Trade deals driven by policy, not phone calls: GTRI after Lutnick remarks

A think tank argues that trade deals hinge on policy alignment, not leader calls. This challenges US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s claim that the India-US trade agreement stalled due to a missed phone call. GTRI asserts that complex negotiations break down over substantive issues like tariffs and market access. The trade impasse reflects hard policy […]

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said the state will actively promote its Telangana Rising 2047 vision and aim for a $3 trillion economy at the World Economic Forum in Davos 2026. The delegation will showcase the state’s transformative growth plans, revisit past investment commitments, and highlight opportunities in innovation, technology, and inclusive development.

Modi and Trump have spoken on the phone “on eight occasions during 2025, covering different aspects of our wide-ranging partnership”, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday. Lutnick had said that India was given “three Fridays” to clinch a trade deal with Washington last year and that Modi had to call Trump to […]

India and the European Union are in talks for a Free Trade Agreement. Discussions focus on a modern economic partnership. Both sides aim to safeguard farmers and MSMEs. Negotiations are ongoing to bridge differences. The goal is to conclude the talks soon. This pact could boost Indian exports to the EU market.

In a striking political maneuver, US President Donald Trump is endorsing legislation that would impose a staggering 500% tariff on Russian oil purchasers. Indian oil executives perceive this as a tactical pressure play in ongoing trade negotiations rather than a serious ultimatum. The intention appears to be to coerce India while nudging Russia towards a […]

The Chief Economic Adviser has spotlighted key industries such as semiconductors, defence production, and critical industrial chemicals for self-sufficiency. Targeting a decrease in import reliance, this plan aspires to elevate India’s economic influence internationally.

India’s finance ministry is set to remove restrictions on Chinese firms bidding for government contracts. These curbs were imposed in 2020 following border tensions. The move aims to boost commercial ties and address project delays. Several ministries have requested exemptions to overcome constraints. A high-level committee also recommended easing these measures.

India’s natural mentha oil industry faces a crisis. Exports and production have fallen significantly. Synthetic mint, a cheaper lab-grown alternative, is flooding markets. Farmers are shifting to other crops as demand for natural mentha wanes. Bulk buyers now prefer the synthetic version for its consistent quality and lower cost. This trend threatens the future of […]

India aims to be the world’s third-largest economy. Minister Nitin Gadkari stated this requires reducing imports and boosting exports. He highlighted converting agricultural waste into a national resource. This process can cut pollution from crop burning. It also strengthens the circular economy. Blending 15% with agro-waste can save foreign exchange. This will significantly reduce dependence […]

The Indian leather industry met with a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce, highlighting that 50% US tariffs are significantly harming exports and impacting the sector’s competitiveness. They urged for bilateral engagements to address trade barriers and requested policy and diplomatic support to mitigate socio-economic consequences.