India–Oman CEPA Unlocks 12.5 Billion Services Opportunity in the Gulf

The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement  is a landmark agreement that is expected to significantly boost India’s services trade with the Gulf region. The Agreement offers broader and deeper market access commitments from Oman across all key sectors and modes of supply. Sectors of interest to India, such as computer-related services, business services, professional services, education, healthcare, R&D, and audio-visual services, have received best treatment, ensuring enhanced commercial opportunities for Indian service providers.

“SEPC welcomes the India–Oman CEPA as it represents a strategic opportunity for India’s services sector to expand its footprint in a high-potential market,” said Abhay Sinha, Director General, Services Export Promotion Council  set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. “With deeper sectoral commitments and improved predictability in market access and professional mobility, Indian service providers can build long-term presence and scale service delivery with confidence.”

In 2024, India’s services exports to Oman stood at USD  665 million, while imports were USD  198 million. Oman’s global services imports exceeded USD 12.52 billion, offering a large untapped potential for Indian service providers.

A key distinguishing feature of the India-Oman CEPA is the significant advancement in mobility commitments. Oman has, for the first time in any FTA, agreed to relax the limitation criteria for Intra-Corporate Transferees from 20% to 50%. This means Indian companies can now transfer a larger share of managerial and specialist personnel to their Oman operations. Further, Oman has committed to the category of professionals, covering 15 sub-sectors including accounting, engineering, medical and dental, IT, construction, and education services. These mobility gains are crucial for the approximately 6000 India-Oman joint ventures already present in Oman, particularly those in the services sector.

The CEPA also introduces a dedicated Annex on Health-related Services and Traditional Medicine, aimed at promoting Indian systems of medicine such as AYUSH, fostering medical value travel, and encouraging institutional cooperation in the field of traditional medicine. This Annex is a first-of-its-kind initiative for India in any CEPA/FTA.

Currently, Indian workers in Oman do not face dual social security contributions. However, to address any future challenges, the CEPA includes a specific commitment to negotiate a bilateral Social Security Agreement. Once concluded, this will ensure continuity of social security benefits on a reciprocal basis and prevent dual contributions. This provision will benefit approximately 5.2 Lakh Indian workers and more than 6000 India-Oman joint ventures operating in Oman.

A Table of Purpose: Aris Estates Reimagines Christmas Through Art, Intention and Giving

A Table of Purpose

Aris Estates Reimagines Christmas Through Art, Intention and GivingMumbai, Dec 26: In a season often defined by excess, Aris Estates, the boutique real estate and lifestyle brand, chose restraint, reflection, and responsibility. On 22nd December 2025, the brand hosted its first-ever Aris Christmas Table at IF.BE, Ballard Estate, an intimate black-tie gathering that brought together a carefully curated group of guests for an evening rooted in generosity, community, and purposeful celebration.

Conceived as a quieter counterpoint to conventional festive soirées, the Christmas Table embodied Aris Estates’ philosophy of intentional living and long-term value. The event’s main purpose was to foster genuine connection: instead of spectacle, it focused on shared experience, with thoughtful conversation, lingering ideas, and acts of giving back woven into the evening.

At the heart of the evening was a thoughtfully curated five-course meal. Each course was anchored in a theme of generosity: Beginnings, Nourishment, Connection, Creativity, and Joy. Together, the courses formed a narrative arc. They explored the many forms that giving can take—whether through time, resources, care, or creativity. Guests were invited to reflect on generosity as a lived value rather than just a seasonal gesture.

Extending this ethos beyond the table, Aris Estates partnered with three organisations whose work speaks directly to compassion and inclusion. YODA Animal Welfare works tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect abandoned and injured animals. FRST Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals with visual disabilities through access to education, assistive technology, and community support. PMK Foundation focuses on grassroots community care, supporting under-resourced groups through healthcare, education, and welfare initiatives. Guests were invited to engage with these causes throughout the evening, with contributions directed toward the organisation they felt most aligned with, ensuring the spirit of Christmas extended well beyond the dining room.

