FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
EAM Jaishankar discusses economic partnership, CETA with UK’s Burnham on CHOGM sidelines
S Jaishankar met UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM 2026 discussions. They focused on strengthening economic partnerships under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of digital solutions and climate initiatives during a Commonwealth meeting. He highlighted local distribution networks and the role of the Indian business community in fostering connections.
India-EU trade deal to ease mobility for Indian professionals, but work visas will still be required
The proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement is set to simplify temporary entry for Indian professionals. It includes provisions for intra-corporate transferees, contractual service suppliers, independent professionals, and business visitors. Visa applications will still follow existing immigration procedures and conditions, ensuring applicants meet specific requirements.
Scotch whisky in Delhi may get cheaper after Diwali as excise department begins price revision
Scotch whisky prices in Delhi could drop by around 7% due to changes in import duties. The new rates will likely affect popular brands like Johnnie Walker and Glenfiddich. Price revisions will be implemented initially in hotels, clubs, and restaurants, followed by retail outlets. Existing inventories must be cleared before new stocks can be sold under revised rates. The anticipated price changes are expected to occur before the wedding season.
India-EU FTA to simplify and reinforce corporate cooperation, says Swedish Ambassador Petra Menander
The proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will simplify and reinforce bilateral corporate collaboration, said Sweden's Ambassador to India Petra Menander, pointing to expanded opportunities for technology transfers and joint industrial initiatives.
Trump's midterm setback may put India under pressure for quick trade deal on US terms: GTRI
Amid electoral challenges, US President Donald Trump is likely to ramp up pressure on India to seal a trade deal. This potential agreement would require India to decrease import tariffs on US goods while the US keeps its tariffs intact. Analysts caution that such an arrangement may breach WTO MFN principles, undermining India's trade credibility. Additionally, compromising energy security and development aspirations could have serious implications.
Piyush Goyal holds talks with Danish minister to expand economic partnership
India and Denmark are actively exploring various opportunities to strengthen their economic engagement and partnerships. The discussions between Piyush Goyal and Martin Lidegaard emphasized collaborative efforts in trade, investment, and industrial cooperation. Approximately 250 Danish companies operate in India, employing over 100,000 individuals while showing strong interest in further investments. Cooperation in renewable energy and wind energy technologies has been a core focus of their partnership.
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COP31: EU FTA on horizon, but India won't budge on CBAM
India's environment minister Bhupender Yadav reaffirmed the country's opposition to trade-linked barriers at COP31. The upcoming negotiations will focus on the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism affecting various Indian sectors. Participation in carbon markets should remain voluntary, according to Yadav. Additionally, India emphasizes the importance of climate finance from developed nations.
India, EU discuss FTA implementation ahead of December signing
In an effort to advance their free trade agreement, India and the European Union held pivotal discussions led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, who visited Brussels for dialogues with prominent EU officials. Central to the talks were customs cooperation and trade facilitation, deemed critical for the agreement's efficacy. Additionally, industry stakeholders from the diamond sector were engaged to harness opportunities within India's expanding market.
India-New Zealand FTA: Expanding India’s footprint in Oceania
More than a trade deal, the India-New Zealand FTA is a strategic gateway to new markets, fresh investment and stronger capabilities, positioning India to compete, connect, and grow across the Asia-Pacific.
India, EU discuss FTA implementation, customs cooperation and market access in Brussels
India and the European Union engaged in discussions regarding the implementation of their Free Trade Agreement. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held meetings with various senior European Commission officials in Brussels, focusing on market access and customs procedures. The FTA is expected to eliminate tariffs on the majority of exports from both regions. Both parties are working towards the proposed signing and full ratification of the agreement.
India's FTAs to open new export opportunities as country eyes $1 trillion milestone: IIFT VC
India's trade deficit is likely to persist as long as the country remains dependent on oil imports, although rising exports of value-added petroleum products are helping narrow the gap, K. Rangarajan, Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), said on Friday.
India’s FTAs to open access to $85 trillion market; Piyush Goyal urges exporters to go global
India's trade agreements are expected to provide exporters preferential access to markets with a combined GDP of $85 trillion, covering 76% of the global economy, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. He urged businesses to expand internationally, improve product quality and build global brands as India pursues additional trade pacts.
Karnataka urges exporters to leverage FTAs to boost trade, target $1 trillion economy
Karnataka's industries minister MB Patil has urged manufacturers and exporters to leverage free trade agreements effectively. The state has signed trade agreements with 38 countries, which could enhance market access for various products. This initiative is part of Karnataka's goal to achieve a $1 trillion economy in the future. Increasing foreign direct investment highlights the state's economic momentum and potential growth.
China trade accord with Swiss bucks wider trend towards protectionism
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Swiss President Guy Parmelin are set to sign a significant trade deal. The accord offers Switzerland extensive market access to China, enhancing the trade relationship between the two nations. This agreement notably contrasts with increasing trade barriers established by the United States and the European Union. Swiss officials believe this deal will provide stability in a volatile global trade environment.
