News for 'Free Trade Area'

Taiwan keen to help India become leader in chip space

Taiwan keen to help India become leader in chip space

Rediff.com29 Apr 2024

Taiwan is keen to collaborate with India and help it become a leader in the semiconductor space, Jason Ho, chairman of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in India, said, asserting that the Taiwanese companies have the supply chain for things that the Indian market needs. Manufacturing semiconductors - used in electric and hybrid cars, drones, and communication devices - is fairly complicated, entails huge investment, and can be a cumbersome process.

India Must Only Agree To A Deal If It Is A Win-Win

India Must Only Agree To A Deal If It Is A Win-Win

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

To those who ask, "Is all this really worth it? Why can't domestic demand fill the gap?", it is important to remind them that only 13 economies since the Second World War have grown at 7 per cent or more for 25 years -- like India needs to. They all had one thing in common: Strong export growth underpinned by strong global engagement, explains Sajjid Z Chinoy.

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The resilience of the economy and strength of domestic demand will continue to make India an engine of growth amid the rapidly evolving global trade landscape as a result of US tariffs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in London on Tuesday.

UK condemns security breach during Jaishankar's visit

UK condemns security breach during Jaishankar's visit

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The UK has strongly condemned a security breach involving a pro-Khalistan extremist rushing towards External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's convoy in London. The incident took place as Jaishankar was leaving the Chatham House think tank on Wednesday evening. The protester was swiftly taken aside by officers of the Metropolitan Police, with no arrests being confirmed so far. The UK said such attempts to "intimidate, threaten, or disrupt" public events are "completely unacceptable". The incident comes after Jaishankar's talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, during which both leaders covered the entire gamut of bilateral ties, including the relaunched Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, regional and global issues. The MEA has condemned the security breach and the provocative activities of the "small group of separatists and extremists", calling on the UK to "live up to their diplomatic obligations".

'China, Pakistan Will Try To Turn Bangladesh Against India'

'China, Pakistan Will Try To Turn Bangladesh Against India'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

'Pakistan will also try to turn Bangladesh into a base for terrorist attacks on India.'

'India Should Reduce Tariffs For All Countries'

'India Should Reduce Tariffs For All Countries'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

'That way you're not hostage just to US sort of exports to India.'

Israel trade with India doubled after Covid-19 pandemic

Israel trade with India doubled after Covid-19 pandemic

Rediff.com16 Oct 2023

India's trade ties with Israel have only strengthened in the years after 2019. The total value of trade rose to $10.5 billion on a rolling four-quarter basis in June 2023 from $5.5 billion in the same month in 2019, shows a Business Standard analysis of data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). A rolling four-quarter number provides a comparable figure across different time periods.

Modi raises anti-India activities in NZ with visiting PM

Modi raises anti-India activities in NZ with visiting PM

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

India and New Zealand have signed a pact to institutionalize their defence ties and vowed to boost cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns about anti-India activities by some illegal elements in New Zealand with his Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon. The two sides also signed six agreements to enhance cooperation in areas including education, sports, agriculture, and climate change. They also agreed to prepare a roadmap for cooperation in the defence industry sector and explore early implementation of cooperation in the digital payments sector.

Yet to firm up modalities on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: MEA

Yet to firm up modalities on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: MEA

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that India and China have reached an understanding to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025. While an understanding has been reached, the modalities of the pilgrimage are yet to be firmed up. The Yatra has been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak and non-renewal of Yatra arrangements by the Chinese side.

Operation Sindoor, swadeshi push in Modi's I-Day speech

Operation Sindoor, swadeshi push in Modi's I-Day speech

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

The invitation cards for the 79th Independence Day celebration also carry the Operation Sindoor logo, and the water mark of Chenab bridge to exemplify the rise of 'Naya Bharat'. Floral decorations at the venue will also be based on 'Operation Sindoor'.

Budget focuses on domestic consumption amid global uncertainties

Budget focuses on domestic consumption amid global uncertainties

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Budget 2025-26 meets the expectations of fiscal consolidation, maintaining capital expenditure, and boosting consumption through tax cuts.