Anchoring the evening both visually and philosophically was Theraav, a site-specific installation created exclusively for the Aris Christmas Table by actor and multidisciplinary artist Lekha Washington. Meaning “pause” or “stillness,” Theraav reflected themes of continuity, memory, and stewardship of the land. Drawing from Lekha Washington Studio’s long-standing exploration of nature, light, and spatial poetry, the installation invited guests to slow down, breathe, observe, and reconnect.

Created using sculptural form, custom lighting, and shadow play, Theraav expanded beyond its physical presence, casting a quiet yet powerful energy across the space. The work underscored the idea of being present, of recognising our shared responsibility toward land, community, and the environments we inhabit. This marked the first collaboration between Lekha Washington Studio and Aris Estates, signalling a shared philosophy of custodianship, sustainability, and mindful creation.

Speaking about the collaboration and the intent behind Theraav, Lekha Washington said,“Theraav is about stillness in a world that constantly urges speed. Working with Aris Estates felt organic because their philosophy mirrors this pause, this intention to be thoughtful custodians of the land. This installation was created to encourage presence, to remind us to breathe, and to reconnect with nature, with each other, and with the choices we make.”

Reflecting on the evening, Hemal Purohit, Founder, Aris Estates, shared,“We wanted our first Christmas gathering to feel meaningful rather than driven by optics. The Christmas Table was about bringing people together in a way that felt honest, where art, conversation, and giving back were integral to the experience, not an afterthought. Collaborating with Lekha and supporting causes that genuinely make a difference allowed us to extend our philosophy beyond the homes we build and into the communities we are part of.” Through the Aris Christmas Table, Aris Estates conveyed that the event’s main purpose was to show how intentional design, art, and community create lasting memories, reinforcing its belief that true luxury is rooted in thoughtful experiences over grand scale.

bigbasket Spreads Christmas Cheer with 200% Surge in Festive Sales

India, Dec 26:- bigbasket, a TATA Enterprise, witnessed strong festive momentum during Christmas 2025, recording an impressive 200% year-on-year growth in festive sales across India. The surge was driven by heightened demand for cakes, premium chocolates, decorations, party essentials and gifting categories, as customers turned to bigbasket for seamless Christmas celebrations at home.

Christmas-themed bakery products emerged as a standout category, with cakes and desserts witnessing over 76.03% growth, led by plum cakes, gourmet pastries, cookies and festive hampers. Premium chocolates and confectionery recorded an 87% increase.

Demand for Christmas decor and party essentials saw a sharp rise, growing by 178% compared to last year. Items such as Christmas trees, fairy lights, ornaments, wreaths, table decor and themed crockery witnessed strong traction as households embraced festive home styling.

Festive purchases began nearly a week ahead of Christmas, indicating an early start to celebrations. Fresh produce saw a notable uplift as well, with berries, cherries, cheese, cold cuts and gourmet ingredients growing by 14.28%, reflecting customers’ preference for hosting at home and preparing festive meals. Dry fruits, premium beverages, gourmet hampers and curated gift boxes together recorded a 64.16% year-on-year growth.

Mr. Seshu Kumar, Chief Buying and Merchandising Officer at bigbasket, said, ‘Christmas is about bringing loved ones together at home, and bigbasket ensured customers had everything they needed from festive cakes and gourmet ingredients to decor and gifting on one platform. The strong growth we witnessed reflects how customers trust bigbasket to simplify celebrations while offering quality, variety and timely delivery.’

bigbasket’s 10-minute delivery promise played a key role in supporting last-minute Christmas needs, whether it was a forgotten dessert, party decor or an unexpected guest.

Acsia Technologies Listed Among India’s Top 50 Innovative Companies 2025 by CII

Thiruvananthapuram,  Dec 26:- Acsia Technologies, a global provider of automotive software powering Digital Cockpits & Displays, e-Mobility, and Telematics, has been recognised as one of India’s Top 50 Innovative Companies for 2025 by the Confederation of Indian Industry  India’s leading industry-led, non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation.

