Trade

India-Gulf bloc FTA talks likely only in second half of the year as Iran war rages

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, signed the Terms of Reference February to launch FTA negotiations

How can India safeguard trade amid Iran conflict?

As military tensions escalate, New Delhi’s proactive inter-ministerial strategy aims to shield supply chains and stabilise a jittery economy

OPINION | India’s trade doctrine privileges comparative advantage over tariff asymmetries

Tariffs are increasingly a function of political cycles and their fallout. India’s negotiations are now undergirded by a coherent doctrine that builds on its core economic strengths

OPINION | Tariff reforms propel India’s alco-bev global ambitions

India’s alco-bev sector enters a pivotal phase. It leverages trade reforms and rising premium demand. Stronger export capabilities enhance competitiveness in domestic and global markets

Centre says 'fiscal consolidation' key reason behind slashing exporters' RodTEP scheme benefits

Exporters urge government to roll-back the recent restrictions on RoDTEP, as it will affect their margins

Indian exporters delay shipments amid US tariff uncertainty

Gems and jewellery exporters, whose outbound shipments are valued at nearly $10 billion, have also decided to pause consignments for at least a week as they assess the evolving trade situation and await clearer policy direction.

OPINION | India’s apple growers fear trade deals may cost them dear

India’s interim trade deal with the US followed the FTA with New Zealand. Barriers on apple imports have been lowered in the deals leading to apprehension here that growers are going to be squeezed

You have a gift: E-commerce companies to benefit as govt resets rules for courier industry

High-value shipments can now move via courier mode; returns and reverse logistics rules eased. Direct-to-consumer brands, apparel, lifestyle products, electronics, engineering goods and jewellery likely gainers

India-US interim trade deal adds digital trade to BTA framework

The move formally brings data, platforms and cross-border digital commerce under the scope of bilateral trade negotiations, even as the interim pact focuses on tariffs, market access and non-tariff barriers.

India–EU FTA: Government, private sector must seize opportunity to unlock gains, says EY’s DK Srivastava

One of the areas with significant potential under the evolving India–EU framework is defence manufacturing, particularly through joint ventures focused on co-development and co-production, Srivastava tells Moneycontrol

Narrowing a $27 billion deficit key to India-UAE’s new $200 billion trade goal

While total trade reached $100 billion, the data shows that Indian exports have lagged behind imports, particularly in the previous fiscal year when growth in outbound shipments slowed to 2.8 percent but imports grew 32 percent, largely due to energy shipments.

Apples, bananas, nuts: Why a US tariff move on Iran could still hurt India in select areas

Iran is a marginal partner overall, but its dominance in fruits, nuts and niche exports leaves India exposed at the product level

Trump’s Iran tariff: India’s $1.2-billion exports at risk but top shipment rice safe

Rice shipments alone accounted for $757.3 million, or over 61 percent of India’s total exports to Iran, making it the most exposed category by value

India asks Russia to ease language rules, remove dual barriers to boost exports, drain rupee pile-up

The issue is expected to take the centre stage when India and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union hold the next round of trade talks, likely in the second half of February

Trump’s proposed 500% tariff may hit US consumers harder than exporters

India dominates large swathes of America’s import basket, leaving little room to avoid higher prices.

'Incredible opportunities ahead': US ambassador to India Sergio Gor lands in Delhi amid tariff tensions

US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor arrived in India to rebuild strained ties, focusing on trade and tariff issues. His visit comes amid stalled India-US trade talks and heightened economic tensions.

OPINION | Global Trade in a Fractured World: Why India must help shape a reformed WTO

A central fault line in the coming years will be whether MFN and consensus survive in their current form. There is credible reason to believe that a significant group of WTO members—including most major trading powers—may settle for their dilution

India mulls a monthly rupee-ruble exchange rate to spur trade with Russia

A source added that these efforts come amid a push to boost exports to Russia to balance the trade, with a focus on spurring Indian shipments of automobiles, auto components, and pharmaceuticals.

Year Ahead: Diversification and key FTAs crucial to prevent flat export growth in 2026

US tariffs, EU's CBAM, and global headwinds challenge India's merchandise exports, while alternative markets and services exports offer potential support.

Budget 2026: Centre may overhaul export-certification to cut port delays, rope in private players

The proposal seeks to open up export quality and compliance certification to private players to reduce clearance timelines at ports from about 10 days to three

Budget 2026 likely to overhaul SEZ norms to boost local sourcing

A Rajiv Gauba-led committee has recommended easier domestic market access for SEZs, with suggestions to reduce duty distortions to enable smoother sourcing and sales

OPINION | Why the India–EU Free Trade Agreement is critical for Indian industry

India–EU FTA represents the scaffolding for India’s next industrial leap. It offers the regulatory foundation, external confidence, and investment pipeline needed for Indian industry to move up the value chain and integrate more deeply with the world’s most advanced markets