• India won't let China's electric vehicle giant BYD expand in the country, its commerce minister said.
• BYD has to convince India it will "play by the rules of the game," Piyush Goyal told a conference.
• BYD rival Tesla is looking to expand in India, which is the world's third biggest car market.

India has blocked Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD from expanding in its auto market, just as Elon Musk's Tesla looks to build its presence there.

"India has to be cautious about its strategic interests, who we allow to invest," Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told Bloomberg at the India Global Forum on Monday.

Asked about BYD's prospects, he said: "As of now, it's a no."

Goyal accused BYD of engaging in "unfair practices" and said India's government must be "convinced" that the Chinese EV maker would "work by the rules of the game."

India had previously rejected BYD's $1 billion joint venture proposal with a local firm last year, citing national security concerns about Chinese investments.

Tensions between Beijing and Delhi have long been high, with the two growing superpowers often butting heads.

BYD has maintained a limited presence in India. The company sold 3,500 cars in India in 2024, BYD India executive Rajeev Chauhan told Business Standard — less than 0.1% of its 4.27 million global sales last year.

Meanwhile, Tesla has ramped up efforts to break into India, the world's third-largest car market. In February, the company listed 13 job openings based in Mumbai, just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Musk.

However, Tesla's India ambitions drew criticism from President Donald Trump, who said that opening a Tesla plant there would be "unfair" due to the country's steep import tariffs — up to 100% on EVs.

"Every country in the world takes advantage of us, and they do it with tariffs," he told Fox News in February adding, "It is impossible to sell a car, practically, in, as an example, India."

"Now, if he built the factory in India, that's OK, but that's unfair to us," Trump said of Musk. "It's very unfair."

Last week, Trump imposed 26% tariffs on goods from India as part of his sweeping tariff program.

Musk was also expected to announce a major investment during a trip to India in April 2024 but postponed it after Tesla announced plans to lay off 10% of its global workforce.

Entering the Indian market could give Tesla a much-needed boost. The company has faced sluggish sales in Europe and the US this year, growing competition from BYD, and backlash driven by Musk's work in the Department of Government Efficiency. As of Tuesday's close, Tesla stock was down 41% this year, while BYD shares are up nearly 20%.

Last year, Tesla and BYD were neck and neck in global EV sales, but BYD pulled ahead on revenue — outpacing Tesla by roughly $10 billion for the first time.

• Tejas Vijh navigated visa challenges to secure a venture capital role in the US.
• Visa sponsorship is rare in venture capital, and many international students stick to Big Tech.
• He feels more secure about his job at a small firm than his peers at Big Tech companies.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Tejas Vijh, an employee at a venture capital firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana. It has been edited for length and clarity. Business Insider has verified his employment and visa history.

After I completed my bachelor's in computer science in India, a series of internships and connections led me to a role at a very early-stage venture capital firm. I loved the job and the research it involved.

Seven months into working at the firm, I wanted the exposure of living and working abroad. I got into a business analytics master's program at Columbia University and moved to New York City in 2022.

Right off the bat, I figured out that venture was not a typical career path for international students, including MBA and business majors, for one main reason: visa sponsorship issues. I interned at two places in the summer, and both said they wouldn't be able to sponsor my long-term visa, even though they liked my performance.

When I started researching the job market after graduation, I could not find a single person in the industry who was an immigrant, which was really demotivating. But I was convinced that I wanted to work in healthcare or climate tech and decided to keep going.

As a Science-Technology-Engineering-Math graduate, I am allowed a three-year work permit called the Optional Practical Training visa. It's seen as a pathway to securing an H-1B — a visa for highly skilled foreign workers.

500 cold emails

Using software called PitchBook, a venture capital database, I downloaded a list of 2,000 firms. I started emailing them personalized notes. I pitched myself but did not mention my visa situation.

Many firms replied to me even though they weren't hiring, and I met people for coffee and built connections.

I started getting some interviews by my 200th email.