China plans tariff on select India goods

China plans tariff on select India goods

Rediff.com16 Dec 2005

China will honour its Free Trade Area agreements with its trading partners, levy negotiated tariffs on some Indian goods

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

India and Canada have agreed to restore High Commissioners to each other's capitals at an early date, the first in 'calibrated steps' to restore stability to the 'very important relationship', Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

Indian tea to get a boost with Safta

Indian tea to get a boost with Safta

Rediff.com2 Jan 2004

With the Saarc countries looking resolved to create a South Asian Free Trade Area by 2006, Indian tea industry, hit hard by depressed global prices, has never been closer to bagging the big Pakistani market.

Pro-Khalistanis target Jaishankar's convoy in London, India reacts

Pro-Khalistanis target Jaishankar's convoy in London, India reacts

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The group waving separatist flags was barricaded and monitored by a significant police presence outside the venue on Wednesday night, with officers rushing to restrain the man as he ran past the barricade in an attempt to block the path of the minister's car pulling at an Indian flag.

'Retaliatory Tariffs By Us Won't Hurt US'

'Retaliatory Tariffs By Us Won't Hurt US'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'When Prime Minister Modi met President Trump, they agreed to initiate a bilateral trade dialogue.' 'It makes sense to give these negotiations a chance.'

'India needs to be integrated into global trade pacts'

'India needs to be integrated into global trade pacts'

Rediff.com6 Oct 2015

For India to reach its ambiguous economic growth targets, it needs to be integrated into global trade pacts.

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Budget should undertake further reductions in import tariffs and seriously consider an announcement of India's intention to join one or both of the two Asian mega-regional free trade agreements, suggests Shankar Acharya, former chief economic adviser to the Government of India.

Red Sea attacks: US, UK, allies strike Yemen's Houthi-controlled areas

Red Sea attacks: US, UK, allies strike Yemen's Houthi-controlled areas

Rediff.com4 Feb 2024

In a statement issued on Saturday, Austin said that the US and the UK also received support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands and New Zealand in conducting the additional strikes.

'We Are Lucky To Have Modi'

'We Are Lucky To Have Modi'

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

'We don't have to go abroad for anything.' 'Anyone who thinks we have a lot to learn from the US needs to have his head examined.' 'We are in a new era.'

Issues India must focus on while negotiating trade deals

Issues India must focus on while negotiating trade deals

Rediff.com17 Nov 2021

As India goes into firming up trade deals with developed nations like Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the regional bloc, and the European Union (EU), it will have to be well prepared to negotiate on new-generation issues, such as data protection regulation, e-commerce, and environment. India is yet to negotiate pacts with its trading partners on these evolving issues since discussions between them have until now been largely focused on tariff and non-tariff barriers and the rules of origin. "We can no longer look at trade just as trade. We have to look at it in totality of global and regional conditions.

How Biden's trade team could influence relations between the two countries

How Biden's trade team could influence relations between the two countries

Rediff.com7 Jan 2021

India will have to show more willingness to import, and since Biden will not encourage sale of oil and gas to bridge the gap, it means there has to be more meaningful duty reduction in other areas even if Delhi baulks at a Free Trade Agreement so soon after walking out of RCEP.

'Companies Will Be More Powerful Than Nations'

'Companies Will Be More Powerful Than Nations'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'If you align your ambition with India's rise, the peak of your careers will unfold alongside the peak of India's power.'

CBIC steps up vigil over imports of unbranded gold jewellery

CBIC steps up vigil over imports of unbranded gold jewellery

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has stepped up its watch on the import of unbranded gold jewellery amid a spurt in seizures on international borders and from importers. During FY24, the CBIC and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) jointly seized about 5 tonnes of gold, 30 per cent more than what they did in FY23. In FY23, 3.5 tonnes of gold was confiscated.

Post-vax row settlement, Modi, Johnson talk trade, vaccine certification

Post-vax row settlement, Modi, Johnson talk trade, vaccine certification

Rediff.com11 Oct 2021

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi spoke over phone on Monday during which they took stock of India-UK trade and defence talks, opening up of international travel between the two countries and climate action targets in the lead up to the COP26 summit, Downing Street said.

