Modi’s Saudi trip to give India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor much-needed boost in West Asia

Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22 will prioritize boosting the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), particularly the Saudi segment. Discussions will also cover energy cooperation, increased Saudi investments in India, and regional stability amidst US-Iran peace talks. India aims for a stable West Asia to protect its energy and economic […]

India’s move to protect against substandard imports is creating supply chain risks for electronics manufacturers, potentially hindering export competitiveness. Quality control orders on base metals unintentionally affect the electronics sector, causing sourcing constraints. Industry executives are seeking exemptions for electronics products, as these require high-grade raw materials not readily available in India, potentially disrupting production […]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning a Europe trip in mid-May, encompassing Croatia, Norway, and the Netherlands, as FTA negotiations intensify. The Norway leg includes the 3rd India-Nordic Summit, emphasizing renewables, high-tech, and investments. In the Netherlands, Modi will focus on high-tech collaboration, particularly semiconductors, reinforcing its role as a key economic partner.

India’s pomegranate exports to the US are gaining momentum with the first commercial sea shipment of the Bhagwa variety reaching New York. This milestone, involving 4,620 boxes from Maharashtra, is part of efforts to boost Indo-US trade, aiming for $500 billion by 2030.

India’s oilmeals exports witnessed a significant decline, dropping 21% to Rs 12,171 crore in the last fiscal year, primarily due to an 11% decrease in sales volumes. The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India reported reduced exports of rapeseed and castorseed meal as key factors.

US tariffs on Chinese imports are opening doors for Indian garment and toy exporters, potentially boosting their capacity utilization to 90-95%. American buyers are actively seeking to diversify their supply chains, leading to increased inquiries for Indian manufacturers. While this presents a significant opportunity for Indian MSMEs, capacity constraints and the need for strategic investments […]

India is considering a new category for ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages with 8-18% alcohol content, potentially allowing imports of such products as part of trade deal negotiations with the US. The US has requested eased customs clearances and certifications for food, beverages, chemicals, and medical devices.

The US informed the WTO that its steel and aluminum tariffs are for national security, not safeguard measures, rejecting India’s consultation request. India sought discussions after the US imposed tariffs in 2018 and revised them in February 2025, arguing the US failed to notify the WTO.

An Indian official team is set to visit Washington next week to resolve outstanding issues before formally launching negotiations for a proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA). This visit, following a recent US team visit to India, signals growing momentum for the BTA talks.

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) may expand to include Egypt, Oman, and Slovenia, enhancing strategic interests and regional economic integration. Experts at a conclave in New Delhi highlighted IMEC’s potential to reduce logistics costs and shipping times, leveraging India’s GATI SHAKTI initiative. IMEC aims to establish a resilient trade route, complementing the Suez Canal […]