PolicyDhara

Piyush Goyal calls for doubling India-UK bilateral trade by 2030, leveraging CETA to expand exports, investment and partnerships across key sectors.

A Welcome First Step On Tuesday, the Union Cabinet approved the Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority (ITLA) as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) housed under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Its mandate is to strengthen […] The post Put the ‘Public’ in ITLA: Move People and Goods, Not Just Plans appeared first on Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR).

Indian banks may see 25.4% profit growth in Q2 FY27, driven by loan growth and lower provisions, with margins expected to recover gradually.

India’s draft steel policy targets 604 million tonnes of capacity by 2047, focusing on exports, green steel, technology and domestic production.

India will reassess its interim trade deal with the US amid tariff changes, while advancing trade negotiations with Canada, the UK and other partners.

MeitY showcases Digital India initiatives, AI technologies, semiconductors and startup innovations at India Mobile Congress 2026 in New Delhi.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlights India’s approach to global trade, partnerships and economic growth while building bridges with the world.

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s September state visit to the U.S. produced no joint statement, indicating major differences, although both countries agreed Iran should not develop nuclear weapons and no country should collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz. Tariffs on China remained unresolved. There was a staleness to the visit, with both countries’ leaders focused on the past. The visit appears to favour China, denoting its growing stature. The post A tired U.S.-China tango appeared first on Gat

India EV sales surged 74% year-on-year to a record 3.33 lakh units in September 2026, driven by strong electric two-wheeler and passenger vehicle demand.

Piyush Goyal met leading US business leaders in New York to discuss India-US trade, investment opportunities, technology, manufacturing and financial services.

The Department of Commerce has set up an FTA Utilisation Cell to help Indian businesses use trade agreements, access new markets and benefit from preferential tariffs.

India’s quick commerce market is projected to grow nearly seven-fold to US$90 billion by FY31, driven by rising adoption, metro demand and non-grocery sales.

India’s additive manufacturing sector is expanding with government support, new technologies, skilled talent and start-ups as NSAM 2.0 takes shape.

India’s services activity rose to a three-month high in September 2026, with the HSBC Services PMI increasing to 55.2 on stronger domestic demand.

PM Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin discuss strengthening India-Switzerland ties in trade, investment, mobility and critical technologies.

India aims to lead the world in 6G, with growing telecom equipment exports, semiconductor manufacturing and domestic mobile phone production.

Honda targets up to 20% cost cuts and faster vehicle development in India through its Tata Technologies partnership, with new SUVs planned from 2028.

Piyush Goyal highlights India’s growing role as a global hub for talent, innovation and business services during his US visit and India-US business talks.

India’s two-wheeler and commercial vehicle segments are expected to outperform passenger vehicles in FY27, supported by strong demand and pricing flexibility.

India’s economy is projected to grow 7.3% in Q2 FY27, supported by domestic demand, investment, services activity and strong export momentum.

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure is spawning important services in agriculture which, when combined with Artificial Intelligence, is giving access to the country’s remotest and most linguistically diverse farmers. The state of Maharashtra is a case study in how this works, at scale and diversity. Components from the India example are being adapted in countries like Ethiopia with needs for similarly varied populations. The post MahaVISTAAR: Scaling Agricultural AI appeared first on Gateway H

India and Qatar agree to accelerate FTA and bilateral investment treaty talks, strengthening trade, investment and economic cooperation between both countries.

India’s tourism sector is emerging as a major pillar of the economy and an important source of employment, supporting growth, investment and opportunities.

India is developing 66 airports and engaging with 115 airlines across 55 countries to expand regional and international air connectivity and support trade and tourism.

India’s services sector output is estimated to have grown 13.5% in July 2026, with 17 of 19 tracked sectors recording expansion and administrative services leading growth.

Essar Group plans to invest about US$ 18.00 billion in an integrated US steel project in Iowa, supported by a new iron ore mine in Minnesota and targeted to begin production around 2030.

India and Jordan discussed deeper cooperation in trade, investment, food security and fertilisers, with bilateral trade targeted at US$ 5 billion by 2030.

India and the UAE reviewed trade, investment and financial cooperation at the 14th High Level Joint Task Force meeting, with bilateral trade reaching US$ 101.25 billion in FY26.