Acsia secured the award in the MSME category at the 12th CII Industrial Innovation Awards for its LiLA Agentic AI Platform, a next-generation AI system designed to transform software engineering workflows through intelligent automation and agentic AI capabilities. The awards ceremony took place on 16 December 2025 in New Delhi during the Global Summit on Technology, R&D & Intellectual Property.

The award was presented to Jijimon Chandran, Founder and CEO of Acsia Technologies, by Dr. Chandrika Kaushik, Distinguished Scientist and Director General DRDO, Ministry of Defence, in the presence of Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-founder, ReNew; Inge Buffolo, Director  Business Development, European Union Intellectual Property Office  and TitoKishan Vemuri, Founder and CEO, Proinn Consultancy.

Commenting on the recognition, Jijimon Chandran said:
“This award is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and engineering excellence. LiLA represents a fundamental shift in how software development and validation are approached—helping teams improve productivity while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance. Being named among India’s Top 50 Innovative Companies reinforces our commitment to building technologies that solve real-world engineering challenges. It is a proud moment for the entire Acsia team and a validation of the strength of Thiruvananthapuram’s R&D ecosystem and technology talent.”

Deployed with a human-in-the-loop (HITL) approach at leading automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, LiLA has demonstrated strong results in production environments, including:

  • Accelerating code analysis

  • Improving defect resolution cycles

  • Strengthening documentation quality

  • Delivering 50–60% productivity improvements across key stages of the software development lifecycle

The CII Industrial Innovation Awards recognise organisations demonstrating sustained innovation capability and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Acsia’s inclusion among the Top 50 Innovative Companies underscores its leadership in applying AI-driven solutions to address complex challenges in automotive and embedded software engineering.

In addition, Acsia Technologies was honoured with the CII Industry Academia Partnership Award 2025  for the second consecutive year, recognising its role in strengthening collaboration between industry and academia through:

  • Applied research initiatives

  • Skill development programmes

  • Faculty development initiatives

  • Hackathons and training programmes

  • Flagship finishing school programme

These initiatives reflect Acsia’s commitment to building a future-ready talent ecosystem, bridging the gap between education and industry, and contributing meaningfully to India’s technology and innovation landscape.

For more information about LiLA, visit: https://www.acsiatech.com/agentic-ai/

Photo Caption:
The award was presented to Acsia Founder and CEO Jijimon Chandran by Dr. Chandrika Kaushik, Distinguished Scientist & Director General, Production Coordination & Services, DRDO, Government of India, in the presence of Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-founder, ReNew; Inge Buffolo, Director, Business Development, EUIPO; and TitoKishan Vemuri, Founder and CEO, Proinn Consultancy.

Ring in 2026 with Grand New Year’s Eve Celebrations at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Dec 26:  Usher into 2026 with ITC Gardenia this New Year’s Eve with a line-up of unforgettable experiences with a fun filled carnival, foot tapping DJ and heart whelming food. The Grand Gardenia Carnival adds to the excitement with the lobby turning into a cheerful space filled with colourful stalls, live painting and fun activities for the kids to enjoy. Indulge, imbibe, dance & celebrate the year that was while you unravel the year ahead with style, grace & elegance with family, friends & loved ones.

NEW YEAR’S EVE 31st December 2025

Cubbon Pavilion

Welcome the New Year with a warm and lively dinner at the newly refreshed and reopened Cubbon Pavilion. Enjoy a wide buffet spread, live music and premium beverages surrounded by vertical gardens and cheerful ambience. The gala dinner will feature live counters for chaat, grills, pasta, and a lot more! Dance to the tunes of 2025 on the dance floor at Highland Nectar.

