EU FTA
India explores FTA full use with Norway, sets up fast-track investment system with Austria
India and Norway are enhancing cooperation in energy, maritime, and biotech sectors. Norway sees growing investment interest in India. Meanwhile, India and Austria have launched a Fast-Track Mechanism to facilitate investments and resolve issues. This initiative aims to expand bilateral trade and leverage industrial complementarities. Both nations are prioritizing sustainable development and green technologies for future collaboration.
Military conflict cannot resolve problems: PM Modi on West Asia, Ukraine
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker met in New Delhi. They agreed that military conflict cannot solve problems. Both leaders support stable and lasting peace in Ukraine and West Asia. The Austrian Chancellor's visit is expected to boost trade and investment between India and Austria. A new chapter has begun in India-EU relations following the historic FTA.
India's trade gap shrinks in March, swells in FY26
India's trade deficit saw a reduction in March as the West Asia conflict disrupted trade flows. Exports and imports both declined, narrowing the monthly deficit. However, the overall trade deficit for the fiscal year widened. Despite challenges, India achieved record exports of $860 billion in FY26, showcasing resilience. Several free trade agreements are expected to boost future trade prospects.
India-UK trade agreement may come into force next month: Commerce Secy
India's trade deals are set to boost exports. The pact with the UK is expected in May. Oman's agreement is slated for June 1. New Zealand's FTA is anticipated on April 27. The India-EU FTA is targeted for this calendar year. These agreements will open new avenues for Indian businesses.
India gem and jewellery exports rise to ₹2.44 lakh crore in FY26 amid global headwinds
In FY26, India's gem and jewellery sector reported an impressive ₹2,44,827.26 crore in exports, demonstrating a modest growth in rupee terms. However, exports in dollar value experienced a downturn amidst global market turbulence. To counter this, exporters expanded their reach, finding new opportunities in the UAE, Australia, and Canada.
Luxury car sales in India set to double by 2030, says BMW
India's luxury car market is set to double its share by 2030. Young, wealthy, and aspirational buyers are fueling this growth. BMW sees strong momentum, expecting the trend to continue. Factors like rising affluence and a generational shift in spending are key drivers. The market is poised for significant expansion, with luxury vehicles becoming more accessible and desirable.
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India eases rules for rice exports to some European countries
India has eased export rules for rice. Basmati and non-basmati rice can now be shipped to certain European nations. This is without the usual inspection certificate from its export agency. This exemption is for a period of six months. The rule applies to EU member states, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Other European countries are already exempt.

India has ample buffers to weather headwinds from Middle East conflict: World Bank
The World Bank stated India is well-positioned to handle the global energy shock due to strong buffers like high foreign exchange reserves and fiscal space. Despite global headwinds and trade turbulence, India's economy entered the current Middle East crisis from a position of strength, supported by robust domestic demand and export resilience.

India-EU trade push: Denmark launches India chamber of commerce to deepen ties amid FTA momentum
The Indian Danish Chamber of Commerce is launching its India chapter in New Delhi on April 8, 2026. This initiative will support Danish companies in India and foster trade and investment. India-Denmark trade relations are strong and growing. The proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement will create more opportunities.

EU-India FTA may boost India's competitiveness in some sectors, says EY report on European economic outlook
As Europe grapples with shifting tides in global trade and burgeoning geopolitical tensions, India's trade landscape might pivot dramatically. The anticipated EU-India Free Trade Agreement stands to disrupt numerous sectors, with some European industries bracing for intensified competition from their Indian counterparts.

Piyush Goyal meets UK, EU, NZ, Canada trade ministers at WTO MC14 sidelines
India is actively pursuing trade agreements with the EU and UK. Discussions are underway to finalize a free trade deal with the EU. The UK has completed its parliamentary approval for the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. New Zealand is preparing for Prime Minister Modi's visit with key deliverables. Canada and India are expediting their trade negotiations.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to visit Canada in May for trade talks
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Canada in May 2026. This visit coincides with ongoing talks for a free trade agreement between India and Canada. Discussions will focus on expediting these negotiations. Both nations will explore cooperation in clean energy, nuclear energy, agriculture, and critical minerals. The minister also met with UK and EU officials regarding trade pacts.

India holds bilateral meetings with EU, Russia, NZ, others on MC14 sidelines
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met with representatives from the European Union, Russia, New Zealand, Peru, and Mexico. These discussions took place during the WTO MC14 conference. The talks focused on advancing trade agendas and resolving issues concerning trade deals. Progress on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement was also reviewed.