NO : WP-2026-017 AUTHOR : Nirmala, Manisha Jain and Disha Gupta TITLE : Price Responsiveness of Household Electricity Demand under Increasing Block Tariffs: Evidence from India ABSTRACT : Increasing block tariffs (IBTs) are widely used in household electricity pricing to balance the dual policy goals of efficiency and affordability. This […] Read More The post IGIDR Publication:Price Responsiveness of Household Electricity Demand under Increasing Block Tariffs: Evidence from India by Nirmala, Ma

The Ministry of Textiles plans to identify 5,000-10,000 new exporters over the next two to three years by strengthening district-level export ecosystems and market linkages.

Uttar Pradesh is targeting an increase in annual exports from around US$ 21.06 billion to US$ 52.65 billion by 2030, supported by FTAs, infrastructure development and investment opportunities.

Union Finance Minister, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, said India could achieve more than 10% economic growth, with technology, innovation and startups playing an important role in improving productivity.

India’s capital markets revenue pool is projected to grow at a 16% CAGR through FY30, supported by rising household financialization, stronger retail participation, growing SIP investments and expanding capital-market products.

World Maritime Day 2026 highlights the maritime sector’s contribution to global trade, while India focuses on infrastructure modernisation, policy reforms and seafarer welfare.

India is strengthening global economic integration through trade partnerships, supply chain participation and deep-tech capabilities, with semiconductor demand and the start-up ecosystem creating new growth opportunities.

India’s consumer durables market is projected to reach US$ 34.22 billion by 2030, creating a US$ 5.27 billion localisation opportunity.

India is manufacturing nearly 99.2% of its domestic mobile phone demand, with annual production reaching around 32-33 crore units.

CEDA’s previous analysis of India’s informal manufacturing sector showed that while women account for the majority of enterprise owners, they are concentrated in just four industries and a narrow range of economic activities within them. This article extends the same lens to the other two major sectors of the informal non-agricultural economy, trade and other services. Women own around one-in-seven informal trade enterprises (14.5 percent) and one-in-six informal other services enterprises (16.5

The post Journal article:Jaiswal, Himanshu and Ganesh Kumar, A, An Alternative trade agreement design for global value chain integration, The World Economy, September 2026 appeared first on Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research.

The U.S. will host the 2026 G20 Summit on December 14-15, but South Africa is not invited – a departure from G20 norms and a rebuff to Africa, the Global South, and the G20 itself. Its historic term as the first African presidency in 2025 ended on a mixed note: despite a successful summit, tensions with the U.S. and fears of retreat from Global South priorities left a mark. The post Assessing South Africa’s G20 Presidency appeared first on Gateway House.

India’s retail sales grew 10% in August 2026, led by West India and categories such as quick-service restaurants, food and grocery and apparel, as consumer activity strengthens ahead of the festive season.

The Government is strengthening export facilitation through integrated offices, trained local personnel and the Trade Connect platform while advancing Ease of Doing Business and FTA-related reforms to support Indian businesses and exports.

The National Film Awards will be hosted at leading tourist destinations across India, creating a platform to promote tourism, showcase destinations and strengthen the connection between India’s film and tourism sectors.

The sustainability of the Mecca Accord is determined by its response to three geopolitical challenges represented by India, Iran, and Israel. The India test centres on preventing the export of South Asian conflicts to the Gulf, the Iranian test rests on institutionalising sustainable deterrence beyond formulas of perpetual clash, and the Israeli axis tests the mechanisms for reshaping Saudi ties with American security and the future of regional normalisation. The post Essay: Mecca Accord re-engi

India’s jute industry is expected to recover in FY27, with sales volumes projected to rise 15% and operating margins improving on stronger demand and softer raw jute prices.

India and New Zealand have finalised an FTA that will provide duty-free access for 100% of Indian exports to New Zealand from October 20, 2026.

India’s REIT market value rose 62% to US$ 17.7 billion by March 2026, making it Asia’s fourth-largest REIT market ahead of Hong Kong.

India has ranked first in business climate among 41 global markets in the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in India’s Business Climate Survey 2026, reflecting positive business sentiment among Swedish companies.

India’s software services exports rose 8.2% in FY26, with the US accounting for 54.1% of total exports. Software services delivered through the off-site mode accounted for 91.7% of exports, while total exports including overseas commercial presence grew 9.5%.

India’s merchandise exports rose 26.1% YoY to US$ 43.8 billion in August 2026, while slower import growth narrowed the trade deficit to US$ 26.9 billion.

