Global Tech Firms Sue India Over E-Waste Recycling Costs

India is facing a significant backlash from global electronics manufacturers, including Daikin, Hitachi, and Samsung, over new e-waste recycling regulations that drastically increase compliance costs. The Indian government introduced a mandatory minimum price for recyclers to formalize the sector and improve recycling rates, as the country ranks third globally in e-waste generation, with only 43% of it being recycled. Companies argue that these rules not only inflate their recycling costs but also create an unstable business environment, prompting four of them to sue Prime Minister Modi's administration. The legal challenges assert that the measures are unconstitutional and exceed the government's authority under environmental law. Despite the government's aim to enhance waste management and prevent harmful informal practices, foreign companies perceive these regulations as part of a protectionist trend that complicates compliance and raises operational costs. The standoff reflects broader tensions between international businesses and India's evolving industrial policies.