India, New Zealand near trade pact

India is nearing the finalization of a trade pact with New Zealand, with Trade Minister Todd McClay scheduled to visit India this Friday. Discussions with the EU are also progressing, and Trade Commissioner Maros Šefovi is expected in mid-December. Additionally, the GCC, Bahrain, Qatar, and Israel have expressed interest in trade agreements.

New Delhi and Washington continue work on a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), the first tranche of which is targeted for completion soon. The deal aims to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, from the current $191 billion. Officials said India is awaiting a response from the US on the trade […]

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said India will not compromise the interests of farmers, dairy producers, or workers in ongoing trade negotiations. Speaking at Udyog Samagam 2025, a conference of state industry and commerce ministers, Goyal said the government is committed to securing a “fair, equitable and balanced trade deal.”

US President Donald Trump indicated a trade deal with India is nearing completion, with tariffs expected to be lowered. He expressed optimism about reaching a fair agreement beneficial to both nations. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal previously stated talks are progressing well, though sensitive issues require time. Both countries aim to significantly boost trade by […]

Indian exporters are visiting Moscow this week. This visit aims to find new markets for Indian goods. It comes as US tariffs increase and Indian exports to the US decline. Russia is seen as a key partner with potential for growth. Indian companies will showcase their engineering products at an expo.

The US has rejected India’s claim that its 50% copper tariffs are WTO safeguard measures, stating no basis for India’s proposed duty suspension on American goods. Washington asserts the tariffs, imposed August 1, are national security measures under Section 232, aiming to reduce foreign dependence on critical copper imports.

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Canada for the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting. He aims to restart trade pact talks with Canada. Discussions will also cover technology, energy, and critical minerals. This visit follows a recent trip by Canada’s minister to India. Both nations agreed to begin ministerial-level trade and investment discussions soon.

The government will permit 1.5 million tonnes of sugar exports for the 2025-26 season. An export duty of 50 percent on molasses has also been removed. This decision aims to support sugarcane farmers. Sugar production is projected to exceed domestic demand, leading to surplus stocks. The export allocation is less than industry requests.

During the meeting, the Ministers reviewed the progress made under the CECA negotiations and discussed pathways to elevate bilateral trade and economic partnerships. The discussions covered a wide range of areas, including trade in goods, services, investment and mutually beneficial cooperation.