BUSINESS
Budget’s export focus, customs reforms to help firms better tap trade deals
"The steps taken towards strengthening services sector and sectoral initiatives in semiconductor, marine, textiles, leather and other labour intensive sectors will also help grow exports in these sectors," Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said.
BUDGET
Global uncertainty impacting several areas, factored into policymaking, says Sitharaman
Nirmala Sitharaman said India has done everything within the country to ensure that its domestic macroeconomic fundamentals are sound, even as the global environment remains uncertain
BUSINESS
Finance Commission suggests 3% borrowing cap for states, flags risks from off-budget loans
The Commission has laid out a fiscal framework under which the Union government’s fiscal deficit is targeted at 3.5 percent of GDP by 2031, while states remain at 3 percent, resulting in a combined fiscal deficit of 6.5 percent of GDP.
BUDGET
STT on F&O hiked to curb excessive speculation, address systemic risk: Revenue Secretary
Budget 2026: Explaining the rationale behind the move, he said the government increased STT on futures and options to address rising systemic risk in the derivatives market, emphasising that it did not want to encourage excessive speculation
BUSINESS
From textiles to seafood, Budget lays out steps to ease pressure on tariff-hit exports
Taken together, the measures signal a shift towards reducing export costs, easing compliance burdens and diversifying markets as India seeks to cushion its exporters from the fallout of tariff actions in the US and other major economies.
BUSINESS
Centre pegs FY27 fiscal deficit at 4.3% of GDP
The fiscal deficit in FY25 stood at 4.8 percent of GDP, which was 80 bps lower than 5.6 percent in FY24.
BUSINESS
GST collections at 3-month high of Rs 1.93 lakh crore, up 6.2% in January
Domestic transactions accounted for Rs 1.41 lakh crore, up 4.8 percent
BUSINESS
India‑US trade deal key for rupee, investors may reassess stance after conclusion of talks: CEA
India and the United States have concluded six rounds of talks for a trade deal so far.
BUSINESS
Still see room for capital gains tweaks despite Budget 2024 rationalization, says CEA Nageswaran
Nageswaran said that further reforms to reduce operating costs, lower input costs, deregulation and skill creation can lift India's medium-term growth higher than the estimated 7 percent.
BUSINESS
India, Gulf bloc mull next steps on FTA; Canada talks to speed up, Chile deal nearly done
The GCC is a regional grouping of six Middle Eastern countries comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
BUSINESS
Not a tool for 'idle curiosity', Economic Survey bats for revamping India's RTI Act
Among the changes, it suggests that internal deliberative material such as brainstorming notes, working papers and draft comments could be exempted from disclosure until they crystallise into final decisions.
BUSINESS
Economic Survey proposes task force to engage global firms, boost FDI, offset tariff impact
Efforts to improve the investment environment by simplifying processes and procedures to attract FDI will also need to be kept up, the survey has said
BUSINESS
Economic Survey bats for revamping GST e-Way Bill system
The move will reduce costs and delays in goods movement while maintaining effective oversight for tax administration
BUSINESS
India, US trade talks expected to conclude this year: Economic Survey
India and the United States have concluded six rounds of talks for a trade deal so far
BUSINESS
FTAs boost export prospects, but tighter immigration rules may hit remittances: Economic Survey
The Survey, however, noted that India’s external sector remains comfortably placed in the short run, supported by robust foreign exchange reserves and manageable external debt.
BUSINESS
EU banks can open up to 15 branches in India over 4 years under FTA
India has not offered market access in legal services under the proposed agreement with the EU.
BUSINESS
India keeps government procurement out of EU FTA, unlike UK deal
A government official said that India has not offered any commitments that would require opening central government tenders to EU companies, keeping this area outside the scope of the FTA
BUSINESS
First-ever rapid response mechanism in FTA to safeguard India from any challenging EU rules
These provisions will help India in dealing with challenges arising from EU's regulations in the future and protect FTA benefits.
BUSINESS
India to grant tariff concessions to 100,000 EU ICE cars in year 1 of FTA; EVs below €20,000 excluded
The quota will gradually rise to 160,000 units in the tenth year of the FTA while import duties on ICE cars will fall to 10 percent in year 5, making European models more affordable for Indian consumers.
BUSINESS
India caps EU apple imports at 50,000 tonnes at 20% duty; wine cuts phased over 7 years
India, and the EU announced the conclusion of talks for a trade deal on January 27 after nearly two decades of negotiations.
BUSINESS
RBI–ESMA pact opens door for easier EU recognition of Indian clearing houses
This possibly removes certain key impediments for European firms to access Indian financial markets.
BUSINESS
India–EU FTA set to give $75 billion boost to Indian exports, bloc’s shipments to double by 2032
The deal will also provide tariff cuts on EU’s wines and spirits under a quota system, while chocolates and other processed food items will see significant duty reductions, boosting exports from countries such as France, Italy, Spain and Belgium.
BUSINESS
India-EU FTA to boost textiles, gems exports with tariff concessions on 99% of shipments
Duties will be eliminated immediately on 90 percent of Indian exports to the 27-nation bloc once the trade deal kicks in.
BUSINESS
EU plans to provide €500 million to support India’s climate, sustainable trade efforts
The announcement comes alongside the conclusion of talks for a free trade agreement on January 27, which includes a dedicated trade and sustainable development chapter.