Today, the Reserve Bank released the data1 related to the 2025-26 round of its annual survey on computer software and information technology enabled services (ITES) exports. The survey2 collects details on India’s exports of software services {computer services and ITES/business process outsourcing (BPO) services} as per type of activity, on-site/off-site nature of services, country of destination and modes of supply. For 2025-26 round of the survey, 7,569 software export companies were co

Russia marked 22 per cent growth in trade with China in the first half of 2026, putting it on track for a record-breaking year. Three decades of growth have made China indispensable to Moscow, while sanctions-evasion networks have eased Russia’s isolation and increased dependence on Beijing. Wary of over-reliance, Russia has pivoted towards India and Africa since 2022, but these ties are unlikely to replace China. The post Russia-China trade ties grow amid sanctions appeared first on Gateway Hou

We, the people behind Zerodha, have been actively investing not just in start-ups but also in social enterprises and nonprofits that create a positive impact in society.  We use the word ‘invest’ and not ‘donate’ because we firmly believe that funding nonprofit social enterprises and endeavours is an investment in the future. They are as important to us as our for-profit start-up investments. For instance, with the Rainmatter Foundation, we have committed significant philanthropic capital t

New Zealand's parliament has passed legislation implementing its free trade agreement with India, eliminating or reducing tariffs on 95% of exports. The deal includes a US$ 20 billion New Zealand investment commitment in India over 15 years.

India aims to raise food processing levels to 25-30%, supporting greater value addition, lower post-harvest losses and stronger export opportunities for the food processing sector.

India will continue as the Official Partner Country at Gulfood 2027, with an APEDA-InD Events Dubai MoU aimed at expanding global market access and export opportunities for Indian agricultural and processed food products.

India's cumulative exports for April-August 2026-27 rose 15.55% to US$ 399.27 billion, led by strong growth in electronic goods and engineering goods. August 2026 alone saw total exports grow 25.41%, narrowing the trade balance deficit year-on-year.

The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (MHCA), which came into force in 2018, marked a significant shift in India's approach to mental healthcare. The MHCA seeks to protect the rights of persons with mental illness by recognising their autonomy, legal capacity, and right to access mental healthcare and treatment without discrimination.  The importance of this legislation can be understood amidst the long history of abuse, stigma, discrimination, and coercion experienced by people with mental healt

Global leaders praised India's hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit and the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026. The declaration addressed global trade concerns, health cooperation and the priorities of the Global South.

India and MERCOSUR have signed a protocol recognising electronic Certificates of Origin, supporting paperless trade, faster customs procedures and more efficient preferential trade.

India and Canada have begun the fourth round of CEPA talks, targeting US$ 50 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 through stronger market access and economic cooperation.

India-UAE bilateral trade is targeted to reach US$ 200 billion by 2032, with CEPA, investment flows and BRICS cooperation expected to create new opportunities for businesses.

BRICS exports surged nearly sevenfold to US$ 6 trillion in 2024, underscoring the bloc’s growing trade potential and scope for deeper economic integration.

The India-EU FTA will provide concessional duty access for up to 2.5 lakh Indian passenger vehicles annually, with the quota set to rise to 4 lakh vehicles over 10 years.

Uttar Pradesh recorded US$ 5 billion in exports to BRICS and partner nations, highlighting the state's growing presence in international markets and export potential.

Mr. Piyush Goyal called on BRICS countries to expand opportunities for women-led enterprises through better credit access, market platforms and predictable trade rules.

Mr. Jitin Prasada laid the foundation stone for a BEDF Basmati and Organic Training Centre in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. The centre will support farmers with quality seeds, organic farming training and export handholding.

Commerce Secretary Mr. Rajesh Agrawal said the India-US trade deal is largely finalised, with market access details being worked out. He also highlighted India's potential to grow fintech exports from US$ 8 billion to US$ 60-80 billion.

**Shreya Banchhor and Aashmit Gupta INTRODUCTION Less than a month ago, the Supreme Court declined a fresh probe into the Reliance-owned animal rescue and rehabilitation facility, Vantara, despite new information regarding alleged illegalities in animal imports being received from various international investigative sources, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora […] The post Justice in the Dark appeared first on Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy.

