News for 'Free Trade Agreement'

Arvind Subramanian: Be Wary of China Bashing

Arvind Subramanian: Be Wary of China Bashing

Rediff.com14 May 2026

It seems odd to criticise a country for delivering growth rates in standards of living and consumption that have been perhaps the fastest, longest, and most broad-based (affecting hundreds of millions of people) in history, points out Arvind Subramanian.

Piyush Goyal on ongoing talks for trade pact with US

Piyush Goyal on ongoing talks for trade pact with US

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

India and the US desire to give preferential market access to each other's businesses and teams of both the countries are working together on the proposed bilateral trade agreement, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has said. In February, US President Donald J Trump and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi announced plans to negotiate the first tranche or phase of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall (September-October) of 2025.

India, UK to sign trade pact on July 24; Goyal to accompany PM Modi

India, UK to sign trade pact on July 24; Goyal to accompany PM Modi

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will accompany Prime Minister Narendra Modi to London for the signing of the free trade agreement between India and the UK on July 24, an official said on Monday. The two countries announced the conclusion of the negotiations for the trade agreement on May 6.

4-day trade talks between India and US to start today

4-day trade talks between India and US to start today

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

An Indian commerce ministry team has reached Washington for another round of talks from Monday on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), an official said. Chief negotiator of India and special secretary in the Department of Commerce, Rajesh Agrawal, will join the team on Wednesday.

There's still hope for India-EU free trade pact

There's still hope for India-EU free trade pact

Rediff.com13 Apr 2010

According to a source on the Indian side, New Delhi and Brussels have agreed to eliminate tariffs on 90 percent of all tradable goods. But, India wants the EU to up their offer to include 95 percent of goods, while the EU wants India to offer a slash in tariffs on 98 percent of goods.

Indian team to soon visit Washington again for trade talks

Indian team to soon visit Washington again for trade talks

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

An Indian commerce ministry team will soon visit Washington for another round of talks on the proposed trade agreement with the US to iron out differences in sectors, like agriculture and automobiles, a government official said on Thursday.

RBI-Esma MoU set to end CCIL impasse

RBI-Esma MoU set to end CCIL impasse

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Clearing Corporation of India (CCIL) will be able to reapply for recognition by the European Union's (EU) financial markets regulator following a pact signed on Tuesday between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the European Securities and Markets Authority (Esma).

India hasn't accepted UK 'data exclusivity' demand in FTA

India hasn't accepted UK 'data exclusivity' demand in FTA

Rediff.com12 May 2025

India has not accepted the demand of the UK for inclusion of a 'data exclusivity' provision in the free trade agreement, announced on May 6, in a bid to protect the interests of the domestic generic drugs industry, an official said. During the negotiations, the UK had asked to include this provision in the trade pact.

Modi meets AI startups' CEOs, global leaders at AI Summit

Modi meets AI startups' CEOs, global leaders at AI Summit

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a roundtable with AI startup CEOs and held bilateral meetings with global leaders at the India AI Impact Summit, focusing on AI's potential across sectors and international cooperation.

Auto firms hope to drive to Europe taking the FTA route

Auto firms hope to drive to Europe taking the FTA route

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

The India-EU free trade deal could help Indian-made cars enter Europe at lower costs and challenge Chinese dominance.

India in talks with GCC countries to sign free trade pact

India in talks with GCC countries to sign free trade pact

Rediff.com5 Oct 2011

India is in talks with members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to conclude a free trade agreement and a framework agreement for the FTA has already been signed, a leading Indian banker in the region has said.

Canada PM to visit in Nov; free trade deal likely

Canada PM to visit in Nov; free trade deal likely

Rediff.com5 Oct 2009

The paper said the trip could pay dividends for Canada's standing on the world stage as it prepares to host key summits in 2010 like the G8, and a G20 leaders summit in Huntsville in July as China and India are influential members of the G20.

