GLOBAL TRADING SYSTEM
Existential threats join bubble fears as AI mood sobers at Singapore forums
During conferences in Singapore, significant apprehensions regarding the dangers of artificial intelligence emerged among investors and policymakers. Discussions touched on fears of relinquishing control over autonomous systems and the chilling possibility of bioweapons crafted by AI. Experts urged for enhanced governance to tackle these pressing threats. Despite the ongoing AI enthusiasm, apprehension looms over the longevity of the AI surge, particularly with increasing borrowing costs affecting investor sentiment.
Cabinet approves Rs 10,000-crore SME Growth Fund and new authority to plan transport and logistics
The Indian government has approved a ₹10,000-crore SME Growth Fund aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises. Additionally, an Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority has been established to enhance transport infrastructure planning. This fund is intended to address equity capital gaps currently faced by SMEs and facilitate their growth. ITLA will create a comprehensive National Transport Master Plan to improve coordination across various transport sectors.
Stable institutions, steady pursuit of reforms will steer India to 2047 goal: Jean-Claude Trichet
India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047 hinges on institutional stability and sustained economic reforms. Former European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet emphasizes the importance of resilient democratic institutions. He cautions against the risks posed by global over-indebtedness and market corrections. Trichet believes AI will bring challenges and benefits in the long run but highlights the need for global regulations.
RBI MPC Meeting 2026: West Asia conflict keeps global outlook uncertain, says Sanjay Malhotra
The Reserve Bank of India has raised the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50%. This increase is the first since February 2023 amid economic uncertainties both domestically and globally. Geopolitical developments have contributed to instability in global markets, affecting economic activity. Despite these challenges, the RBI noted that the Indian economy remains strong with broad-based momentum.
Keeping AI models under control: When an agent causes harm, who bears the blame?
If an AI agent goes rogue, who do you hold responsible— the agent, the LLM developer or the human? asks EY partner Shivaprakash Abburu. Experts believe regulators are slow to build frameworks even as enterprises across the world are actively integrating AI into their workflows.
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UN ‘largely irrelevant’ to major global conflicts, Jaishankar says, calls for reform
S Jaishankar addressed the need for reform in the United Nations during the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave. He pointed out the UN's irrelevance in addressing significant global issues, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Gulf. Jaishankar noted that the Security Council is gridlocked and does not represent global interests adequately. He emphasized the importance of fixing the UN instead of bypassing it.
The US said China was priming a trade superweapon. Then it vanished
LOGINK, originally a project to improve cargo logistics, has seen its international efforts falter significantly. The platform lost key partnerships, withdrew from an international association, and is currently embroiled in legal disputes. Its operations hub in Wenzhou appears abandoned, indicating financial troubles that have emerged in recent years. Additionally, US pressure has contributed to its declining influence in global shipping.
India’s economic resilience strengthens global leadership prospects: Jean-Pierre Landau
Amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty, India is showcasing remarkable resilience, paving the way for enhanced leadership. This trajectory is supported by a steady growth in exports and robust foreign investment. However, the emergence of artificial intelligence necessitates urgent workforce training initiatives. Addressing both technical and non-technical skills in training programs will be vital for equipping future job seekers as the economy adapts to technological advancements.
Sebi to partly reverse derivative settlement rules after pushback: Report
Sebi is likely to change its closing auction mechanism after sharp derivatives price swings on expiry days. The regulator may stop using the closing auction for derivatives settlement for at least a year, shifting to a 30-minute volume-weighted average price, while retaining the auction for less-liquid underlying stocks.
EAM Jaishankar flags strategic autonomy, diaspora welfare at Raisina diplomacy forum
S Jaishankar engaged with young diplomats at the Raisina Forum discussing India's expanding global influence and trade. He emphasized the importance of diaspora welfare and the responsibilities towards skilled professionals abroad. Additionally, he noted the evolving India-Africa partnership characterized by technological transfer and shared experiences. Jaishankar addressed challenges in foreign policy in the social media age and the dynamics of emerging middle power cooperation.
India-US trade talks hit a plateau, with little room left to give or take, says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
India and the US are currently negotiating a trade agreement aimed at expanding market access and addressing trade balance concerns. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that both sides appear to have reached a plateau in negotiations. She indicated that further concessions may be challenging following rigorous discussions. Despite this, she believes there could be opportunities for additional negotiations. The US is particularly focused on reducing its trade deficit with India.
Opportunity alone doesn’t create trade. Connectivity does
BRICS 2026 has built momentum. The next chapter will depend on how effectively agreements are matched by the corridors, infrastructure, technology, and systems needed to move goods reliably, with alternatives when disruptions occur.
L&T wins ₹10,000-15,000 crore power transmission orders in India, Middle East
Larsen & Toubro’s Power Transmission & Distribution business has won multiple EPC orders worth ₹10,000-15,000 crore across India, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The projects include 380 kV transmission and substation works in Saudi Arabia, 132/11 kV substations and cabling in the UAE, and a transmission system of lines and substations in Visakhapatnam.
Capital limited but confidence in rules of trade, fiscal path of large economies: DEA secretary
Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur said trade shaped by security and geopolitical considerations could deepen global imbalances, raise capital costs and create friction. She said private investment was showing signs of revival despite tight global financial conditions, while the AI investment cycle was adding to demand for capital and debt.
