INDIA EU FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
India, South Korea to upgrade trade pact, deepen tech and supply chain ties
India and South Korea will resume talks to upgrade their economic partnership agreement. The goal is to increase bilateral trade to 50 billion dollars by 2030. Both nations will also enhance cooperation in critical technologies and supply chains. An economic security dialogue will be established. Discussions will cover shipbuilding, steel, and sustainability. Industrial collaboration will expand through new agreements.
Mark Carney says Canada's economic ties with US are a weakness that must be corrected
Canada's close economic ties with the United States are now a weakness, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney. He announced efforts to strengthen Canada's economy by attracting new investments and signing trade deals with other nations. Carney emphasized the need for Canada to rely less on a single foreign partner.
As Iran war strains ties with Trump's US, UK looks to Europe
Britain's government is set to announce legislation next month to move the country closer to the European Union, as the Iran war sours the UK's so-called special relationship with the United States. "When the relationship with the United States is fracturing, it means there's reduced opposition to a closer relationship with the EU among the public," said Aspinall. pdh/jkb/rmb/jhb
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.
EU trade surplus shrinks 60% as US exports fall due to tariffs
The European Union's trade surplus saw a major drop in February. Exports to the United States fell by over a quarter. This decline is linked to US import tariffs on EU goods. Overall EU exports decreased, while imports also reduced. This situation impacts trade relations between the EU and the US.
Indian envoy appreciates US support for stronger bilateral ties
Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra met with US lawmaker Pete Sessions. They discussed issues of mutual interest. Kwatra appreciated Sessions's support for a stronger India-US partnership. The meeting occurred as India and the US negotiate trade agreement details. The US agreed to reduce tariffs on India in the first phase of the agreement.
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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, Austria seal 15 deals across defence, counter-terrorism, tech and trade
India and Austria have signed fifteen agreements. These cover defence, technology, innovation, and trade. A Joint Working Group will combat cross-border terrorism. The agreements aim to boost cooperation in defence and counter-terrorism. Both nations also agreed on peaceful conflict resolution. Austrian expertise will enhance Indian infrastructure projects. Partnerships will strengthen in defence, semiconductors, and biotechnology.

EU’s CBAM expansion to impact Indian engg, auto parts, machinery exports: GTRI
India's exports of engineering goods, auto parts, and machinery to Europe face potential carbon tax hikes as the EU expands its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Starting 2028, the CBAM will cover a wider range of manufactured industrial goods, including stricter rules for recycled materials. This move could significantly impact Indian manufacturers exporting to the bloc.

Earnings may drop but opportunity bigger; Vikas Khemani makes bullish call on India markets
Indian markets are rallying after a sell-off. Vikas Khemani of Carnelian Asset Management believes India's investment case remains strong. He sees short-term earnings disruptions as opportunities. Khemani has increased exposure to banking, financial services, and aviation. He also believes the narrative around Indian IT is exaggerated, with AI presenting new opportunities.

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.

Engineering exports hit record high in FY26; govt support, FTAs boost growth: EEPC’s Chadha
Indian engineering exports achieved a record $122.43 billion in FY25-26. This growth occurred despite geopolitical tensions and trade policy shifts. The sector demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability.

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 trade delegation to visit US for BTA talks, first in-person meeting since October
An Indian trade team led by Darpan Jain will visit the US from April 20–22 for talks on a bilateral trade agreement, the first in-person meeting since October. Officials said the deal is being recalibrated amid changing tariff conditions, while India also rejected US allegations in a Section 301 probe.

India stands by trade pact with US, trade negotiators to visit Washington next week
An Indian trade delegation will visit the US to discuss a bilateral trade agreement. Negotiations will focus on recalibrating the deal due to recent tariff changes. India aims to secure favorable terms and commitments. This engagement follows a call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump. Discussions will also cover trade issues and investigations.

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 unveils a power-packed FTA calendar: UK, Oman, New Zealand deals next
In 2026, India will embark on an ambitious journey to amplify its role in global commerce. The commencement of pivotal free trade agreements with the United Kingdom and Oman, alongside an impending partnership with New Zealand, highlights India's strategic focus on fostering robust international connections. This proactive approach demonstrates the nation's dedication to turning diplomatic negotiations into thriving economic collaborations.

Indian official team to visit Washington next week for trade talks
An Indian delegation is heading to Washington next week for crucial trade talks. The meeting focuses on an interim trade agreement between India and the US. This pact was delayed due to changes in US tariff policies. The US has imposed new tariffs affecting global trade partners.

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.

European Union agrees to double steel import tariffs to 50% to curb cheap inflows from China
The European Union has agreed to double steel import tariffs to 50% and cut duty-free quotas to curb a surge in cheap imports, largely from China. The move aims to protect domestic producers amid falling output and rising imports.EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the step is key to safeguarding industrial strength, while industry body Eurofer said it could help protect 230,000 jobs.

India-France review cooperation on economic security during talks in Paris
India and France held Foreign Office Consultations in Paris. Discussions covered economic security, innovation, and STEM talent. Defence, nuclear energy, space, and cyber cooperation were reviewed. Global issues like climate change and the Indo-Pacific were also discussed. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met French officials. He also visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. This follows President Macron's India visit.

India-UK free trade pact may come into force from second week of May: Official
The India-UK free trade agreement is set to begin in the second week of May. This pact will allow 99 percent of Indian exports to enter Britain duty-free. Tariffs on British products like cars and whisky will also be reduced in India. A separate agreement will prevent double social levies for temporary workers. This aims to boost trade significantly.

India, Saudi Arabia discuss strengthening trade relations, enhancing energy supply
India and Saudi Arabia are boosting trade ties. Discussions focused on enhancing energy supply cooperation. Both nations are pushing for progress on a trade agreement with Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This comes as regional conflicts impact supply chains. India is also supporting its exports to Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.

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 eyes 20 more countries for open market access in next big trade bet
India is negotiating with twenty additional nations for market access and trade expansion. Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated these talks build on existing free trade agreements. Discussions involve the Gulf Cooperation Council, Eurasian region, and Israel. These efforts aim to provide Indian entrepreneurs with preferential market access to two-thirds of global trade.

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.

Certificates of origin can only be issued by authorised agencies: DGFT
New rules mandate that only authorized agencies can issue Certificates of Origin. These certificates are crucial for exporters to claim duty concessions under Free Trade Agreements. Exporters must ensure invoice numbers match on certificates and shipping bills for automated verification.

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.

India, UK FTA may come into force in next 30 to 45 days, says Piyush Goyal
India's free trade agreement with the United Kingdom is set to be implemented within the next 30 to 45 days. This significant development follows recent discussions between ministers. India is also actively pursuing trade pacts with Oman, Mercosur, Canada, Chile, Peru, and SACU, aiming to expand its global trade footprint and economic partnerships.
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