INDIA FTAS
Modi 3.0 has got inflation & growth right but jobs, land reforms are still a challenge
Narendra Modi government completes 11 years with strong economic growth. Inflation is under control and forex reserves are ample. However, job creation and private investment remain concerns. Experts say land and labor reforms are crucial. Political stability may help revisit reforms. Free trade agreements could pose challenges without reforms. The government needs to address these issues.
Challenging times for global trade; India will certainly cross USD 825 bn exports this fiscal: Piyush Goyal
Despite global economic uncertainties, India's exports reached a record USD 825 billion in 2024-25, and are projected to surpass this figure in 2025-26, potentially reaching USD 1 trillion. The growth is attributed to diversified sourcing and new free trade agreements with countries like the UAE and Australia.
Govt considering scheme to help MSME exporters register goods in new markets: Goyal
The minister is in Switzerland on an official visit to hold meetings with Swiss leaders and companies to boost trade and investments between the two countries.
Icra projects 6-8 pc growth for hospitality sector, downgrades outlook to 'stable'
Icra forecasts a 6-8% growth for India's hospitality sector. This normalization follows strong demand. Foreign tourist arrivals may be muted initially. Domestic tourism remains a key driver. Infrastructure improvements and MICE events will support growth. Premium hotel occupancy is expected to be 72-74% in FY26. Average room rates are projected to rise. Terror attacks had a temporary, localized impact.
India poised to benefit from FTAs, says RAI CEO Kumar Rajagopalan
India is emerging as a prime destination for leveraging Free Trade Agreements, boosted by the success of the Make in India program, according to Retailers Association of India CEO Kumar Rajagopalan. He highlighted India's attractive consumer market, driven by a young population with rising incomes.
India’s FDI Rise: A decade of decisive growth and global confidence
India's foreign investment landscape has transformed since 2014. FDI equity inflows have surged, especially between 2019 and 2024. Government reforms like Make in India and Digital India have boosted investor confidence. The digital economy and manufacturing sectors have seen significant growth. India is emerging as a hub for clean technology and sustainable growth.
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"Will negotiate a fair balance," Piyush Goyal optimistic of wrapping up FTA with EU by year end
India aims to finalize a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union by year-end. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal sees minimal disagreements. Both economies complement each other, boosting growth. Sensitive issues need resolution. India emphasizes gender equality and sustainability. The FTA focuses on market access and trade. It promises broader economic opportunities and benefits for consumers.
Industry needs to be watchful on imports as Chinese exports continue to remain elevated: JSW Steel official
JSW Steel cautions that while import bookings haven't surged recently, elevated Chinese steel exports and FTA countries like Vietnam, Japan, and Korea pose ongoing risks to the Indian steel industry. Safeguard duties are under review, potentially allowing authorities to protect domestic producers if imports surge. India remains a net importer, with imports rising and exports declining.
India to retain crown of fastest growing major economy amid global gloom: RBI
The Reserve Bank of India’s annual report states that despite global challenges like market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and climate risks, the Indian economy is set to remain the fastest-growing major economy in 2025-26, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, a robust financial sector, and a focus on sustainable growth.
Indian economy size $15 tn in PPP term, more than half of US economy: NITI VC Bery
NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery stated that India's economy is a USD 15 trillion economy in PPP terms, more than half the size of the US economy. He emphasized the need for India to diversify supply sources, leverage global knowledge, and reform markets. Bery also highlighted the importance of states utilizing FTAs and improving labour productivity to sustain economic growth.
India’s labour productivity is lowest among G20 nations: NITI Aayog vice chairman Suman Bery
NITI Aayog's Vice Chairman, Suman Bery, emphasized India's need to diversify into high-value sectors, innovate locally, and reform markets to achieve 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. He highlighted the importance of improving labor productivity, currently the lowest among G20 nations, and transitioning the workforce from agriculture to manufacturing and services.
Goyal asks exporters to leverage FTAs, talks non-tariff barriers
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged exporters to better utilize free trade agreements and addressed non-tariff barriers in a meeting with export bodies. Discussions covered a centralized exporter portal, trade talks with the EU and US, and strategies to boost service and value-added goods exports. The government has allocated ?18,233 crore for the RoDTEP scheme, benefiting over 10,750 product categories.
Piyush Goyal meets exporters, urges higher FTA use; US, EU trade deals figure in discussions
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with exporters to discuss ongoing trade negotiations with the US and EU, urging increased utilization of FTAs. Support for navigating EU regulations like the Digital Product Passport was pledged. Discussions also covered a centralized exporter portal and boosting services and value-added goods exports, with 9-10 FTAs in the pipeline.
Forget tariffs—foreign tourists pay in forex, smile in return
India should prioritize inbound tourism as a powerful, geopolitically stable export sector. Unlike manufactured goods, tourism isn't affected by tariffs or trade disputes. By investing in marketing, simplifying visas, improving infrastructure like high-end trains, and promoting unique cultural experiences, India can significantly boost forex earnings and create inclusive jobs, making tourism a key driver for economic growth.
