WEAPONISING TRADE
Factories of future: Built on 25 years of reform & execution
India's industrial sector has seen significant growth under Modi's leadership, emphasising infrastructure development and reforms. The Vibrant Gujarat Summit initiated a strategic approach to enhance ease of doing business. Recent trade agreements have expanded access to global markets for Indian manufacturers.
India-US trade deal talks may have reached a ‘plateau’, further concessions difficult: Nirmala Sitharaman
During a recent briefing, India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that talks regarding a trade pact with the US are currently stalled. While she sees some room for advancement, she pointed out the complexities involved in making further concessions. The dialogue also encompasses the trade deficit issues with both the US and China.
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.
India goes FTA shopping at G20 as Piyush Goyal works the room with a cart full of trade deals
India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is actively engaged in negotiations for several trade agreements at the G20 meeting. Talks with the US include an interim pact and finalizing issues for a broader agreement. Discussions with Canada aim to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by the end of 2026. Existing trade agreements with the UK and Australia are also under review for their implementation and effectiveness.
Piyush Goyal, US trade envoy Greer discuss early conclusion of India-US interim trade deal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held a “productive discussion” with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on early conclusion of a mutually beneficial interim trade agreement between India and the US. The meeting came alongside PM Narendra Modi’s conversation with President Donald Trump and Goyal’s participation in the G20 trade ministers’ meeting.
- Go To Page 1
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.
India can't take growth for granted, FinMin warns as global rates rise and investors turn cautious
India's economy exhibited robust growth of 7.8 percent in the first quarter of FY27 and is projected to grow 7.3 percent in the next quarter. While domestic conditions appear resilient, external risks continue to challenge its investment appeal, particularly regarding trade relations with the United States and fluctuations in energy prices. The recent sovereign rating upgrade reflects strengthening fundamentals amid global uncertainties and cautious investor sentiment.
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.
EAM Jaishankar flags "lack of empathy" in US over India's terrorism concerns, says it impacts ties
S Jaishankar emphasized that the US does not fully understand India's core security priorities related to terrorism. He pointed out persistent cross-border terrorism from Pakistan as a significant issue. Jaishankar highlighted that India's interests should not be overlooked in foreign policy discussions. He noted that a lack of appreciation for these concerns affects diplomatic engagement.
RBI bulletin: India's financial, external sectors continue to draw strength from resilient domestic economy
India's economy is showing resilience despite global uncertainties and high geopolitical tensions affecting financial markets, RBI's bulletin said. Crude oil prices have sharply increased due to escalating conflicts in West Asia, prompting concerns over inflation. The Reserve Bank indicates a strong GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026-27, with moderate current account deficits. Credit and deposit growth are also accelerating, while FDI inflows have reached a five-year high.
US’ Graham Act, trade restrictions are sustained coercion; US, China, EU weaponise trade: CEA
The CEA said that trade has been weaponised well beyond the US, pointing to export licensing, supply-chain chokepoints and similar moves by China and the EU.
India must boost manufacturing, FDI and AI-ready jobs to become developed nation: CEA Nageswaran
India needs to strengthen its manufacturing sector while attracting foreign investment to support economic growth. Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran emphasized the importance of resilience amidst global challenges. He noted a focus on AI's impact on employment, particularly for entry-level jobs. Ensuring the creation of AI-enabled roles alongside traditional jobs will be crucial for social stability.
Canada optimistic about concluding trade talks with India by year-end, minister says
Canada anticipates finalizing a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with India by year's end. Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu expressed optimism regarding the upcoming negotiations and potential meetings. Discussions are focusing on the energy sector, including liquefied natural gas projects. Both nations are also exploring expanded cooperation in nuclear energy development. Indian firms are considering investments in Canada's critical mineral projects for supply chain security.
US tariff threat puts exporters on the edge
The US Congress passed the Act Wednesday allowing sanctions on Russia's crude exports and tariffs of up to 100% on India, China, and other major buyers of Russian energy. The bill will now be sent to US President Donald Trump for his assent.
BRICS 2026: PM Modi wants bloc to look beyond its borders and serve wider Global South
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said BRICS should promote inclusive global growth, with solutions developed by the bloc made accessible to the wider Global South. He said confidence in BRICS had grown because the grouping listens to developing countries’ voices.
Houthis' Yemen advance leaves Gulf states with uncomfortable choice
The Houthi capture of Yemen's Red Sea coastline is strengthening Iran's leverage over Gulf energy routes, forcing Saudi Arabia and its neighbours to weigh economic costs against engagement with Tehran. The development follows attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and comes as Gulf states explore a temporary arrangement on Strait of Hormuz shipping.