NZ to amend laws for GI registration of Indian goods

NZ to amend laws for GI registration of Indian goods

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

New Zealand has taken a binding commitment under its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India to amend its laws within 18 months of the pact's implementation to facilitate the geographical indication (GI) registration of Indian goods besides wines, and spirits in the island nation. The current GI law of New Zealand only allows India's wines and spirits to be registered.

India links duty concessions on NZ apples, kiwifruit, honey to agri action plans

India links duty concessions on NZ apples, kiwifruit, honey to agri action plans

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Quota-based duty concessions granted by India to New Zealand for apples, kiwifruit, and Manuka honey are linked to the delivery of agriculture productivity action plans committed by the island country under the free trade agreement.

'India Should Not Rush To Celebrate Trump's Trade Announcement'

'India Should Not Rush To Celebrate Trump's Trade Announcement'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

'Trump says India will buy over $500 billion of US goods.' 'At present, India's annual imports of goods and energy from the US are under $50 billion.' 'Reaching $500 billion would likely require more than 20 years, suggesting the figure refers to a long-term aspiration rather than a near-term commitment.'

Iran denies US claim on mine-clearing ops in Strait of Hormuz

Iran denies US claim on mine-clearing ops in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the start of operations to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a claim swiftly denied by Iran, leading to increased tensions in the region amidst stalled negotiations between the two countries.

India-EU pact weaves new hope into $100 bn textile export dream

India-EU pact weaves new hope into $100 bn textile export dream

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The proposed trade deal with the 27-nation European Union (EU) is expected to provide zero-duty access to the $95 billion European market for Indian textile and apparel manufacturers. Currently, India's share of the European market is just 6 per cent, or $5.5 billion.

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament, reaffirming India's support for Israel in the face of terrorism and expressing support for the Gaza peace initiative.

India-US trade deal: Hectic parleys underway in Washington

India-US trade deal: Hectic parleys underway in Washington

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Hectic parleys are underway between officials of India and the US in Washington on the proposed interim trade agreement between the two countries, an official said on Wednesday.

Carney's Visit May Boost India-Canada Ties

Carney's Visit May Boost India-Canada Ties

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

India and Canada are negotiating a long-term uranium supply agreement worth $2.8 billion. They are also exploring expanded civil nuclear cooperation after the passage of the SHANTI Bill.

India, US to finalise broad contours of proposed trade deal soon

India, US to finalise broad contours of proposed trade deal soon

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

India and the US will sit together in the next couple of weeks to decide on the nature of the proposed trade agreement and finalise its broad contours, a senior official said on Monday. During the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington, India and the US announced to more than double the two-way commerce to $500 billion by 2030 and negotiate the first tranche of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by fall of 2025.

Uncertainties over US tariffs might affect capex decisions

Uncertainties over US tariffs might affect capex decisions

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Ratings firm Crisil said on Wednesday that the uncertainties surrounding the US tariffs might be a new hindrance to capital expenditure decisions in the current financial year. The additional 25 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on India for its purchases of Russian oil came into effect on Wednesday, bringing the total amount of levies imposed on New Delhi to 50 per cent.

Jaguar Land Rover to start production of premium cars at Tamil Nadu unit

Jaguar Land Rover to start production of premium cars at Tamil Nadu unit

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Jaguar Land Rover will begin assembling premium cars at its new Tamil Nadu plant on February 9, marking a step towards full-scale luxury car manufacturing in India.

Modi Eyes Trade Revival Talks With Trump

Modi Eyes Trade Revival Talks With Trump

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Ahead of the visit, officials from key government departments held intense discussions to identify key trade-related proposals.

Of Trump's reciprocal tariffs and trade deals

Of Trump's reciprocal tariffs and trade deals

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Of Trump's reciprocal tariffs and trade deals

EU suspends export benefits to sectors like textiles, plastics for India

EU suspends export benefits to sectors like textiles, plastics for India

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The European Union (EU) has suspended export benefits to sectors such as textiles and plastics under a preferential scheme for India and two other countries from January 1, a move that will impact the country's shipment to the 27-nation bloc. The development is important as the two sides are likely to announce the closure of negotiations for a free tarde agreement (FTA) on January 27.

