Modi visit opens opportunities for India in Russian Arctic endowed with rare earth, crude

At their meetings, Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed optimum use of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) via the Arctic and possible use of nuclear-powered icebreakers of Rosatom in that terrain, ET has learnt.

The government has formed a committee – Rice Federation Consulting Committee – under the commerce ministry to deal with the issue of rice exports.

India’s diesel exports to Europe surged fourfold in June to 119,400 barrels per day from 24,500 barrels per day in May, driven by better margins in the continent. Despite this, India’s overall diesel exports fell 4% to 482,400 barrels per day. Europe received a quarter of India’s diesel shipments, while supplies to Asia fell 10%. […]

India and Russia aim to boost their bilateral trade to over USD 100 billion by 2030. The focus is on using national currencies, expanding trade routes, and increasing cooperation in sectors like energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and the digital economy. The agreement, announced at the 22nd Annual Bilateral Summit in Moscow, includes eliminating trade barriers, optimizing […]

India, top rice exporter, might ease export limits before October’s crop. Plans include fixed duties on white rice and removing the 20% tax on parboiled rice to reduce Asian prices, aiding West Africa and Middle East. Monsoon rains boosted sowing recovery, increasing acreage. Data indicate increased sowing for the main rice crop since 2023.

PM Modi’s Russia visit includes meeting Putin to discuss India-China border issues, Kazakhstan summit, arms deals (Su-30MKI, licensed production), trade balance, and energy ties. Talks will also cover Russia’s nuclear threats, US-India relations, murder plot probe, Indian community meetings, and the Ukrainian conflict.

The Centre will refund the compensation cess levied on imported goods under Goods and Services Tax (GST) to businesses operating in special economic zones and their developers, effective from 2017. The Central Board of Indirect Tax and Customs has also directed the issuance of refunds of 5% GST collected on food packages intended for the […]

Senior officials of India and the UK will hold talks this month to finalise the proposed free trade agreement, as the new government in Britain aims to resolve pending issues and conclude negotiations. The talks, which began in January 2022, were stalled during the countries’ general election cycles. Both sides are working towards a mutually […]

India’s coal imports increased by 5.3% to 52.29 million tonnes in April-May FY24, compared to the previous year. However, May imports dropped slightly to 26.19 MT from 26.57 MT last year. Despite potential import demand slowing due to monsoons and rising coking coal prices, domestic production remains robust.