FDI from China may benefit India in short-term but not in long run: GTRI

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) warns that increasing Chinese FDI in India could potentially undermine its long-term economic security and strategic autonomy. The GTRI suggests that Chinese firms’ dependence on India for manufacturing capabilities could lead to supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical risks.

Niklaus-Samuel Gugger, a Swiss politician and member of the National Council of Switzerland, has praised the recently signed European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) between Switzerland and India. The agreement, which was signed 16 years ago, aims to increase foreign direct investments in India by $100 billion over the next 15 years and create 1 million […]

To enhance India’s garment exports, GTRI recommends suspending QCOs, expanding the PLI scheme, and reforming DGFT and Customs. High import duties and domestic monopolies stifle growth. Supply chain issues worsen the situation. Bangladesh and Vietnam’s exports surged from 2013-2023, outpacing India. DGFT’s advance authorisation process for duty-free inputs further raises transaction costs.

India-Bangladesh trade via land ports halted due to protests, a two-day holiday, and unrest. BSF evacuated students. Over 700 trucks with general merchandise wait in Petrapole, South Asia’s largest port, impacted by unrest in North 24 Parganas. Mahadipur, Gojadanga, Fulbari affected. Economic factors and monsoon also impacted trade.

David Lammy, UK’s Foreign Secretary, visits India to discuss the India-UK FTA from January 2022. India queries Labour’s stance, visa issues aren’t a priority. Lammy seeks swift conclusion. Labour’s manifesto, led by Keir Starmer, aims for a strategic partnership with India. Lammy also joins the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane, noting Boris Johnson’s missed […]

The government has updated public procurement norms to prioritize companies using higher levels of local content in their products. Imported items sourced locally, royalties, and technical charges paid outside India will be excluded from the local content calculation. These changes aim to support the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

India is set to launch an online platform for registering and resolving non-tariff barriers (NTBs) faced by exporters in the next 2-3 months. The portal will cover three areas: sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT). It is significant as India’s agricultural exports fell by 3% in the first quarter.

Private sugar millers are urging the government to permit the export of two million tonnes of sugar in the upcoming 2024-25 season due to an anticipated surplus in sugar stocks. Maharashtra’s sugar production is forecasted to decrease by 10% primarily due to reduced cane acreage. Industry associations are calling for a revision of the minimum […]

India is gearing up to launch an online platform to address non-tariff barriers faced by exporters, focusing on SPS and TBT issues. The portal will monitor resolution strategies and compliance burdens to enhance competitiveness in global markets. With a plan to tackle technical regulations and trade barriers, India aims to boost its exports facing challenges […]

India has raised concerns over China’s high trade deficit and non-transparent subsidies, affecting domestic industry. India’s bilateral trade with China recorded the largest trade deficit in 2023-24, with exports ending at USD 16.65 billion and imports at USD 101.75 billion. The EU also raised concerns over China’s distortive industrial policies and import substitution.