GST 2.0 bolstered momentum, economy on stable footing

GST 2.0 bolstered momentum, economy on stable footing

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) rates has increased the momentum in India's economic activity both on the supply and demand sides, while robust agricultural activity - reflected in the strong onset of rabi sowing and adequate reservoir levels - has reinforced the outlook for food supply and rural incomes, the finance ministry said on Thursday.

India free to buy oil from any country, says Russia amid US claims

India free to buy oil from any country, says Russia amid US claims

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Kremlin has stated that India is free to purchase oil from any country, dismissing claims that India agreed to reduce Russian oil imports. Russia maintains that energy trade with India benefits both nations and contributes to international energy market stability.

Australia unveils ambitious roadmap to boost trade with India

Australia unveils ambitious roadmap to boost trade with India

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Australia on Wednesday unveiled an ambitious roadmap to deepen and diversify its trade and investment ties with India. The roadmap identified four "superhighways of growth" -- clean energy, education and skills, agribusiness, and tourism. Broadly, it sets out a pathway to focus ongoing efforts, including to boost two-way investment, and work with Indian-Australian communities and businesses.

India terms EU envoys' article unusual before key Putin visit

India terms EU envoys' article unusual before key Putin visit

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

India and Russia are poised to sign multiple agreements to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including trade and healthcare, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. Discussions will also address the Ukraine conflict and efforts to increase Indian exports to Russia.

Gaps in India-EU free trade pact still to be closed

Gaps in India-EU free trade pact still to be closed

Rediff.com1 Feb 2012

Days ahead of India-EU annual summit, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma on Wednesday said a few ends are yet to be stitched for concluding the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two sides.

Tariffs on India 'huge success', may be rolled back: US treasury secy

Tariffs on India 'huge success', may be rolled back: US treasury secy

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated a potential pathway to remove tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil, citing a significant decrease in such purchases. He also criticized Europe's approach and accused India of profiting from discounted Russian oil.

Free trade focus of Confluence '04

Free trade focus of Confluence '04

Rediff.com14 Aug 2004

Indian pharma to get stronger dose of EU mkt access

Indian pharma to get stronger dose of EU mkt access

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The European Union's (EU's) offer to slash tariffs on 97.5 per cent of Indian chemical exports to zero is set to give India's pharmaceutical and medical device firms preferential access to the European markets.

200% spike in gold import drives India's trade deficit to $41.68 billion

200% spike in gold import drives India's trade deficit to $41.68 billion

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

India's merchandise trade deficit widened to a record $41.68 billion in October, as gold imports trebled and outbound shipments registered their sharpest contraction in 14 months, according to data released by the commerce department.

Modi, Merz set for Ahmedabad talks amid rising global tensions

Modi, Merz set for Ahmedabad talks amid rising global tensions

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

In their talks, Modi and Merz are likely to deliberate on trade and investment ties as New Delhi is looking at deepening economic engagement with Europe against the backdrop of Washington's 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, people familiar with the matter said.

Trouble for India? Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran's trade partners

Trouble for India? Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran's trade partners

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Trump said that the decision would be "immediately" in effect and that the "order is final and conclusive."

Strong domestic growth will attract foreign investments: RBI Governor

Strong domestic growth will attract foreign investments: RBI Governor

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Strong domestic growth will continue to draw foreign investment into the Indian economy, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Tuesday. He said this was reflected in recent free trade agreements and investment commitments by large technology companies.

India's retaliatory tariff proposal may hurt trade pact talks with US: GTRI

India's retaliatory tariff proposal may hurt trade pact talks with US: GTRI

Rediff.com13 May 2025

India's proposal to impose retaliatory import duty on certain US products in response to American tariffs on steel and aluminium could cast a shadow over ongoing negotiations for a trade agreement between the two countries, think tank GTRI said on Tuesday. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said that if the US engages in consultations with India on the matter or withdraws tariffs, a resolution may be reached.