Cabinet nod for trade pact with Mauritius covering 310 items

Cabinet nod for trade pact with Mauritius covering 310 items

Rediff.com17 Feb 2021

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the signing of a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement, a kind of a free trade pact, between India and Mauritius which is aimed at liberalising norms to boost two-way commerce

Russia backs Pak bid to join BRICS; will India resist this move?

Russia backs Pak bid to join BRICS; will India resist this move?

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

Dar also said Pakistan views Russia as an important player in the West, South and Central Asia, and strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia remains an important priority for Pakistan's foreign policy.

Nepalese tea takes the flavour out of Darjeeling tea

Nepalese tea takes the flavour out of Darjeeling tea

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Competition from Nepalese teas -- which has duty free access to the Indian market -- has emerged as a lower-cost alternative to Darjeeling tea, challenging its viability.

India flagged concerns with Russia over non-tariff barriers: Commerce secy

India flagged concerns with Russia over non-tariff barriers: Commerce secy

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

India has flagged concerns over non-tariff barriers (NTBs) faced by its exporters with the Russian government, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Monday. NTBs faced by Indian exporters are mainly in sectors such as marine products and pharmaceuticals.

Trump's Tariff Tussle With India

Trump's Tariff Tussle With India

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'While criticising India's high tariffs, Mr Trump stated he would impose reciprocal taxes on Indian products if re-elected.' 'However, since India's tariffs follow WTO rules, Mr Trump's actions would violate these rules,' Ajay Srivastava points out.

'30-40% Of H-1B Visas Cornered By Staffing Companies'

'30-40% Of H-1B Visas Cornered By Staffing Companies'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

'If the Trump administration decides to put guardrails on H-1B visas, that will surely impact both US and Indian firms.'

East Bengal pip holders Odisha, win maiden IWL title

East Bengal pip holders Odisha, win maiden IWL title

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Twenty-one years after an East Bengal team last won a league title in Indian football, the club's women's outfit sealed the Indian Women's League (IWL) trophy with a 1-0 victory over defending champions Odisha FC in Kalyani on Friday.

US-China trade war: How India stands to GAIN!

US-China trade war: How India stands to GAIN!

Rediff.com8 Nov 2018

China is on the lookout for investment pastures where its money is welcome, safe and earns a decent return. India also needs vast investment - about $1 trillion over the next 10-15 years - in infrastructure, green energy, transportation and heavy industry, says Ravi Bhoothalingam.

Indo, Pak auto parts makers join hands to boost trade

Indo, Pak auto parts makers join hands to boost trade

Rediff.com27 Aug 2014

With the Indo-Pak dialogue in tatters and the respective armies exchanging fire across the Line of Control, an unexpected opportunity has presented itself for boosting trade between the two countries.

Thailand eyes orchid trade in India

Thailand eyes orchid trade in India

Rediff.com29 Jun 2007

Floriculture is one area Thailand corporates are eying in India now

'India Missed Opportunity To Take Back Parts Of PoK'

'India Missed Opportunity To Take Back Parts Of PoK'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'Had Haji Pir and/or Skardu been taken, the message would have gone out not just to General Asim Munir and his cohort in the Pakistan army but to the Pakistani people that every terrorist incident in India would lead to substantial loss of territory in PoK.'

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Yunus to stay on as Bangladesh interim chief, says adviser

Rediff.com24 May 2025

The chief adviser's decision to stay in office came two days after he told student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders that he was mulling resignation as he felt "the situation is such that he cannot work", citing difficulties in working amid the failure of political parties to find common ground for change.

Not just China, all PLI-led visas being fast-tracked: Piyush Goyal

Not just China, all PLI-led visas being fast-tracked: Piyush Goyal

Rediff.com1 Jul 2024

The government is expediting visa-related issues to bring technicians to India from any country, not just China, as and when required, to ensure the smooth implementation of the flagship production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. "If those under the PLI scheme need to get their equipment installed, we try to expedite the ability to get technicians into India from any country, whichever it may be," Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told Business Standard in an interview.

Safta: Bangla to ask for revised 'sensitive' list

Safta: Bangla to ask for revised 'sensitive' list

Rediff.com8 Aug 2007

A high-powered inter-ministerial committee was expected to finalise the list based on the suggestions and recommendations from different chambers, business houses and trade experts, the Daily Star newspaper reported.