Jaishankar says India-EU FTA will be a "real game changer" for ties
India and the European Union are working towards a Free Trade Agreement that aims to strengthen their economic ties. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted various sectors including technology, defense, space, and climate as key areas for cooperation. The agreement is expected to facilitate regulatory alignment and increase business comfort in both regions.
India GDP forecast stays at 7%, uncertainty range remains wide: Economist Arvind Virmani
Economist Arvind Virmani has retained his India GDP growth forecast at 7% for the year, with an uncertainty range of plus or minus 1%, citing unresolved trade issues and global developments. He also backed a gradual shift towards cost-based UPI MDR after the subsidy helped establish the payments platform.
Nirmala Sitharaman calls for open, rules-based global economic ties amid geopolitical tensions
At the Kautilya Economic Conclave, Nirmala Sitharaman spoke about fostering international trade policies that are not only open but also predictable. She underlined the critical need for nations to communicate effectively to dissolve geopolitical trade barriers. Highlighting the importance of resilience in the global economy, she introduced the National Critical Minerals Mission, stressing strategic autonomy to reduce single-source dependencies amid ongoing global economic turmoil.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra flags rising financial risks, warns against complacency as West Asia conflict adds to inflation pressure
Sanjay Malhotra highlighted the need for vigilance regarding financial vulnerabilities at the Kautilya Economic Conclave. He emphasized that banking and financial stress can develop suddenly yet take years to resolve. Malhotra pointed out the interplay of geopolitical and economic factors complicating current financial stability predictions. He stressed the Reserve Bank of India's role in maintaining financial resilience through appropriate regulations and supervision.
Piyush Goyal at G20: India has no ‘structural excess capacity’, rejects dumping concerns based on broad country-wide assumptions
India does not have structural excess manufacturing capacity in sectors flagged by the G20 presidency, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said, rejecting broad assumptions that could trigger trade measures. He called for border action to rely on specific, verifiable evidence and comply with WTO rules, while defending India’s manufacturing expansion.
CBAM can help India build a greener, competitive export sector
The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is set to reshape global trade dynamics by prioritizing carbon intensity. Indian exporters must strategize for compliance that extends beyond the current focus on iron and steel. The Indian government is actively supporting small and medium enterprises in achieving these new sustainability benchmarks. To navigate this transition successfully, enhanced funding for carbon accounting and technological advancements is essential.
Goyal at G20: India opposes making MFN conditional on WTO obligations
Union Minister Piyush Goyal represented India at the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting, emphasizing the importance of the Most-Favoured-Nation principle. He stated that equal trading terms are essential for both large and small traders. Goyal expressed India's commitment to addressing trade distortions through WTO-compliant measures and preserving developing countries' policy space for industrialization. India's position on forced labor in global supply chains was reiterated during the discussions.
ET Alpha Wealth Summit 2.0: Decoding the new investment landscape and shift in smart money
Transformations in the global economy are reshaping how investors allocate capital and devise strategies. Geopolitical conflicts and tech rivalries are challenging conventional wisdom, leading to heightened interest in markets such as India, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf states. Strategic investments in infrastructure and commodities have gained importance. The upcoming ET Alpha Wealth Summit aims to delve into these transformative investment trends.
Piyush Goyal says India does not have structural excess manufacturing capacity
Piyush Goyal said India does not have structural excess manufacturing capacity in sectors identified by the G20, arguing that Indian production caters to both domestic and global demand. Speaking at the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting in the US, Goyal also stressed WTO rules, supply-chain diversification, forced labour concerns and the need to preserve policy space for developing economies.
BRICS isn’t killing the dollar. The world is learning to live without it
BRICS aims to decrease reliance on the US dollar by facilitating trade in national currencies among member countries. This trend is evident in energy transactions, particularly between Russia and China, with the rouble and renminbi being increasingly used. India's trade with Russia has further encouraged the use of rupees for oil purchases. The euro is becoming more common in international trade, but the dollar remains the dominant currency.
Piyush Goyal calls for clear distinction between food supply ‘weaponisation’ and food-security measures
Piyush Goyal addressed the G20 Trade Ministers' meeting, focusing on the distinction in food supply chain strategies. He emphasized the need to differentiate coercive actions from legitimate food security measures. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer discussed the implications of food weaponization and structural excess capacity in global markets. Greer also highlighted concerns about the Most-Favored-Nation principle and forced labor impacting trade fairness.
US Trade Representative Greer jokes Piyush Goyal is 'trade minister for life' as G20 trade talks open in Milwaukee
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer opened a two-day G20 trade ministers' meeting in Milwaukee addressing key issues. During the event, Greer emphasized the need to rethink global trade governance and identified four pressing priorities. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal participated actively, promoting India's position on trade agreements alongside his counterparts. The discussions included initiatives concerning steel overcapacity, forced labour, and the Most-Favoured-Nation principle.
Greer urges G20 to back Trump tariff agenda, takes aim at China
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urged G20 major economies to refrain from coercive food trade actions. He emphasized the need to tackle industrial overcapacity and reassess the existing tariff system. Greer highlighted concerns regarding China's industrial policies contributing to excess capacity in global markets. Discussions among G20 members included potential tariffs on steel from countries with overproduction issues.
Beyond the 7% headline: S&P maps the forces driving India’s next growth phase
India’s economy is set to grow 7% in FY27, according to S&P Global, which sees domestic demand, private investment, manufacturing, trade, energy security, renewable power, digital infrastructure and technology shaping India’s next phase of economic growth.
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