India-New Zealand FTA: Fourth round of negotiations begin

India and New Zealand have commenced their fourth round of Free Trade Agreement negotiations in Auckland, focusing on trade in goods and services, and rules of origin. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is set to meet his New Zealand counterpart this week to review the ongoing progress. Both nations aim to resolve outstanding issues for an […]

India and the EU have commenced crucial talks to finalize their proposed free trade agreement, aiming to resolve outstanding issues before the December deadline. Negotiators are focusing on trade in goods and services, rules of origin, and technical matters.

India and New Zealand are likely to conclude negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement this week, the talks for which restarted this year in March after a hiatus of ten years. ET’s Kirtika Suneja traces the timeline and framework of the proposed agreement.

Canada is strengthening international partnerships, particularly with India and Asia-Pacific nations. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasised this strategy to reduce dependence on the United States. Recent discussions with India’s foreign minister and other officials signal a renewed focus on trade and cooperation. This move aims to build domestic strength through global alliances.

India is considering allowing foreign investment in e-commerce models that hold inventory. This move is specifically for goods manufactured in India and intended for export. The aim is to boost India’s global sales without affecting domestic small retailers. This policy change could significantly increase India’s e-commerce exports, which currently lag behind China.

As exporters struggle to stay afloat, the message is clear — India’s trade resilience will depend on how quickly it adapts to shifting global trade realities and recalibrates its strategy to protect its most competitive sectors.

India is working to attract more foreign investment. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that foreign direct and institutional investment are being enhanced. Export growth is expected to accelerate in FY26. The government also supports channeling capital from insurance and pension funds into startups. India aims to strengthen its global trade position and secure favorable trade […]

The government has temporarily lifted import restrictions on specific stainless steel items until the year’s end, driven by a shortage of local production. Manufacturers are apprehensive about losing their market foothold and the potential hindrance to their investment in future capacity. They argue that these exemptions might lead to an influx of below-par steel imports […]

Russia has become India’s largest sunflower oil supplier, with imports surging twelvefold in four years, displacing Ukraine. This shift is attributed to Russia’s reliable seaports and competitive pricing, especially as Ukraine diverts produce to Europe. Despite a recent price increase impacting overall imports, Russia’s significant share is expected to persist.

EAC-PM Chairman S Mahendra Dev urged India to diversify exports, expedite FTAs, and continue trade talks with the US. He highlighted opportunities for India to boost its share in global merchandise trade, emphasizing the need for stronger export growth and more medium-sized manufacturing units to achieve sustained economic expansion.