EDO Restaurant & Bar

ITC Gardenia’s award-winning Japanese restaurant, EDO is hosting a Neon-Themed Party with glowing lights, neon paint, DJ beats, and live music. It will be a night of classic Japanese food, foot tapping music and endless joy as you welcome 2026 Tokyo Style at EDO.

CAJSA

Celebrate the year gone by with a 12-course chef’s special dinner, where each course represents a month of the year. Enjoy the soulful tunes of a live violinist as you dine in a warm, elegant setting. Each course will take inspiration from seasonal produce of every month of the year to curate a tasting menu that bids the perfect ode to 2025. After the flavourful meal, head to Highland Nectar and join the dance floor to welcome 2026 with a musical count down.

Kebabs & Kurries

End the year with a meal of north west frontier flavours at Kebab and Kurries. Relish a set menu packed with our signature kebabs, Dal Bukhara and biryani along with a range of select premium beverages. Join the dance floor at Highland Nectar after the soul filling meal to don your dancing shoes.

Lotus Pavilion

Bid adieu to 2025 with a meal under in Lotus Pavilion as Bangalore’s weather sets the perfect tone for a memorable dinner. Choose from our ala carte food and beverage menu and enjoy live music as you reminisce the year gone by.

One Science Nutrition Appoints Tiger Shroff as Brand Ambassador to Boost Whey Protein Leadership

New Delhi,  Dec 26:-One Science Nutrition  specializing in authentic fitness supplements and sports nutrition, announced a powerful partnership with India’s Youngest Action Superstar and fitness icon, Tiger Shroff. The collaboration aims to inspire a broader audience to prioritize genuine, high-quality nutrition as a cornerstone of their active lifestyle.
OSN-TIGER1
Tiger Shroff, revered for his intense dedication to martial arts and fitness, embodies the discipline and commitment One Science Nutrition stands for. This partnership is a natural synergy, uniting the star’s philosophy of movement and wellness with OSN’s mission to provide reliable and premium supplements.
One Science Nutrition offers a diverse selection of high-quality supplements designed to support muscle growth, enhance recovery, and improve athletic performance for fitness enthusiasts at every level. Among its core offerings is a robust protein line-up, including the 100% PREMIUM WHEY PROTEIN, renowned for its scientifically formulated blend of Whey concentrate and Isolate, the ultra-clean ISO GOLD for faster absorption, and the advanced power-packed NITRA WHEY. Beyond protein, the brand supports intense training with high-performance supplements like its cutting-edge Pre-Workouts and essential muscle-building Creatine, ensuring comprehensive nutritional support across its entire range.
Commenting on the partnership, Aman Vachher, CEO & Co-founder of Muscle House India Pvt Ltd, said;
“Welcoming Tiger Shroff to our family is a tremendous moment. His genuine dedication to fitness perfectly matches our brand’s promise to provide authentic, premium supplements that support health and performance goals”. Further commenting on the partnership’s impact, Aniket Vachher, Co-founder of Muscle House India Pvt Ltd, added: “We believe this partnership will greatly boost our mission to teach consumers about verified nutrition. It will set new standards for authenticity and inspire the next generation of fitness enthusiasts.”
Tiger Shroff added;
“I am excited to be a part of One Science Nutrition’s campaign. The brand’s commitment to providing authentic products and promoting a healthy lifestyle resonates deeply with me. Achieving holistic fitness and well-being is essential to enjoying life, and I applaud OSN’s efforts to integrate these principles into everyday routines. I look forward to working together to foster a healthier and fitter India.”
 
One Science Nutrition has launched Limited Edition TIGER COMBO PACKS, curated specifically around Tiger Shroff’s secret to fitness and recovery. These exclusive packs include highly sought-after combinations, such as 100% Premium Whey Protein paired with complimentary Creatine and Nitra Whey coupled with a free Multivitamin supplement.
The partnership with Tiger Shroff will see him actively involved in One Science Nutrition’s initiatives to educate consumers on the importance of trusted supplements and fostering an active lifestyle, assisting in bridging the protein gap for a healthier, fitter India.

