<h1>IKEA to Invest EUR1.5 Billion in India: 25 Retail Stores Planned, Boosting Local Sourcing for Global Operations.</h1> IKEA plans to invest Euro 1.5 billion in India, starting with Euro 600 million to establish 25 retail stores as a wholly owned subsidiary. The investment will also significantly increase sourcing from India for IKEA's global operations. The decision followed discussions with Indian officials about sourcing norms. Separately, the Indian Minister of Commerce met with global CEOs, including those from METRO AG, who plan to expand their Indian presence. Additionally, the Minister discussed potential economic cooperation with Russian officials, aiming to enhance trade with the Russia-Belarus-Kazakhstan Customs Union, targeting bilateral trade of US$ 20 billion with Russia by 2015.