Indian buyers expect no disruption in Canadian lentil, potash supplies

Indian buyers are confident that Canadian lentil and potash supplies will remain consistent, despite the diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa. Orders for upcoming shipments are on track, and trade officials have not reported any disruptions. Canada is a key supplier of these essential commodities, which are crucial for India’s agriculture and food sectors.

India is exploring the import of Mongolian coking coal via Russia to reduce reliance on China, following disruptions in Australian supplies. The Mongolian coal is $50 cheaper per metric ton and offers superior quality. Indian consumption of coking coal heavily relies on imports, primarily from Australia, Russia, and the US.

The commerce and industry ministry is set to seek Cabinet approval for a new standard operating procedure for negotiating FTAs, addressing issues like labour and the environment. The SOPs aim to prevent misuse of origin rules and focus on reciprocity and sustainability.

India’s trade minister, Piyush Goyal, announced that the country is seeking a critical mineral partnership agreement with the United States, hoping it could lead to a broader Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This follows an initial pact signed earlier this month to enhance cooperation on lithium, cobalt, and other critical minerals essential for electric vehicles and […]

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal stated that the H1B visa issue is “a thing of the past” and will no longer be a focus in international discussions, shifting attention to other economic and strategic partnerships. During his recent visit to the U.S., Goyal met with major CEOs in New York to promote […]

Kemi Badenoch, former UK business secretary and contender for Conservative Party leader, claims she blocked India-UK FTA due to visa demands. However, ex-ministers and sources dispute her narrative, asserting she sought a deal despite immigration concerns. Talks may resume under Labour government.

India plans to impose import restrictions on laptops, tablets, and PCs post-January to encourage domestic manufacturing by companies like Apple. This move aims to mitigate reliance on imports, particularly from China. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is devising a new import authorization system to enforce these restrictions.

India has provided a Rs 487.60 crore credit line to Mauritius for replacing 100 km of outdated water pipelines. This marks the first rupee-denominated credit under India’s IDEAS scheme. The project underscores India’s commitment to socio-economic development in the Global South.

India’s net oil and gas import bill rose by 20% to $69 billion in the first half of the fiscal year due to rising consumption and stagnant domestic production. Crude oil imports increased to $71.3 billion, while LNG imports jumped 18%. This rise in import costs was exacerbated by a decline in refined product exports.

India’s merchandise exports grew marginally in September after two months of decline, driven by engineering, chemical, and electronic goods. Despite global uncertainties, exports increased, with a slight rise in goods imports and a marginally widened trade deficit. Discussions for FTAs with the UK and EU continue.