2025 Redefined Marketing as Brands Shifted from Noise to Meaningful, Trust-Driven Communication

As the advertising and marketing industry prepares to step into 2026, 2025 is being widely seen as a year of reckoning, one that forces brands, agencies, and creators to pause, recalibrate, and rethink how communication truly works in an attention-saturated world.

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According to Siddharth Jalan, Founder of boutique marketing lab SquidJC, the most significant shift of the year wasn’t driven by a new platform, tool, or format, but by a fundamental change in audience behaviour and selective content consumption.

“2025 was the year audiences stopped tolerating noise,” says Jalan. “People didn’t stop consuming content, but instead became extremely selective about what deserves their time. Brands that kept shouting, blended into the background. Brands that spoke with clarity, context, and intent stood out.”

From Volume to Value

The past year saw an explosion of content fuelled by AI tools, short-form video, and always-on publishing. While output increased, engagement became harder to earn. Public-facing digital behaviour studies released in 2025 consistently pointed to a rise in selective consumption, with users actively avoiding repetitive or low-value content in favour of fewer, more trusted voices.

This shift, Jalan notes, pushed brands away from volume-led strategies and toward more intentional storytelling. “Posting more stopped being the answer,” he explains. “Saying something meaningful and saying it consistently became the only way forward.”

Creativity and Performance Finally Found Common Ground

Another defining change in 2025 was the gradual collapse of the long-standing divide between creativity and performance marketing. Instead of operating in silos, the two disciplines increasingly converged around shared outcomes.

“Performance stopped being about hacks, and creativity stopped being about cleverness for its own sake,” says Jalan. “The work that performed best understood the context. Be it cultural, platform-led, or emotional. That’s where the results came from.” This evolution mirrors broader workplace trends identified in global employment studies released this year, which highlighted hybrid skill sets combining creative thinking, technological fluency, and analytical reasoning as among the fastest-growing across industries.

Pop Culture Reflected the Shift

Interestingly, pop culture in 2025 echoed the same recalibration. From the rise of long-form podcast conversations and stripped-back celebrity interviews to creator-led documentaries and unfiltered social content, audiences gravitated towards material that felt intentional rather than overproduced.

“The popularity of long conversations and behind-the-scenes storytelling revealed something very important,” Jalan adds. “People weren’t chasing polish. They were chasing perspective.” 

Brands that embraced this cultural shift opting for simplicity, honesty, and restraint found deeper resonance with audiences.

Systems Over Campaigns

Structurally, one of the most important changes Jalan observed was a move away from campaign-first thinking. Instead of relying on short bursts of visibility, brands began investing in communication systems core narratives and content frameworks designed to work across platforms and over time.

“Consistency became more valuable than virality,” he notes. “Recall mattered more than reach.” As automation and AI continued to reshape workflows, industry-wide conversations increasingly focused on building systems that allow creativity to scale without losing coherence.

What 2026 Will Demand

Looking ahead, Jalan believes 2026 will be less about experimentation and more about consolidation. “The next year will reward brands that know who they are,” he says. “Agility will no longer mean reacting to everything. It will mean knowing what not to react to. ”He expects brands to place greater emphasis on:

• Clear, long-term narratives over trend-hopping

• Tighter integration between creative, tech, and strategy teams

• Trust, consistency, and cultural awareness over short-term visibility

“2025 taught us that attention isn’t free anymore,” Jalan concludes. “2026 will test a brand’s understanding of trust, which can only be earned slowly, through clarity, respect for the audience, and the courage to say less, better.”