By my 500th email, I had two offers — one from a larger firm that told me they could not sponsor my H-1B but that I could join them for my three years of OPT, and another from my current firm, where our managing partner took time to understand my visa requirements and the support I would need from them. I told him how I'm loyal and I will stay where I go. My firm has three partners, and I'm the only employee.

The advantages of a small company

I did not get my H-1B visa last year, but my visa was selected as part of this year's lottery last week. My firm has also been supportive and has helped me explore alternative routes like the O-1 visa or the EB-1, which are visas for extraordinary talents in the event my H-1B did not come through.

Some of the recent changes around H-1B also give me a lot of hope, since they are focused on making the process fairer. The US immigration authorities have reported fewer entries into the lottery this year compared to 2024. Elon Musk, who is working with President Donald Trump's administration, has also publicly supported the H-1B program.

I'm grateful I decided to join a small company over a Big Tech company, where a lot of my classmates from my master's and family members work. Large companies are traditionally seen as more stable and a safer bet for visa holders, but as layoffs sweep the tech industry, this mindset is changing. I have family members who are always on edge about when they may lose their jobs and be forced to quickly pack up and leave the US because their stay depends on their employment.

I believe my partners will honestly give me a heads-up if we need to cut employees. The firm is also heavily involved in helping me find alternative visas, which is not always a service provided by large firms. It adds to my peace of mind.

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• Hundreds of Air India passengers went on an eight-hour flight to nowhere this week.
• The plane turned back to Mumbai after about four hours when the airline detected a security threat.
• It marks Air India's second flight to nowhere incident in less than a week.

Hundreds of Air India passengers went on an eight-hour flight to nowhere on Monday night after the airline detected a security threat.

Data from Flightradar24 shows that Monday's flight from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport made a U-turn over the Azerbaijan-Armenia border — a little over four hours into the journey.

The flight to nowhere lasted about eight hours and 20 minutes in total. A direct flight from Mumbai to New York usually takes just under 16 hours.

In a statement, Air India said the diversion was because a "potential security threat was detected" during the flight.

"After following the necessary protocols, the flight air-returned to Mumbai, in the interest of the safety and security of all on board," the statement said, adding that the Boeing 777-300 underwent mandatory security upon landing.

The plane landed back in Mumbai at 10:25 a.m. local time, per Flightradar24.

The airline told Live from a Lounge that 322 people, including 19 crew members, were on board. Air India said the flight was rescheduled to the following day and passengers were offered hotel accommodation, meals, and other assistance.

Air India did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

It was the second flight to nowhere for Air India in less than a week.

On March 7, an Air India flight returned to Chicago after a nine-hour journey when most of the plane's bathrooms stopped working. The airline's investigation found that bags, rags, and clothes had been flushed down the toilets, blocking the plumbing.

Flight diversions, particularly those that return to the departure airport, can be costly for airlines and annoying for passengers, but they are often necessary for safety reasons.

These decisions are usually made on a case-by-case basis, but some carriers, such as American Airlines, have their own automated tools to help dispatchers and other airline workers determine whether a U-turn is necessary.

• I went to India for the first time on a group tour with my kids.
• Our trip was great, but I wish I'd packed more hand sanitizer and medications from home.
• I also wish I'd tried the delicious street food sooner and extended my trip.

India has been on my list of must-see destinations for years.

I have always longed to see the Taj Mahal and the Bengal tigers that roam the country's vast forests. Yet, I put off visiting because I found the idea of navigating a country populated by over a billion people intimidating.

Nevertheless, I recently took the plunge and booked a group tour of India with Intrepid Travel with my kids.

Thankfully, most things went well, and we had a great trip. However, our trip could've been even better if I had avoided these four mistakes.

Not trying street food earlier and more often

When I was planning my trip to India, multiple friends and my doctor warned me repeatedly about "Delhi Belly," also called traveler's diarrhea.

They advised me to be extremely careful about what I ate and drank lest my stomach revolt. I worried that if I slipped up, even once, I might spend several days of my trip in the bathroom.