In 2023, SNRas Systems, a social enterprise, came to Villgro, a support organisation for social enterprises, with a problem that had nothing to do with their business model. They had 19 patents in aquaculture technology, contracts with retail chains, and a clear path to scale. What they lacked was INR 50 lakh in working capital to expand to new markets. Every bank they approached said the same thing: insufficient collateral. This is a familiar scenario for anyone working with impactful early-sta

India’s Eurasian shift will play itself out in the upcoming BRICS Summit. This is in contrast to just four years ago, when India cultivated the West, especially the U.S., in the aftermath of the 2020 Galwan clashes. Now with the U.S.’ tough tariffs and trade negotiations, India has made space to lean towards the Eurasian groupings, emphasising its long-held foreign policy principle of strategic balancing. The post India’s diplomatic shifts in SCO and BRICS appeared first on Gateway House.

Russia-China ties have come a long way from the tensions of the Cold War. Since Russia’s relationship with the West began deteriorating in 2008, China has emerged as a counterweight, with growing economic and cultural ties. In 2026, 83% of Russians viewed China favourably, while bilateral trade grew 22%. This relationship seems rock-solid, and even a thaw with the West is unlikely to alter its course. The post The Russia-China bilateral deepens appeared first on Gateway House.

India’s economic growth is projected to remain above 7% in FY27, with strong investment activity, rising corporate capital expenditure and export growth expected to increasingly drive the country’s economic expansion.

Mr. Piyush Goyal called for India to become a global medical and healthcare destination, citing FTA access worth US$ 60 trillion in combined GDP.

BCG-ACMA report projects electronics will make up 50-55% of a car's cost by 2030, up from 30-35% in 2020. This shift presents a major localisation opportunity for Indian auto component makers across sensors, ECUs and battery management systems.

Mr. Piyush Goyal called for resilient, globally integrated healthcare supply chains and greater R&D investment at Bharat Health Global Expo 2026.

GeM and the Textiles Committee have signed an MoU to promote recycled and upcycled textile products through public procurement. The initiative aims to build a circular economy ecosystem benefiting women, MSMEs and local recyclers.

The India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), implemented in 2000, has significantly expanded India–Sri Lanka trade, investment and tourism. But it now needs to be deepened beyond goods to make the most of the modern, supply-chain-driven global economy. Any ISFTA 2.0 should update rules of origin, liberalise services, digitise customs, strengthen investment protections and deepen connectivity to help Sri Lanka integrate into India-centred supply chains. The post Striking a new bargain on Ind

India will host the 18th BRICS Summit from September 12-13, 2026, amid adverse geopolitical circumstances. With Russia at war in Ukraine and Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia caught in the U.S.-Israel conflict, the BRICS grouping faces its biggest test yet. Yet its members remain committed to the “BRICS spirit” and promoting a fair international order. Can India use the summit to advance peace and development? The post BRICS’ Delhi summit: an intense agenda appeared first on Gateway House.

India is strengthening its data centre ecosystem through ease-of-doing-business reforms, with potential investments of around US$ 200 billion expected to support the sector's expansion and growing AI infrastructure demand.

Finance Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman held bilateral meetings with key global partners during the G20 meetings to strengthen trade, investment, infrastructure financing and cooperation in emerging technologies.

India’s e-commerce market is projected to reach US$ 345 billion by 2030, driven by rapid growth in quick commerce, AI adoption and rising online consumption across Tier II and Tier III cities.

The Districts as Export Hubs Initiative now covers over 770 districts, aiming to strengthen local export ecosystems, improve market access and unlock the global potential of district-specific products and services.

The India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), implemented in 2000, has significantly expanded India–Sri Lanka trade, investment and tourism. But it now needs to be deepened beyond goods to make the most of the modern, supply-chain-driven global economy. Any ISFTA 2.0 should update rules of origin, liberalise services, digitise customs, strengthen investment protections and deepen connectivity to help Sri Lanka integrate into India-centred supply chains. The post Modernising the India-Sri Lan

India's real GDP grew 7.8% in Q1 FY27, reaching US$ 856.60 billion and beating the RBI's 7% estimate. Growth was broad-based, supported by manufacturing, services, investment and strong export performance.

India and Denmark held the 4th JWG meeting in Copenhagen to strengthen cooperation in MSME development, innovation and intellectual property. The engagement included visits to Danish innovation hubs and participation in the Nordic-India Startup Summit 2026.