India Trade Policy

India to oppose proposed US tariffs over forced labour at USTR hearing

India is set to challenge the proposed US tariffs on exports with the US Trade Representative next week, contending that the findings on forced labour are legally flawed and would affect American businesses and consumers. Representatives from the commerce ministry as well as industry bodies, such as APEDA, FICCI, CII and ACMA, are scheduled to present India's counter to the USTR proposal to impose tariffs at a public hearing on July 8. India has already, in written submissions, said that the USTR's findings do not take into account the country's robust domestic legal regime reflecting a structured and progressive approach combining statutory prohibitions, institutional mechanisms, and ongoing policy measures aimed at reducing vulnerability to forced labour. In its counter to the proposed tariffs, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has said India's policy framework does not qualify as 'unreasonable' or 'discriminatory' under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974. The CII al

A club India should join: Why CPTPP can advance Viksit Bharat goals

Joining the CPTPP could integrate India into global supply chains, boost exports and support its Viksit Bharat 2047 ambitions before tougher entry conditions emerge

Board of Trade to meet on July 3 to discuss export growth strategies

The Board of Trade (BoT), chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, is scheduled to meet on July 3 to leverage benefits from recent trade pacts and to discuss strategies for accelerating the country's exports, an official said. The BoT includes participants from various states, Union territories, and senior officials from the public and private sectors. In the meeting, representatives of export promotion councils, along with other participants, will present their views on the export sector. "The BoT is meeting on July 3 here," the official said. The last meeting of the board was held on November 25, 2025. The meeting is important as India has implemented five free trade agreements (FTAs) since 2021 with Mauritius, Australia, the UAE, Oman, and the four-nation European EFTA bloc. It has also signed a pact with the UK, which will come into force on July 15. The trade pact with the 27-nation EU is expected to be signed by the end of this year and may come into force ne

Best of BS Opinion: Policy of incentives for NRIs must be debated

Today's opinions examine RBI incentives for FCNR deposits, the economic legacy of Brexit, India's trade strategy, institution-building for growth and lessons from successful founders

Review of trade in goods pact with Asean priority for India: MEA

India is pushing for an early review of the ASEAN trade pact while pursuing bilateral access for pharmaceuticals, agriculture and defence exports

India, Oman likely to discuss early FTA implementation on May 11

Early implementation of the free trade agreement (FTA), signed in December 2025 is likely to figure in the meeting of India and Oman on May 11 here, an official said. The agreement will provide duty-free access to 98 per cent of India's exports, including textiles, agri, and leather goods in Oman. On the other hand, India will reduce tariffs on Omanese products such as dates, marbles and petrochemical items. "Oman team is visiting here on May 11. India will try to push for early implementation of the FTA," the official said. Oman is an important strategic partner of Indian in the Middle East region and is a key gateway for Indian goods and services to the wider Middle East and Africa. Nearly 7 lakh Indian nationals reside in Oman. India receives about USD 2 billion remittances from Oman annually. This is the second trade deal of India with a GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) member. India in May 2022 implemented a similar pact with the UAE and it is expected to soon start talks with

Trade priorities: Govt must help exporters maximise gains from UK, EU FTAs

With the US, while negotiations have restarted, there are several factors that will continue to cast a shadow of uncertainty on outcomes

India-New Zealand free-trade agreement sealed, to kick in by December

India gains 100% duty-free mkt access, $20 bn FDI commitments in 15 years

Focus on boosting shipbuilding ties: India, S Korea set $50 bn trade target

New Delhi and Seoul agree to deepen strategic cooperation, upgrade CEPA, and boost trade to $50 billion by 2030 amid global uncertainties

US flags India's satellite rules for DTH, internet curbs as trade barriers

The US has listed India's preference for use of domestic satellites for direct-to-home (DTH) television services and localised shutdown of internet as a barrier to foreign trade. The 2026 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers released by the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), also flagged that since 2021 American firms have been subject to increasing number of takedown requests for content and user accounts related to issues that appear "politically motivated". The report noted that localised internet shutdowns restrict access to information and services, disrupting commercial operations, and thereby undermining a free and open internet and impeding trade in the digital economy. "The United States continues to monitor the impact of these events on US trade and investment, including services exports," according to the report released on Tuesday. On satellite services, the report said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting maintains a preference fo

Piyush Goyal meets Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao; discusses trade

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao and discussed trade-related issues. The bilateral meeting was held on the sidelines of the 14th ministerial conference (MC14) in Yaounde, Cameroon. "Met Mr. Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce of China, on the sidelines of the #WTOMC14. Exchanged views on the MC-14 agenda and discussed bilateral trade matters," Goyal said on a social media post. The meeting is important as India's trade deficit with China crossed USD 100 billion during the 11-month period of this fiscal year. During April-February 2025-26, the country's exports to China increased 37.66 per cent to USD 17.54 billion, while imports rose 15.21 per cent to USD 119.55 billion. Trade deficit has widened to USD 102.01 billion from USD 91.03 billion in April-February 2024-25.

India backs initiatives to ease investment flows to poor countries

India supports easing investment flows into developing nations but maintains WTO is not the appropriate platform, reiterating opposition to IFD proposal

India must rethink its trade stance as WTO struggles for relevance

WTO meet in Cameroon tests global trade unity as India pushes reform with pragmatism amid rising geopolitical tensions and shifting economic priorities

India's trade remains steady despite West Asia conflict: Piyush Goyal

Union Minister brought attention to India's comprehensive export growth and said that the government is focused on strengthening its competitive advantage in the global market

Govt to delay signing US trade deal amid fresh tariff, energy concerns

Complicating matters is a new US investigation into what it calls "structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors" in 16 trading partners, including India

Iran, oil, and India: Conflict is short-term but policy reset is vital

Given the elevated uncertainty, it is prudent to wait and watch for now. If this indeed proves to be a short-duration energy price shock, its spillovers should be manageable

Exim Matters: Rodtep rates cut as remissions rise amid flat export growth

Govt halves Rodtep benefits to rein in rising payouts amid stagnant exports, tighter Budget allocations, while exempting agriculture and pushing exporters to improve compliance with annual returns

Trade sustainability rules are evolving and India must respond promptly

In a world where sustainability norms are increasingly shaping market access, staying out of the conversation is no longer a strategy

India, US postpone trade deal talks after Donald Trump tariff verdict

Move comes as Washington trying to figure out legalities

India-Brazil trade to cross $20 bn in 5 yrs in 'win-win' deal: PM Modi

PM Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held talks in New Delhi, focusing on boosting trade, technology, energy cooperation and strengthening strategic ties between the two nations