India-EU FTA likely to rollout in mid-2027, PM Modi to travel to Brussels for official signing in December: Top EU lawmaker
The European Parliament anticipates that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement will be signed by mid-December 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the signing ceremony in Brussels. The agreement seeks to deepen investments and reduce supply-chain dependencies between India and the EU. Closer collaboration on defense and cybersecurity is also a priority for both parties.
US trade deal will protect all sensitive Indian interests, says Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India’s trade deal with the US would protect sensitive interests, including those of farmers, and give the country a competitive advantage. He criticised opposition parties for questioning the agreement before its details were released, while defending India’s trade strategy and its decision to stay out of RCEP.
UK PM Burnham's trip to India could take place soon: British envoy
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is keen to visit India soon, Acting British High Commissioner Ben Mellor said on Thursday, highlighting strengthening ties between the two countries. Mellor also expressed confidence that India and the UK would surpass their target of doubling bilateral trade to around $120 billion by 2030, citing new deals worth £12 billion since the free trade agreement was signed.
India will gain strong comparative advantage after US trade deal: Piyush Goyal
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's potential advantages from a trade deal with the United States. He asserted that the agreement would not harm the interests of farmers or any other stakeholders involved. Goyal made these statements during the 4th ISID-IDRA National Conference in Delhi. The trade deal aims to enhance India's economic landscape and strengthen its global standing.
Karnataka, DGFT to host state-level workshop to help exporters leverage FTAs
On October 30, a workshop will be organized by the DGFT, Karnataka government, and FIEO in Bengaluru. The event aims to enhance Karnataka's export competitiveness and awareness of Free Trade Agreements. Nearly 200 participants, including exporters and industry officials, are expected to attend. Technical sessions will cover opportunities in various sectors and policy interventions under new FTAs. Senior officials and the state minister will address attendees at this important event.
Indian industry has become aware of carbon emissions, says CII’s Narayan Sethuramon
Indian industry is becoming aware of the impact of European carbon emissions regulations on their competitiveness. The expected India-EU Free Trade Agreement will create opportunities for growth in the coming years. Different categories of buyers are emerging, with some looking to diversify sources away from China. Key sectors such as textiles and defense are poised to benefit from these trade dynamics.
India to emerge as major exporter to China, ASEAN, get edge in US trade pact, says Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's potential to expand exports to China and ASEAN. Negotiations are underway for a trade pact with the United States that could provide India a comparative advantage. The country is also working towards an Investment Protection Agreement with the European Union. Goyal indicated that discussions for preferential trade agreements are progressing with multiple countries and groups.
US, Brazil and Israel elections put India’s trade worth billions in focus
Recent elections in the US, Brazil, and Israel may impact India's trade negotiations and economic partnerships. The US is close to finalizing a trade pact, which could affect Indian exports significantly. Brazil's growing economic relationship with India is leading to ambitious trade targets between the two nations. In Israel, the continuation of defense cooperation and negotiations for a free trade agreement are crucial for India.
Piyush Goyal says India-Chile FTA talks ' quite ripe' for conclusion, Canada negotiations making progress
India is making progress on free trade agreements (FTAs) with several countries, with negotiations with Chile nearing conclusion and talks with Canada advancing, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said. Discussions with the Southern African Customs Union have recently begun, while efforts to expand trade arrangements with Mercosur continue. Talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council and Israel remain slow amid the West Asia crisis.
India-US trade deal enters fine-tuning stage as most talks conclude, says Piyush Goyal
India and the US are refining their bilateral trade agreement after concluding most discussions on the deal. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal indicated significant progress has been made towards finalizing the agreement. Recent talks have involved high-level meetings between officials from both nations, focusing on tariff reductions and trade frameworks. Goyal is currently leading a significant delegation to the Netherlands and Germany to promote bilateral business ties.
‘Very high’ expectations from India-EU FTA, says Rotterdam port chief
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam, expressed high expectations for the India-EU free trade agreement. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between ports and nations to facilitate global trade. Siemons conveyed his optimism about increased business opportunities between Europe and India. Negotiations for the free trade agreement have concluded, with hopes to sign it by year-end. The implementation of the agreement is anticipated for next year.
India-EU trade deal could become operational in early-2027, Piyush Goyal says
India's trade minister Piyush Goyal announced that the EU FTA is expected to be signed soon. After signing, the FTA could be operational within four to five months. The deal aims to boost market access and bilateral trade between India and the EU significantly. Goyal emphasized the importance of collaboration in various sectors to maximize mutual benefits.
India-NZ FTA in force: Over half of New Zealand’s exports to India now tariff-free, Wellington also eyes Brazil, Canada
New Zealand is working to strengthen trade relations with Brazil and Canada in response to economic uncertainties. The country expects to complete the first New Zealand-Brazil Trade and Investment Dialogue after upcoming elections. A new free trade agreement with India has been implemented, making more than half of exports tariff-free. The agreement will benefit various products, including sheep meat and wool, as well as local businesses.
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