India's Competition Reforms: A Year of Major Developments and AI Insights

In 2025, India's Competition Commission tackled 54 antitrust issues and 149 merger filings, implementing key reforms from the 2023 Competition Act. Notable changes include new penalty methods, swifter M&A approvals, and AI-related market studies. These steps aim to enhance transparency and expedite competition case resolutions, fostering a fairer market environment.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) addressed 54 anti-competitive matters and 149 merger filings in 2025, according to the Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra. Final orders were passed in 38 antitrust cases, and 146 merger notices were resolved. Malhotra noted these developments in a Lok Sabha reply.

Key competition law reforms under the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023, were put into action. Notably, penalties are now based on global turnover, as detailed in the CCI (Determination of Monetary Penalty) Guidelines, 2024. Reforms aim to boost efficiency and transparency, reducing M&A approval times from 210 to 150 days, with a new settlement and commitment framework introduced.

The Green Channel route now expedites M&A approvals. Additionally, a market study on AI and competition was conducted to explore AI systems, market structures, and competition concerns such as concentration in the AI value chain, algorithmic collusion risks, and AI-enabled price discrimination. The study recommends measures for a competitive AI ecosystem, including AI system audits, transparency improvements, and international cooperation.

(With inputs from agencies.)