I knew the risks were real, but I went overboard with my precautions, which caused me to miss out on some of the country's great street food.

At first, I only watched as others in my group enjoyed samosas and lassies from street vendors.

Eventually, I decided that Indian street food is an important part of local culture I didn't want to miss out on. So, I started indulging in the delicious offerings.

I followed common-sense safety rules, including making sure my food was served hot off the grill and that the stalls I was buying from looked clean.

I didn't get sick, and I wish I'd taken the plunge sooner.

Failing to pack enough medication and hand sanitizer

India has some of the most polluted cities in the world, so I knew to expect some air quality or sanitation issues during my trip. Still, I felt underprepared.

Throughout our trip, we encountered many public bathrooms without soap, hot water, or toilet paper. I packed a ton of hand sanitizer, but it wasn't enough, and I couldn't find more to purchase anywhere I looked.

Partway through my trip, I had to ration my use of hand sanitizer, which made me nervous.

Moreover, even though I brought far more medication than I usually do when I travel, I wish I'd brought more. I packed everything my travel clinic recommended for tummy troubles but nothing for coughs or colds.

This was an issue in Delhi, our first stop in India, where my son started coughing almost immediately, which we attributed to the pollution. He also developed a runny nose, which can be caused by pollution.

We managed, but medication to ease these symptoms would have helped. I also wish I'd packed more masks that we could've worn to help filter out some of the pollutants.

Not staying long enough

Although I often travel independently, I went to India on a group tour.

I figured this would make our trip easier since India can be a challenging country for Americans to navigate due to cultural differences, language barriers, and sheer number of people who live there. I think was the right move, especially with children.

However, by the end of the tour, I felt fairly well-acclimated. Although I initially found the prospect of being in India alone overwhelming, on the last day of the tour, I took the Delhi metro with ease and navigated the city confidently without a guide.

I even hailed a tuk-tuk like a pro — I was a far cry from the nervous traveler I was when I first boarded a crowded train in Delhi.

I wish I hadn't been afraid to tack a couple of extra days onto my trip to explore more on my own and see more of the country.

Not learning more about India's culture and history ahead of time

Although I had loaded my Kindle with books about or set in India, I didn't get to read many of them before my trip. This left me scrambling to catch up.

For example, while I knew the Taj Mahal was perhaps the world's most profound symbol of love, I wasn't aware I could go inside before I arrived.

Throughout the trip, I found myself asking basic questions on tours more often than I would have liked instead of using them as an opportunity to dig deeper.

I think I would've understood more about the places I saw and the people I met if I had gone into the trip with a better understanding of India's complexities, history, and people.

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• After visiting over 20 countries in the past three years, a few destinations have stolen my heart.
• I'd love to return to Iceland and Banff, Canada, in the winter months.
• In my opinion, Fiji is the epitome of paradise, and was one of the most peaceful places I've been.

Over the past three years, I've had the incredible privilege of traveling to over 20 countries. I've been everywhere from the Arctic Circle to the South Pacific, Europe, and around North America.

Although every trip has had its highlights, a few destinations stand out as truly exceptional places I'd return to without hesitation. These spots captured my heart with their natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and opportunities for exploration and adventure.

If you're seeking inspiration for your next big trip, keep these five unforgettable destinations on your radar.

Udaipur, India, is as luxurious as it is stunning.

India's luxury hospitality industry, spicy delicacies, and bustling streets make it an unforgettable destination. Udaipur, specifically, offers all of this with the surprising addition of beautiful lakeside views.

I stayed at The Leela Palace Udaipur, one of the few hotels on the shore of Lake Pichola. Watching the sunset over the water from my balcony each night was enough to convince me to go back, but Udaipur also offers a mix of history, shopping, and art.

While visiting, I toured the City Palace Museum, escaped the heat at the Saheliyon ki Bari Botanical Gardens, and browsed local businesses and art museums for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

As a whole, I really enjoyed visiting Iceland.

Witnessing the northern lights isn't the only thing that makes Iceland worth visiting. However, it was a magical moment that made me want to return.

