Comm Min’s export promotion mission may have 12-point plan to push exports, help MSME exporters

The commerce ministry’s Export Promotion Mission (EPM), with a Rs 2,250 crore outlay, is set to launch with up to 12 components. These include easy credit schemes for MSMEs and e-commerce exporters, overseas warehousing facilitation, and global branding initiatives.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal may revisit London to finalize the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, aiming to resolve remaining issues. Negotiations are progressing rapidly, with many issues already addressed during high-level ministerial visits. The FTA, encompassing goods, services, and investments, is nearing completion, pending resolution of concerns like carbon border adjustments and service sector access.

The US, UK, and Canada have raised concerns at the WTO regarding India’s Make in India initiative and various subsidy programs. Questions were specifically directed towards the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS), fisheries subsidies, and agricultural support. India has addressed some queries and promised further information on fish-related subsidies […]

India urges WTO members to promptly address pending ministerial mandates. Delaying decisions on public stockholding and special safeguard mechanisms could worsen global hunger. India highlights the need for fair agricultural support. Current rules favor developed nations. Developing countries struggle to provide minimal support. The 14th Ministerial Conference will be held in Cameroon in 2026.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide discussed implementing the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming to boost trade and investment. EFTA’s commitment includes promoting USD 100 billion in FDI to India over 15 years, potentially creating 1 million jobs.

India and the Netherlands discussed deepening strategic economic ties during Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s visit to the Netherlands from April 24–26. Talks focused on policy alignment, trade barrier reduction, and setting up a Joint Trade and Investment Committee.

The United States and India are nearing a trade agreement. Negotiations are progressing well due to India’s high tariffs. US officials see potential deals with South Korea and Japan too. Earlier, reciprocal tariffs were suspended for many countries except China and Hong Kong. US Vice President JD Vance met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to advance […]

India and the US are aiming for “early mutual wins” as they work towards finalizing the initial phase of their proposed bilateral trade agreement. Discussions during a three-day meeting in Washington covered tariff and non-tariff issues. Both countries are targeting to conclude the first part of the agreement by fall 2025.

India and the US have made “positive progress” in recent talks aimed at finalising a bilateral trade agreement, according to India’s commerce ministry. Officials from both sides discussed steps to conclude the first phase of a mutually beneficial trade pact by fall 2025.

India is reportedly considering a rare “forward most-favoured-nation” clause in trade talks with the U.S., ensuring Washington receives the best tariff terms India offers any nation. Eager for a swift deal, India has already made preemptive concessions, aiming to become a major supplier to the U.S. in sectors China previously dominated.