India, US hold virtual trade talks, deal to be locked before year end: Commerce Secretary

India and the US are holding regular virtual trade talks, with Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal expecting a deal by year-end as most issues are resolved. Discussions cover a trade deal and reciprocal tariffs, with India seeking concessions for labor-intensive sectors while the US demands them for industrial goods and agriculture.

Italy’s Ambassador to India, Antonio Enrico Bartoli, outlines how both countries are expanding cooperation through a new strategic plan covering trade, mobility, space, defence and culture, while rising investments and even cricket links signal a broader, more ambitious partnership.

India is actively pursuing trade agreements with 50 nations across 14 groups. Discussions are underway with Canada for a comprehensive economic partnership. Negotiations are also progressing with Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the entire Gulf Cooperation Council.

India is actively pursuing trade agreements with 50 countries across 14 groups, having already finalized deals with Australia, UAE, Mauritius, the UK, and the EFTA. Discussions are also progressing with Canada for a comprehensive economic partnership, and with the US for a trade deal. Reviews of existing FTAs with ASEAN and South Korea are underway.

The Indian onion export market is experiencing a downturn as longtime clients such as Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia pivot to suppliers in Pakistan and China. This change comes after India imposed export limits to stabilize local prices. Industry insiders caution that India’s onion seeds are empowering these rival nations towards self-sufficiency, threatening the stronghold of […]

Members of Parliament stressed farmers’ interests in India-US trade talks. The Commerce Ministry briefed the panel on proposed deals. Officials indicated soybean and corn imports are being examined. Indian negotiators remain firm on not allowing American corn, soybean, or genetically modified food. Exports have grown despite US tariffs. The panel will meet again for further […]

India and the UAE held discussions on market access, data sharing, gold import quotas, and anti-dumping as part of the Joint Committee meeting under their CEPA. Both nations reviewed progress and explored ways to boost economic ties, including enhancing regulatory cooperation and signing MoUs on food safety.

India’s services exports are providing a crucial buffer against merchandise trade volatility, growing by 9.7% year-on-year to reach $237.6 billion in April-October FY26. This robust performance has generated a net services surplus of $118.7 billion, helping to offset the overall trade deficit. Total exports saw a 4.8% YoY growth during the period.

The government is set to offer exporters in specific sectors a 2.5-3% subsidy on pre- and post-shipment credit through the Interest Equalisation Scheme. This initiative, part of a Rs 25,060 crore Export Promotion Mission, aims to make Indian export credit more competitive globally. The annual benefit for each exporter will be capped at Rs 50 […]

India and Russia are set to boost cross-border payments. Negotiations are underway to recognize each other’s payment systems, MIR and RuPay. Instant payment systems SBP and UPI may also integrate. This move aims to ease travel and business transactions for both nations. Discussions will feature at the upcoming annual summit. Increased settlements in national currencies […]