PM Modi’s visit to Ethiopia elevates bilateral ties to a ‘Strategic Partnership’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ethiopia has elevated bilateral ties to a ‘Strategic Partnership,’ marking a significant milestone in India-Ethiopia relations. The visit yielded several key outcomes, including agreements on customised cooperation, the establishment of a data centre, and UN peacekeeping training.

Indian exports saw a significant jump in November, exceeding expectations and defying U.S. tariffs. This strong performance provides India with greater leverage in ongoing trade discussions with Washington. The robust export figures ease pressure on New Delhi to agree to a quick deal. Analysts suggest this resilience reduces the urgency for India to make concessions. […]

India’s exports to China surged by 32.83% year-on-year, reaching USD 12.22 billion in April-November 2025. Petroleum products led this growth, followed by electronic goods, marine products, and oil meals. This rise signifies strengthening trade momentum and increased demand for key commodities.

India’s exports to the US in November rose 22% on-year to $6.98 billion, despite the 50% tariff that Washington levies on imports from India since August. This is faster than the 19.38% growth in India’s total outbound shipments in November and 2.62% in April-November.

India, the Philippines, and several African economies are strengthening their business process and digital service exports, according to The Global Value Chain Development Report 2025. This shift highlights the growing importance of services in manufacturing and indicates that global value chains remain crucial, with GVC trade declining only marginally from its peak.

India has requested consultations with the EU under the WTO’s safeguard agreement concerning new import measures on certain ferroalloys. The EU’s decision, effective immediately, introduces country-specific tariff-rate quotas, limiting duty-free imports and increasing tariffs for volumes exceeding these quotas.

The strong export growth, the fastest since June 2022, and a 1.88% fall in imports to $62.66 billion drove the trade deficit to a five-month low of $24.53 billion.

India and the US are nearing a framework trade deal. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated that further formal discussions may not be needed. Negotiations with the European Union on a free trade agreement have entered a difficult phase. India and the EU are working to resolve differences, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

India and the Philippines are boosting digital services exports. Global supply chains are proving resilient, adapting to new economic and political needs. Digital trade and data flows are crucial for this adaptation. Countries are exploring carbon pricing to decarbonise supply chains. The automotive sector is transforming with the rise of electric vehicles, led by China’s […]

India eyes a $100 billion trade target with Russia by 2030, identifying 300 products across engineering, pharma, agri, and chemicals with significant export potential. Despite a current $1.7 billion export figure against Russia’s $37.4 billion imports, a substantial complementary space exists to bridge India’s $59 billion trade deficit.