India's mining, construction equipment sector likely to reach USD 45 billion by 2030: Report
India's mining and construction equipment sector is poised for significant growth. A new report projects the sector will reach USD 45 billion by 2030. This represents a 19 percent CAGR. The Confederation of Indian Industry and Kearney collaborated on the Vision 2030 report. It aims to position India as a global manufacturing hub.
Alcohol makers seek phased import duty cuts, strong safeguards to prevent EU FTA misuse
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has urged the government to gradually reduce import duties on liquor products under the proposed India-EU free trade agreement (FTA). They propose cutting customs duties on bottled wines and spirits from 150% to 100% immediately, then to 50% over 10 years, with bulk spirits duties dropping from 150% to 75% immediately and 25% in a decade.
‘On rates, it’s status quo or cuts; concerned about banks’ mis-selling of insurance’: RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasizes India's economic resilience and commitment to managing rupee volatility without targeting specific rates. He highlights the importance of real interest rates for depositors and the central bank's focus on customer protection and cybersecurity. The governor also addresses concerns about UPI concentration and governance lapses in banks.
Trading with India will be 'quicker, cheaper, easier' post-FTA, says UK
The UK government said trade with India will become “quicker, cheaper and easier” under the new Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed this month. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds called it the “best deal India has ever agreed to.” The deal is expected to boost UK exports—such as whisky, machinery, and medical devices—by ?25.5 billion annually in the long term.
FM Sitharaman calls for balance between regulations and pro-growth mindset
Nirmala Sitharaman urged the CCI to balance regulatory vigilance with a pro-growth approach, ensuring markets benefit many, not just a few. She emphasized 'minimum necessary, maximum feasible' regulation for a resilient, equitable economy by 2047. Swift regulatory approvals are crucial, impacting investment and free trade agreement negotiations, especially in the face of emerging digital monopolies.
India-UK FTA: The twin threats that could derail India’s $120 billion trade ambition
The India-UK FTA promises to boost economic cooperation, remove trade barriers, and increase investment and job creation.
Import duty cuts on wine in FTAs may hurt local makers: CIABC
CIABC warns that lowering import duties on wine in future trade deals could negatively impact Indian manufacturers. Concessional tariffs on spirits from the EU, US, Australia, and New Zealand might flood the market. They suggest a minimum import price to prevent low-quality imports. The UK trade deal's whisky duty reduction may also affect domestic premium whisky brands.
Trump order unlikely to impact domestic generic industry working on razor-thin profits
The US order to lower prescription drug prices is unlikely to impact Indian generic drugmakers, as they already operate on low margins, experts say. The move mainly affects innovator pharma companies required to align prices with global benchmarks.
Tariff gap that once favoured India is shrinking fast after latest US-China deal: GTRI's Srivastava
A recent US-China trade agreement, featuring a 90-day tariff withdrawal, has narrowed the tariff gap between India and China. This shift potentially undermines India's competitive advantage in attracting companies seeking to diversify from China.
After India UK FTA, focus must be on local content to prevent entry of Chinese goods: Report
Canara Bank's report emphasizes the India-UK FTA as a significant win, granting India duty-free access to the UK market on 99% of its tariff lines. However, the report cautions that stringent rules of origin are crucial to prevent Chinese goods from exploiting the agreement. Sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy are excluded, while reciprocal treatment is mandated for financial services.
Trump's drug order sparks concern for India's pharma policy: GTRI
Donald Trump's "Most Favored Nation" pricing rule, aimed at significantly lowering U.S. drug prices, is expected to have global repercussions. The move could pressure pharmaceutical companies to seek higher revenues in markets like India, potentially impacting its pharmaceutical policies.
Why India needs to get Eurovisionary
India is strategically engaging with various global platforms. The article suggests India's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest starting next year. India's entry could showcase its soft power through music. Becoming a member of the European Broadcasting Union is key. This move could introduce Indian music to a global audience. It will also add vibrancy to the European music scene.
Agriculture, manufacturing, services push & climate action key to growth, says CII president
CII President Sanjiv Puri asserts that India's economy possesses strong foundations and is poised for a resilient recovery, even amidst potential short-term disruptions from border conflicts. He emphasizes the need to bolster agriculture, manufacturing, and services while addressing climate change for inclusive growth.
FTAs enable participation in global value chain, India Inc looks forward to more such deals: CII President
Indian industries are looking forward to more free trade agreements (FTAs) because such trade pacts are the key enablers for participating in the global value chain, said Sanjiv Puri, President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Managing Director of ITC.
India should draw lessons from the US-UK lopsided trade deal and be cautious on deal with America, warns GTRI
The US-UK trade deals offer insights into potential US trade approaches with India, cautioning Indian negotiators about prioritizing tariff-focused, transactional arrangements over comprehensive FTAs. GTRI warns India to anticipate US pressure for tariff reductions on agricultural products and eased FDI restrictions. It emphasizes the need for reciprocal, equitable trade deals that protect India's interests.
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