Rajesh Agrawal, a 1994-batch IAS officer from the Manipur cadre, takes over as commerce secretary from October 1, succeeding Sunil Barthwal as India advances major trade negotiations
Once implemented, the new tariffs, ranging from 10 per cent to 25 per cent, will replace the current 50 per cent duties that India is facing
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has extended the RoDTEP scheme till March 2026, ensuring policy continuity for exporters navigating US tariff hikes and global headwinds
The EFTA bloc comprises four nations - Iceland, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein. The deal was signed in March last year but will kick in from Thursday
India's first European trade deal ensures $100 bn investment, tariff cuts, and potential for 1 million jobs over 15 years
East Asian and European investors keen to engage with infrastructure programme, says Rajat Kumar Saini
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal led a delegation to New York, where India and the US discussed contours of a trade deal and agreed to work towards an early conclusion despite oil-related hurdles
Chief negotiator returns from New York after fresh parleys
India assures US of a bigger role in its energy security, with plans to boost trade in energy and nuclear cooperation, while avoiding mention of Russian oil imports amid tariff tensions
Exporters don't expect much relief; currency may slip to 89.5 vs $ by year-end
According to people aware of the matter, Goyal will meet United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer this week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly
Goyal's visit follows a positive meeting between trade negotiators in New Delhi last week as India and the US step up efforts to resolve tensions and conclude a trade agreement
The EU's key interests include cars, wines and spirits, and agriculture -- areas considered sensitive by India, and are still under negotiation
India and the US held marathon talks in New Delhi to push forward a trade agreement, signalling easing tensions despite tariff disputes and setting the stage for further negotiations
India's exports rose 6.7% in August to $35.1 billion despite higher US tariffs, while imports contracted 10.1% to $61.6 billion, narrowing the trade deficit to $26.3 billion
The development comes even as White House senior trade advisor Peter Navarro reiterates his criticism of India's purchase of Russian oil
The commerce department is identifying 100 products with high import dependence but domestic capacity to promote Make in India, as India-EU FTA talks progress
Exporters and industry bodies sought RBI relief including moratoriums, relaxed NPA norms, and REER settlements to counter the impact of 50 per cent tariffs by the US
Despite China's assurance, Indian automakers are yet to get rare earth supplies, deepening EV and auto component uncertainty
India and the US are stepping up trade negotiations as both leaders express confidence in resolving barriers after earlier setbacks over tariffs and Russian oil imports