Ajay Srivastava

The coming made-in-US oil crunch: Energy diplomacy rests on supply illusion

For the past two years, Mr Trump and his team have pressed India and other nations to stop buying Russian oil and shift to US barrels

India's double-certification trap: How QCOs are hurting fair trade

This makes compliance costly, reduces the number of suppliers, and risks creating a system even worse than the old licensing raj

CETA joins India's expanding trade playbook: A new template for future FTAs

From protectionism to liberalisation - it sets a new template for India's future FTAs

Trump's MASALA playbook: India faces tough choices in trade deals

Responding to the blowback, the White House softened its stance on April 9, imposing a 90-day pause and a uniform 10 per cent tariff on most imports, excluding China

Slashing food tariffs: NITI's push for US mkt access may hurt food security

In the 1960s and early 1970s, India faced food shortages and depended on US food imports under PL-480 - a US law that allowed surplus food to be sold or donated to countries like India

FTAs: It is time for India to pause and reassess its trade strategy

While the full FTA text remains undisclosed, publicly available details reveal signs of concern. This write-up flags three key issues

Protecting India's trade interests with the US amid global uncertainty

In the uncertain global environment, India committing to a comprehensive FTA would be risky

Trump's reciprocal tariffs: A US gamble that could disrupt global trade

India could reduce its tariffs to zero on these products in exchange for the U.S. doing the same, which would be an immediate benefit for India

Budget tweaks Customs duties to boost local manufacturing amid US tariffs

Average tariff levels: India's average import tariff stands at 17 per cent, while the trade-weighted rate is lower at 12 per cent, according to the World Trade Organization's 2024 report

US needs to look beyond tariffs to counter China's factory dominance

To counter China's trade dominance and boost US manufacturing and jobs, a strategy beyond high tariffs is essential

Lower import tariffs to diversify IT exports: 6 steps to navigate Trump 2.0

India must avoid being caught off guard on trade, tariffs, outsourcing, and data policies, and engage with the US as an equal partner

Fact vs fiction: Ex-US President Trump's tariff tussle with India

US' trade policy highlights India's need to follow its own strategic priorities without yielding to external pressure

How to make in India for the world and attract large global companies

We should be wary of global consultants pushing grand visions of India becoming a $50 trillion or $100 trillion economy, especially when per capita income is still under $3,000

Chinese investments will not benefit India

High cost of doing business and geopolitics limit opportunities

Move over IT

Other business services emerge as India's new export star, which could outpace software and information technology with strategic support

A blueprint for boosting exports

Nine suggestions to revitalise trade and spur economic growth

FTA benefits elude India

The high import and low export trend is likely to continue with free-trade agreements under negotiation

A Chinese invasion of the auto landscape

As seen in Australia, tariff cuts may have an unwelcome outcome for domestic car makers

Possible outcomes of India-UK trade deal

India faces complex negotiations ahead that could restrict domestic policy space and economic interests

National interest trumps global trade

The Abu Dhabi conference highlights any progress for India at the WTO hinges on renewed US engagement in the trade body