BARTHWAL
India considers measures to boost local production of 100 critical inputs to cut import reliance, government official says
India is taking steps to encourage the local manufacturing of 100 key items that are currently imported. This initiative aims to decrease dependence on foreign suppliers, especially from China, to enhance domestic production capabilities. The government has identified these crucial items from a broader import list valued at $51 billion, which includes various sectors. By reducing reliance on imports, India hopes to strengthen its economy and mitigate supply chain risks.
Discussions on for trade pacts with EU, US: Commerce Secretary
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal announced that India is actively engaged in trade agreement negotiations with the EU and the US, following the recent FTA with the UK. These modern FTAs aim to promote global capability centers in India by addressing complex issues like harmonizing regulations, resolving disputes, and fostering innovation, potentially concluding by the end of the year.
Tea Board looking at tea tasting certification course to skill youth: Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal
The Tea Board of India plans to launch tea tasting certification courses. This initiative aims to skill the youth and boost tea literacy. It will also promote tea tourism in India. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal announced this on International Tea Day. India's tea exports increased to $920 million in FY25.
India, Netherlands discuss ways to address trade barriers, logistics issues
India and the Netherlands discussed deepening strategic economic ties during Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s visit to the Netherlands from April 24–26. Talks focused on policy alignment, trade barrier reduction, and setting up a Joint Trade and Investment Committee.
India, Netherlands discuss ways to boost trade, investments
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal's visit to the Netherlands fostered discussions on boosting trade and investment, with a focus on enhancing collaboration through the Joint Trade and Investment Committee. India's exports to the Netherlands witnessed a rise of 1.75% in 2024-25, reaching USD 22.76 billion. Barthwal also visited Croatia to strengthen bilateral trade ties and explore investment opportunities.
India focusing on core trade issues in FTAs for early outcomes: Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal
India emphasizes core trade issues such as tariffs and non-tariff barriers in FTAs to expedite negotiations for faster outcomes. This approach is meant to maintain business interest and achieve quick results, aiming to double India-LAC trade from USD 50 billion to USD 100 billion in coming years.
India targets USD 250 bn of engineering exports by 2030 says commerce secretary
The government's goal of achieving USD 1 trillion in exports by 2030 includes a target of USD 250 billion from the engineering sector, according to Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure developments, energy transition, and innovative technologies, encouraging industry players to enhance global competitiveness.
Imports not a concern as long as exports continue to grow: Commerce Secretary
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal advised against excessive import concerns if export shares rise. He emphasized avoiding protectionism and a mercantilist approach, stating imports are crucial for a growing economy like India's. Barthwal also highlighted the distinction between migration and mobility, advocating for the latter in trade agreements to facilitate professional services growth.
Auto, agri, pharma, logistics key for India-Africa trade: Commerce Secretary
At the CII India Africa Business Conclave, Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has identified four potential sectors - automobiles, agriculture and agro-processing, pharmaceutical and transportation and logistics- where the two sides can collaborate.
Govt looking at revising FDI policy, monitoring situation in Dhaka: Trade secretary
The Indian government plans to revise its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, holding stakeholder consultations. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal indicated that the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is working on the new policy. There is speculation on easing Chinese investment norms to reduce the trade deficit, as advised by the Economic Survey. The current mandatory approval for investments from neighboring countries was implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. Barthwal also addressed concerns over rising imports from China and emphasized improving trade ties with Bangladesh amidst its political crisis.
Will keep diversifying export basket, says Commerce secy Barthwal in view of Iran-Israel conflict
India has diversified its trade to protect against regional conflicts and the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said the government is monitoring West Asian developments and will consider their impact before implementing policy interventions. The ministry is also focusing on tapping new markets to weather recessionary trends and conflicts.
Standards should not act as non-tariff barriers: Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal
"If this becomes the right oil for the trade system, I think a lot of trade restrictions will come down in trade and it will help us take the world trade to USD 30 trillion by 2025 and USD 2 trillion by 2030 for India," Barthwal said here at a G20 standards conclave organised by Bureau of Indian Standards.
India won't impose restrictions on laptop imports: Sunil Barthwal
Trade Secretary Sunil Barthwal on Friday said that India will not impose restrictions on laptop imports. He said the government "only wants importers to be on close watch." The remarks from Barthwal came while he was addressing a press conference.
India invites Brazilian industries to become part of its growing supply chain
India has invited Brazilian companies to join its supply chain in order to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, during his visit to Brazil, discussed ways to promote trade and invited Brazilian industries to be part of India's growing supply chain. The visit took place against the backdrop of a significant increase in bilateral trade, which has doubled over the past two years, reaching USD 16 billion.
Using all platforms to flag non-tariff barriers impacting trade: Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal
New Delhi has already raised its concerns on the European Union’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). “Definitely, we are discussing those NTBs and we are also discussing how to find a good solution, how to find a platform where we can coordinate on these issues and we can understand these issues,” Barthwal said.
India open to more FTAs; focus to go beyond trade: Commerce secretary
Outlining the progress India has made in free trade agreements, Barthwal pointed out that a lot of countries were approaching India to sign FTAs, and the country would also consider its strategic needs before signing these agreements.
India and Peru to resume FTA talks
Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal Friday said India and Peru have decided to resume negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA). "We have decided to proceed with the FTA negotiations. We would be working out the priority areas... Post September, we will start engaging," he said on the sidelines of India-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) conclave organised by Confederation of Indian Industry.
India sees exports to UAE surging to $50 billion by FY 26/27
India's gold imports from the UAE could also improve with the better utilisation of a trade deal between the two countries, Barthwal added.
India to push for rupee trade in G-20 meetings: Official
"Definitely, we would like to see that rupee trade also happens, particularly those countries which are facing issues," Barthwal told reporters here, replying to a specific question if India will be looking at the upcoming G-20 meeting of the trade and investment group as a platform to boost rupee trade.
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