Delhi-NCR Realty Gains Strong Traction in 2025 Across Luxury, SCOs and Premium Offices

By:-Santosh Agarwal, CFO & Executive Director, Alpha Corp Development Limited

“India’s real estate sector continues to display strong resilience, with Delhi-NCR reinforcing its position as a key residential and commercial destination. Residential demand remains healthy, supported by changing lifestyle preferences, improving infrastructure, and increased aspiration for quality living. Alongside this, developers are actively exploring opportunities in Tier II and III cities, which are emerging as important growth markets. In NCR, Shop-cum-Office (SCO) developments are gaining significant traction, driven by their mixed-use flexibility, visibility, and strong end-user and investor interest. Office spaces remain relevant as workplace strategies evolve, supported by enhanced connectivity and a renewed focus on quality, well-planned developments, strengthening confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects. At the same time, rising manufacturing expansion and infrastructure-led growth are accelerating demand for industrial parks and logistics hubs, positioning them as a key pillar of the sector’s next phase of sustainable growth.”

By:-Abhishek Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris

“2025 has been a pivotal year for real estate across Delhi NCR, marked by a decisive shift toward luxury living and wellness-oriented residential communities. Luxury home sales in NCR grew by 9% in H1 2025, with Gurugram accounting for nearly 91% of all high-end transactions reaffirming its position as the region’s strongest market.

At the same time, homebuyers are increasingly prioritising health over price, seeking communities that offer integrated wellness facilities, expansive green landscapes, and state-of-the-art fitness infrastructure to support holistic well-being. This reflects the evolving lifestyle preferences of modern homeowners. Looking ahead to 2026, we, as developers, remain committed to this direction by placing health, environmental quality, and overall well-being at the core of our upcoming projects in Gurugram, Noida & Bengaluru. In line with rising AQI concerns and the growing preference for wellness-focused homes, our forthcoming residential development in Sector 80, Gurugram has been meticulously designed to offer a wellness-centric living experience”

By:-Ashish Sharma, AVP Operations, Brahma Group

 “2025 has been a breakthrough year for commercial real estate, with NCR’s office leasing activity reaching 7.2 million sq. ft. in the first half, marking a 27% year-on-year increase and reaffirming the sector’s robust performance. Additionally, Gurugram emerged as the primary growth driver, contributing nearly 65% of the total leasing. This uptick reflects the strong preference among occupiers for high-quality Grade-A office spaces, technologically advanced smart buildings, and environmentally sustainable developments. continue to position the region as a preferred commercial destination. These factors collectively continue to strengthen the region’s position as a highly sought-after commercial destination. As we move into 2026, we anticipate even more growth, fuelled by infrastructure upgrades, rising rental values, and growing demand from both domestic companies and global firms, and we remain committed to delivering future-ready, flexible, premium-grade spaces that meet evolving corporate needs.”

A Strategic Partnership Accelerating India’s Clean Energy Transition

Chennai, Dec 26:- Suntek Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd., operates with brand name Truzon Solar, today announced a strategic investment and long-term partnership with Mr. Sachin Tendulkar legendary cricketer, global sporting icon, and philanthropist.
 This landmark partnership marks a defining milestone in Truzon Solar’s growth journey, reinforcing its ambition to emerge as one of India’s top three solar EPC companies by 2030. The association with Mr. Tendulkar synonymous with trust, excellence, and national pride significantly strengthens Truzon Solar’s brand credibility and accelerates its evolution into a truly national clean-energy company.
 The strategic investment will support Truzon Solar’s next phase of expansion by scaling execution capabilities, deepening operational infrastructure, and strengthening delivery across the solar value chain. The company will continue to build on its strong footprint in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka, while expanding aggressively into high-potential markets including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Kerala.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Charugundla Bhavani Suresh, Founder and Managing Director, Truzon Solar, said:
 “This partnership with Mr. Sachin Tendulkar is more than an investment it is a powerful validation of our values, governance, and long-term vision. His belief in Truzon Solar reinforces our commitment to building a trusted, scalable, and future-ready solar enterprise. Together, we aim to make clean energy a mainstream, responsible choice for homes, businesses, and industries across India.”
 Truzon Solar operates across Residential, Commercial & Industrial (C&I), and large-scale infrastructure segments, delivering end-to-end solar solutions through complete ownership of the development lifecycle. Its integrated capabilities include utility-scale EPC projects, rooftop solar systems, PM-KUSUM agricultural solar programs, industrial CSG projects, and comprehensive operations & maintenance services.
 With a strong execution track record, customer-first philosophy, and increasing national presence, Truzon Solar is building a differentiated solar platform focused on quality, reliability, and long-term impact. The partnership with Mr. Sachin Tendulkar is expected to further enhance stakeholder confidence, unlock strategic collaborations, and strengthen the company’s leadership position in India’s rapidly evolving renewable energy ecosystem.
 The long-term vision of this partnership is to contribute meaningfully to India’s renewable energy goals by empowering millions of rural and urban consumers to transition to solar power, thereby creating a cleaner, brighter, and self-sustaining future for generations to come.