India not involved in war but collateral damage in all wars: Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged national unity to navigate challenges from the West Asia crisis, emphasizing India's non-involvement but acknowledging collateral damage. He highlighted India's focus on economic engagement, noting FTAs with 38 developed nations that grant access to two-thirds of global trade for Indian businesses and farmers.

Israel, GCC trade pact talks lose steam, UK FTA likely to be implemented by May
A free trade agreement with the UK, signed in July 2025, is expected to be implemented by early May, with officials resolving minor issues. The EU anticipates ratifying its trade pact with India by November for implementation this year.

Food security and agriculture issues top India’s agenda at WTO meet
At the imminent World Trade Organisation ministerial conference, India is set to bring its perspective to the forefront on critical trading issues. With an agenda that prioritises food security and safeguards against sudden import influxes, India is committed to strengthening the multilateral trading system. The country is also advocating for an effective dispute resolution mechanism alongside fundamental WTO principles.

India-UK FTA likely to be implemented by early May; EU by year-end: Officials
India's free trade agreement with the UK is set for early May implementation. The pact with the EU is expected this year. Trade talks with Israel and the Gulf Cooperation Council have slowed. The US-India trade agreement process continues. These deals aim for increased duty-free access for Indian exports.

India luxury car demand resilient despite West Asia crisis: Lamborghini
Lamborghini anticipates stable super luxury car sales in India this year. New customers and improved infrastructure are driving demand. However, the company will not gain from the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. This is because the pact currently excludes plug-in hybrid vehicles, which are central to Lamborghini's offerings. The company remains optimistic about future growth in the Indian market.

Lamborghini left in slow lane as India-EU FTA backs only petrol power
Lamborghini will not gain from the India-EU free trade pact as it excludes plug-in hybrid cars. The luxury carmaker anticipates steady growth in India. This is due to rising demand and a changing generation of buyers. Lamborghini plans cautious expansion to increase its presence in the Indian market.

FTAs to boost FDI, manufacturing in India: Audi India Brand Director
India's new trade agreements with the UK and European Union are expected to drive significant foreign investment and manufacturing growth. Balbir Singh Dhillon of Audi India believes these pacts will boost wealth creation and the stock market. This economic expansion will increase demand for luxury goods, including premium vehicles.

Jaishankar pushes India-EU ties amid West Asia crisis
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with European Union foreign ministers in Brussels. Discussions focused on the West Asia conflict and its impact on global energy security. Both sides emphasised dialogue and diplomacy for resolution. The talks also covered Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. India and the EU aim to strengthen their comprehensive strategic agenda and trade ties.

Global trade shifts could create a ‘New Club Med’ for emerging markets
The landscape of global commerce is undergoing a transformation as uncertainty grips West Asia. Rising to prominence is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a strategic initiative designed to link India, the Gulf, and Europe. This corridor not only aims to enhance trade flows but also to elevate the Mediterranean's significance in global logistics.

EU, India focus on implementing FTA, defence deal: Ursula von der Leyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sat down with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for an important discussion on the implementation of a fresh free trade deal and a robust security partnership. This landmark agreement is set to yield significant returns for both Europe and India.

India inks terms of reference with Philippines, Maldives for trade pact talks
India has initiated negotiations for trade agreements with the Philippines and the Maldives, signing terms of reference for a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with the former and a free trade agreement (FTA) with the latter. These moves come as India reviews its existing trade pacts with ASEAN and Korea, and pursues new agreements with several other nations and blocs.

India-EU ties in focus as Jaishankar starts 2-day visit to Brussels
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Brussels for crucial talks with European Union foreign ministers. This visit follows a significant Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU. Discussions will focus on deepening the strategic partnership. The ongoing Iran-US conflict and its impact on energy supplies are also on the agenda.

Turbo-Charging FTAs: India’s chance for a 1991-style growth moment
India is embracing new trade deals, moving away from protectionism. This shift offers significant economic opportunities and risks. To succeed, India must focus on key export sectors and reduce costs. Strategic reforms and improved infrastructure are crucial. Firms need access to cheaper capital, reliable power, and skilled labor.

India should aim to be top agri, processed food exporter: Goyal
India is set to become a top exporter of agricultural and processed food. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted strong export growth in recent years. New free trade agreements with countries like Canada and the GCC are creating significant opportunities. Reduced trade barriers are expected to boost investment and trade in the agro-food sector, benefiting both India and its partners.

From agreements to opportunity: India’s next export push
India has spent years securing trade agreements with the EU, UK, Oman, and others. The challenge now is to walk through them systematically, with every exporter in tow, not just the largest ones.

India will have to notify EU in case of new export duty: India-EU FTA text
India-EU FTA: Among other things, the text allows rejected EU applicant to seek written explanation of reasons for why import license application was rejected and then allows for reapplication.
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