I visited during the summer when there was ample daylight to soak in the scenery. The volcanic, rocky landscapes were truly otherworldly.

While touring the island, I visited the Sky Lagoon geothermal spa, admired Kirkjufell Mountain, crossed the Bridge Between Continents, and explored natural wonders like Kleifarvatn Lake.

Now, I'm itching to go back during winter to hike through ice caves and see the northern lights more clearly.

Fiji is the epitome of paradise.

As soon as I stepped onto this gorgeous, palm-tree-sprinkled land and into the humid yet breezy air, I felt all my worries dissipate.

The salty, azure waters were perfect for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling, and the white sands and jungle offered ample opportunity for both relaxation and outdoor adventure. Fiji felt far away from everyday life in the best way.

I also loved enjoying Fijian food at a traditional Lovo, which involves cooking meat, fish, and vegetables in a freshly dug "underground oven" made with coals.

Fiji consists of over 300 islands, but I stayed at a private island resort called Wakaya. With jungle landscapes, pristine beaches, and breathtaking sea views, I've never felt so at peace in a destination.

Banff, Canada, is a playground for outdoor adventurers.

In my opinion, there's no better place in North America for outdoor adventurers than Banff, Canada.

Summer in Banff is a playground for hiking, biking, kayaking, and taking in the awe-inspiring mountain landscapes.

I loved my experience in Banff so much that I have another trip booked for this year. This time, I'll be visiting in the winter, which offers a different kind of wonderland.

Banff is a premier ski destination, but outdoor delights abound, with activities like ice skating across frozen lakes, ice climbing along frozen waterfalls, snowshoeing, and, of course, plenty of opportunities for aprés-ski.

Kauai, Hawaii, is truly magical.

From rainforests and vast canyons to scenic beaches, Kauai, Hawaii, offers endless beauty.

During my trip, which was my first big solo adventure, I drove to the top of Waimea Canyon, visited the Kauai Coffee Estate, chatted with friendly locals, and took in the incredible beach and mountain views.

I only scratched the surface of things to do and see, and left the island craving so much more of what it had to offer.

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• An Air India flight returned to Chicago in a nine-hour ordeal for passengers last week.
• The airline said bags, rags, and clothes had been flushed down toilets and got stuck in the plumbing.
• The Boeing 777 couldn't land in Europe due to night restrictions at most airports.

Air India passengers were left with a nine-hour flight to nowhere after most of the plane's bathrooms stopped working.

Data from Flightradar24 shows that last Wednesday's flight from Chicago to New Delhi U-turned over the Atlantic Ocean — about four hours into the 14-hour journey.

"About an hour and forty-five minutes into the flight, the crew reported some of the lavatories in business and economy class to be unserviceable," an Air India spokesperson said in a statement.

"Subsequently, eight of the 12 lavatories in the aircraft became unserviceable, causing discomfort to all on board," they added.

Images on social media appeared to show that clothes had clogged pipes on the plane.

The airline spokesperson said that its investigation found "polythene bags, rags, and clothes that had been flushed down and stuck in the plumbing."

The Boeing 777 landed back in Chicago around 9 p.m. local time, per Flightradar24.

So-called flights to nowhere are more common when an airline departs from one of its hub airports, where it's easier to make repair and re-route passengers.

Air India diverted Flight 126 back to the US due to restrictions on night operations at most European airports, the airline spokesperson said.

The decision to return to Chicago "was taken entirely in the interest of passenger comfort and safety," they added.

Upon arrival, passengers were given hotel accommodation and alternative flight options to New Delhi.

It's not the first time a flight has turned around due to plumbing problems.

Eight of the nine bathrooms stopped working on a KLM flight from Amsterdam to Los Angeles in February 2024. The Boeing 787 U-turned over the Atlantic Ocean and returned to the Netherlands.

Air India has previously found blankets, diapers, and other waste flushed down the toilets on other flights.

"We take this opportunity to urge passengers to use lavatories only for the purposes that they are meant for," the statement said.

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