How Premium Housing Surged in Indian real estate in 2025

Delhi NCR, Dec 26: As 2025 is set to end in a few days, activity in Delhi NCR’s premium housing market continues at a surprising pace. Properties in the ₹1 crore plus bracket have found steady takers through the year, mostly from families looking for more space or a better neighbourhood. Developers say many of these buyers began their search early in the year and stayed active regardless of season, which helped sustain sales across quarters. A CBRE–ASSOCHAM study reported that luxury housing sales jumped 85 percent in the first half of 2025, with NCR contributing more than half of those transactions.

That momentum also filtered into the luxury bracket. Homes priced at INR 4 crore and above, once restricted to a handful of sectors, now attract interest across a wider stretch of the region. Market reports show that demand for high-end homes has been rising for some time. ANAROCK’s data highlights the scale of this growth, with average luxury prices moving from about INR 13,450 per square foot in 2022 to nearly INR 23,100 in 2025. Brokers in Gurgaon and Noida say buyers in this range are particular about layout planning, finishes and the reputation of the developer.

According to a recent report by Savills India Research, prices of new villa properties in Goa compare with the apartments in South Delhi and South Mumbai, priced between Rs 7 crore and Rs 10 crore.

Mr. Dheeraj Sharma, CEO, GHD Group says,

“India’s property market in 2025 has maintained solid momentum, supported by confident buyers and improved infrastructure. The push for bigger, better homes is shaping demand across mid and premium tiers. Investor interest is also rising, keeping real estate one of the most stable investment avenues this year. Within this national growth story, Goa has emerged as one of the most dynamic and talked-about markets. The state has seen a sharp surge in luxury villa and holiday home demand, with North Goa locations like Porvorim and Thivim recording price jumps of up to 66% year-on-year. This year, a significant number of investors including NRIs and domestic buyers have actively invested in Goa, drawn by its strong rental potential and lifestyle appeal. Remote-working professionals have also continued to choose Goa as a long-term base, further increasing demand. Goa’s rise has been supported by major infrastructure improvements, including the expansion of Mopa Airport and enhanced highway connectivity, making the state more accessible for residents, tourists and investors alike. These developments have firmly positioned Goa as a premium lifestyle and investment hub. Looking ahead to 2026, Goa’s momentum is set to continue, with demand likely to outpace supply in key luxury and holiday-home hotspots.”

Dwarka Expressway and UER II Reset Connectivity for NCR

A major catalyst for Gurgaon’s premium housing momentum this year has been the completion of the Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road II. Market participants across the board describe these projects as transformative. Many homebuyers and brokers frame the infrastructure push as a much-needed intervention delivered under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The expressway, in particular, is often referred to as a long-overdue “gift” to commuters who spent years navigating bottlenecks on the traditional Delhi–Gurgaon corridors.

With both corridors now operational, access to IGI Airport has become noticeably smoother, and commuters from West and North Delhi report shorter and more predictable travel times into Gurgaon’s commercial pockets. Real estate sentiment along the expressway has shifted sharply. Sectors that had remained inactive for years are now drawing sustained interest. Industry data shows steep price appreciation along the stretch over the last five years, with some estimates placing growth at more than three and a half times. Developers say most new demand here is for premium homes backed by improved access and the steady addition of social amenities.