BRICS Summit: Modi warns against weaponisation of tech, critical minerals; Xi announces open-source AI
BRICS Summit 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged BRICS nations to unite in the face of rising global tensions and emphasised the need for inclusive growth, particularly for the Global South. Concerns were also raised over the weaponisation of technology and critical minerals. The grouping aims to strengthen resilience and preparedness against future crises, with cooperation on early warning systems and resilient supply chains being prioritised.
Peace, tranquillity on border need of the hour: PM Modi to Xi Jinping
The two leaders welcomed steady progress in India-China bilateral relations since their last meeting in Tianjin, China, in August 2025. They reaffirmed that both countries should take a strategic and long-term perspective of their ties and that differences should not become disputes. The Prime Minister highlighted that both sides be guided by three mutuals: mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest.
BRICS declaration vows cooperation to dismantle cross-border scam networks
BRICS countries on Saturday voiced “serious concern” over organised scam networks, including cross-border fraud operations and scam compounds, and called for coordinated international action to dismantle criminal infrastructure and recover illicit proceeds. The New Delhi Declaration also urged stronger intelligence sharing, digital financial safeguards and cooperation against money laundering and cyber-enabled crime.
Belarus ready for deep industrial cooperation and widen agri sector partnership with India: FM Maxim Ryzhenkov
Belarus is ready for deeper industrial cooperation and is highly interested in the advanced development of Indian pharmaceutical companies, and prepared to establish joint ventures and localise production in India, Maxim Ryzhenkov said.
Amitabh Kant lays down three-step formula for India to move forward during BRICS Summit
India must ensure BRICS summit language is progressive and forward-looking. Resolving differences among Iran, UAE, and Saudi Arabia is highly complex. Prime Minister Modi will meet Putin and Xi Jinping for bilateral talks. China-India development, trade, and technology play is critical for progress. Further movement in India-China relations is expected after recent policy changes.
BRICS by BRICS: India's journey from seeking reforms to shaping global order
India's BRICS engagement has shifted from seeking a voice to offering indigenous solutions. The nation now actively shapes global order with scalable innovations and partnerships. Digital Public Infrastructure, like UPI, offers a blueprint for inclusive growth across emerging economies. BRICS facilitates exchange, allowing countries to adapt technology to their specific needs. This evolution demonstrates emerging economies building and innovating workable alternatives for global trade.
Sustainability anchors growth: ITC CMD urges corporates to balance economic progress with societal value
ITC chairman Sanjiv Puri advocates for sustainability and inclusive growth in business. He stated economic progress must align with societal and environmental value creation. Corporates must go beyond shareholder value, meeting stakeholder and regulatory demands. He highlighted global challenges like climate crisis and geopolitical turmoil. Puri called for joint efforts from government, corporates, and civil society.
Critical minerals race: India looks to UK, EU for supply chains
India is discussing partnerships with the UK and EU for critical mineral processing. The nation collaborates with the US on resilient supply chains for critical minerals. Trade deals with the Gulf Cooperation Council and Israel are pending regional stability. Component makers are encouraged to expand their local businesses globally. High-tech firms may receive exemptions from BIS certification for manufacturing.
Goyal calls for resilient supply chains, while Gor stresses fair and reciprocal India-US trade
In a strategic move, India is ramping up its partnerships on critical minerals with countries including the UK and the EU. Trade agreements are under negotiation to secure vital mineral resources. The nation is also enhancing its relationship with the US via initiatives centered on critical minerals. Additionally, the government is working to simplify regulations for high-tech manufacturing, which is expected to reinforce supply chains and elevate domestic production capabilities.
Fear the reckless humans, not the rogue AI
AI isn’t plotting a coup; humans are simply giving algorithms too much power with too little governance.
Nifty mega caps are going nowhere. Why Samco CIO Umesh Mehta put 75% of his Flexicap fund beyond largecaps
Mutual Fund CIO Umesh Mehta says Nifty mega caps may remain subdued as institutional ownership limits fresh buying and earnings momentum shifts towards mid- and small-cap stocks. He explains why Samco Flexicap Fund has allocated 70–75% of its portfolio beyond large caps, while highlighting opportunities in defence, power, AI ancillaries and gold, and warning about IPO-led liquidity pressures.
India, China may build new framework for investments
India and China are exploring new frameworks for business exchanges and investments. Beijing may unveil an investment package for India during President Xi Jinping's visit. This includes a special economic zone with easier sea route access. Efforts are underway to ease approval processes for Chinese investments in non-strategic sectors. Both nations aim to improve overall ties and manage differences after a freeze.
Load More
