EU TRADE PACT
Piyush Goyal engages with South Korean, Austrian leadership to deepen economic ties
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, advanced India's trade agenda through a series of diplomatic engagements on Thursday, holding a virtual meeting with South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and an in-person session with Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker. The meetings, focused on bilateral investment and technological synergy, resulted in the signing of a new mechanism aimed at accelerating business resolutions between India and Austria.
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 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-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.
How UPI can make India an architect of global financial connectivity
India's triumph with UPI in digital payments is on the brink of revolutionizing cross-border money transfers. The goal is to enhance the speed, affordability, and clarity of international transactions. This groundbreaking approach promises to elevate trade and remittances, reinforcing India's stature in the global economy.
One battle after another: How India fared in the year of Trump tariffs
Beginning April 2025, India found itself navigating turbulent waters due to sweeping changes in US trade policy led by President Trump. The imposition of tariffs posed a substantial threat to Indian exports, prompting New Delhi to innovate through strategic diversification and robust domestic reforms.
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WTO fails to reach consensus on key e-commerce moratorium, reforms
The WTO ministerial conference in Yaounde concluded without agreement on crucial trade issues. Key among these was the e-commerce import duty moratorium, which expired for the first time in 26 years. Talks also stalled on reforms for the global trade body. Discussions on intellectual property safeguards also failed to reach consensus.

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, EU sign aviation production pact to boost safety; Airbus helicopter assembly in Karnataka lined up
India and the European Union have signed a significant working arrangement for industrial aviation production. This pact aims to boost collaboration and ensure manufacturing meets global safety benchmarks. It will support initiatives like the assembly of Airbus Helicopters in Karnataka. The agreement follows a summit where aviation safety was a key priority.

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.

EU and Australia agree on text of free trade pact and announce a new defense partnership
The European Union and Australia have signed a landmark free trade agreement. This deal follows years of negotiations and aims to diversify trade networks. It includes provisions for Australian prosecco producers and red meat market access. A new defense partnership and research cooperation are also announced. This agreement marks a significant step in bilateral relations.

Euro FX settlement in works at GIFT City
India's financial hub is looking to introduce real-time euro foreign-exchange settlements. This move aims to boost financial ties with the European Union as a trade deal progresses. The regulatory body, IFSCA, has requested government approval for euro settlements alongside the US dollar. This follows the successful implementation of real-time dollar settlements, which significantly reduced transaction times and risks.

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.

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.

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.

EU vows to 'respond firmly' to any trade pact breach by US
The European Union is poised to respond decisively to any infringements of the trade agreement by the U.S. Following the U.S.'s initiation of new trade investigations, the EU seeks clarity on the implications these might have on the existing tariff accord. While the EU acknowledges concerns surrounding global overproduction, it emphasizes that Europe is not to blame.

India 2nd largest importer of arms in 2021–25, accounted for 8.2% of global arms receipts, think tank says
India ranks as the world's second largest arms importer. The nation is increasingly sourcing weapons from Western countries like France, Israel, and the USA. This shift marks a move away from Russia, though Russia remains a key supplier. India's defense imports are driven by ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan. The country is also developing its own defense manufacturing capabilities.

WTO ministerial in Cameroon may discuss reforms, agriculture, e-commerce moratorium
Trade ministers from 166 nations will convene in Yaounde, Cameroon, from March 26-29, 2026, for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference. Key discussions will revolve around WTO reforms, agriculture, dispute settlement, and the e-commerce moratorium. Global trade disruptions are a backdrop to these crucial negotiations.

India, European Union to give each other Most Favoured Nation status for 5 years in trade deal
India-EU FTA: India and the EU are set to grant each other Most Favoured Nation status, a key provision in trade deal. This agreement, expected to boost bilateral trade significantly by reducing tariffs on most goods, also includes commitments on digital trade and customs cooperation.

India, EU trade agreement includes model mediation procedures
India and the European Union have concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement. A key feature is an annexure for mediation to resolve disputes. This aims for a mutually agreed solution through an expeditious procedure. The pact is expected to be implemented next year. It will boost trade and create a market of two billion people.

Carbon tax remains intact in India-EU FTA; technical talks to address concerns: German official
India and the European Union will hold technical discussions on the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The mechanism will not have exceptions for any country, including India. This comes despite a new Free Trade Agreement between the two sides. India's carbon-intensive exports may face additional costs.

Too early to comment on US tariff changes; commerce ministry reviewing situation, says FM Sitharaman
India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says it is too early to comment on new US tariffs. The Commerce Ministry is reviewing the situation. India and the US have rescheduled trade talks. India continues to pursue trade agreements with various countries. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra noted these agreements will help India's current account and investments.

EU-India FTA to unlock trade growth, AI collaboration and resilient supply chains: Austrian official
Austria's State Secretary Alexander Proll calls the EU-India Free Trade Agreement a major deal. This pact will benefit millions and create a large free trade zone. It aims to boost trade, foster collaboration in artificial intelligence, and build stronger supply chains. The agreement is expected to be implemented within a year, strengthening ties between the EU and India.

Pause or peril? Takeaways for the world from Trump's tariff fiasco
The US Supreme Court has nullified former President Donald Trump's tariffs. However, Trump has quickly introduced new import duties and investigations. This move signals that trade tensions will continue. Businesses face ongoing uncertainty as they adapt to evolving US trade policies. Global markets remain on edge awaiting further developments.

FTAs to play significant role in coming years by improving market access: RBI bulletin
India's trade deals with the EU and US will boost market access and exports. The economy looks strong for growth ahead. Consumption and investment are key drivers. Reforms will enhance productivity. Foreign investment has returned. The government is committed to fiscal health and capital spending. Inflation remains stable.
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