UER II has had a similar effect in the northern belt. The new link connects Rohini, Mundka, Najafgarh and the Dwarka side with highways leading towards Sonipat and Kundli. For residents in these neighbourhoods, the project has created a faster link to the airport and to Gurgaon. Analysts say the enhanced connectivity has already begun to lift the profile of pockets that earlier struggled to attract buyers.

Venket Rao, Founder & Managing Partner, Intygrat Law:

“2025 has been a defining year for India’s real estate sector. The Reserve Bank of India’s consistent stance on repo rates has ensured a stable borrowing environment, giving both developers and homebuyers the confidence to plan long-term. At the same time, the government’s ongoing labour law reforms are bringing much-needed clarity, compliance transparency, and workforce efficiency to the construction ecosystem — a critical step for an industry that thrives on predictability and organized growth. What truly stands out this year is the government’s sustained push for real estate through infrastructure expansion, digital land governance, and policy incentives aimed at accelerating urban development. These efforts signal a clear national intent: to make real estate a cornerstone of India’s economic transformation. As we close the year, the sector is more resilient, more regulated, and better positioned to deliver sustainable value to investors, end-users, and the broader economy.”

Deepak Rai, Founder & Managing Director, Bootes, said,

“2025 has been a decisive year for real estate, reminding us that pollution, rising temperatures, water scarcity, and high energy consumption are immediate challenges. While the market remained stable and buyer confidence stayed strong across mid-income and premium categories, the biggest shift was the growing demand for sustainable, climate-responsible homes. More buyers now prioritise eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and net-zero living.”

He further added, “Looking ahead to year 2026, the real estate sector must take responsibility for mitigating these issues. Sustainability is no longer optional — green certifications, renewable energy integration, water-saving systems, and low-carbon construction will be fundamental expectations. The market will stay balanced, but the demand for climate-conscious homes will rise sharply. At Bootes, we are actively working on these solutions. From net-zero homes to energy-optimised designs and responsible construction practices, we are committed to building homes that support a cleaner, healthier, and sustainable future.”

Mr Gaurav K Singh, Chairman and Founder, Womeki Group says

“2025 has been a year of strong economic stability for India, marked by sustained GDP growth, a steady inflation trajectory, and continued improvement in the ease of doing business. The government’s push on infrastructure development, digital public services, and rationalised labour reforms has further strengthened investor confidence. As we move into 2026, the outlook remains optimistic. With capital investments rising, Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets gaining momentum, and policy consistency driving long-term planning, India is poised to unlock broader opportunities and reinforce its position as one of the world’s most resilient and fast-progressing economies.”

Henam Khaneja, Additional Vice President & Head of Commercial Sales, Elante Group,

“As we all know, this year is coming to an end, and 2025 has been a transformative year for the real estate sector. Stable interest rates, growing income confidence, and a definite shift toward quality-driven developments all contributed to the robust demand we saw in both the residential and commercial sectors. Buyers today are more informed and are prioritizing integrated living, sustainability, and long-term value. Tier-2 markets also gained momentum as infrastructure expansion and hybrid working models created new growth pockets. Heading into the year 2026, the market is expected to stay largely balanced, with a slight tilt towards buyers in a few pockets as inventory gradually increases. Mortgage rates may stabilise, improving affordability and boosting buyer confidence. The premium and luxury segment will continue to stay strong, driven by aspirational and high-net-worth buyers who prioritize lifestyle, design, and long-term value.”

The Outlook

With the year close to wrapping up, the premium segment stands out as one of the most stable parts of NCR’s residential market. A mix of infrastructure upgrades, improved connectivity and consistent end-user demand has defined 2025 for high-value housing. Developers say enquiry levels today indicate that the interest is unlikely to fade as the market moves into 2026.