectrum of our strategic partnership, including trade and investment, science & technology, innovation, and deeper economic engagement.”

 

Goyal emphasised India’s robust growth story and the wide-ranging opportunities available for Israeli partners in sectors such as science and technology, innovation, and investment. The discussions reflected a mutual commitment to deepening economic ties and leveraging each country’s strengths for strategic and commercial collaboration, he added.

 

“Shared the positive outcomes of the Business Forum and the CEOs Forum, and the first big step towards FTA negotiations. Also underlined India’s robust growth story and the wide-ranging business opportunities for Israeli partners,” the post added.

 

Earlier, during his meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Goyal highlighted the successful Business Forum and CEOs Forum, which attracted over 60 members of the Indian business delegation.

 

During his visit to Israel, Goyal held a series of wide-ranging engagements, further strengthening bilateral cooperation across agriculture, technology, innovation and trade. During his meetings on 21 November, Goyal met with Israeli Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Avi Dichter for a detailed discussion on advancing agricultural collaboration.

 

Minister Dichter briefed Goyal on Israel’s 25-year food security roadmap, its advanced seed-improvement strategies, and the country’s global leadership in water-reuse technologies for agriculture.

 

Earlier, on 20 November 2025, Goyal commenced his official engagements with a meeting with Israel’s Minister of Economy, Barkat. The two leaders reviewed the current trajectory of bilateral trade and explored new areas of cooperation.

 

Last Updated:November 23, 2025, 17:14 IST

AIFs and PMS see rapid growth among HNIs, with AIF assets reaching Rs 15,05,372 crore by 2025.

Alternative Investments Surge as PMS–AIF Ecosystem Enters High-Growth Phase

Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and Portfolio Management Services (PMS) are drawing investors interest in current times, especially high net worth individuals (HNIs). According to data from the PMS & AIF Special Edition 2025, AIFs have grown 49.23 per cent CAGR from Rs 27,484 crore in 2015 to Rs 15,05,372 crore in 2025, majorly driven by category II and III. The last two categories of AIFs covered private equity, private credit, hedge funds and structured products.

Category II alone expanded to Rs 11,20,589 crore, while Category III rose to Rs 2,92,398 crore, the report added.

Meanwhile, PMS assets under management jumped from Rs 1.27 crore in 2015 to Rs 8.37 crore by September 2025, reflecting a growth of 20.75 CAGR.

The market is set to increase in leaps and bounds hereafter, thanks to rising affluent investors. The number of Indians with over $1 million in net worth is expected to rise to 19.4 lakh by 2030, the report added. It would lead to strong demand for customised strategies, diversification, and higher alpha.

Meanwhile, GIFT City IFSC has emerged as a major hub for cross-border capital. AIF commitments raised at GIFT jumped from $5.5 billion in 2023 to $26.3 billion by 2025. Category III funds, supported by feeder structures, showed exceptional acceleration, hitting $10.15 billion by mid-2025. Inbound investments through GIFT rose more than five times during the same period.

The report highlights that India’s alternative investment ecosystem is now moving from “choice to necessity”, as investors seek resilience and long-term wealth creation. With rising wealth, strong regulation and global integration, the next decade is expected to be dominated by alternatives.

Varun Yadav

Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More

Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More

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