Paulo Rangel, on first official visit to India, emphasises that ties in the world will become 'transactional' in the next few years with incoming Trump administration in US.
Even after nine rounds of negotiations since 2022, the two sides are grappling with ‘fundamental differences’. For India, EU labour laws & environmental norms have become barriers.
India and 4 member countries of European Free Trade Association have held 13 rounds of negotiations between 2008 & 2013. Negotiations were placed on hold before resuming in October 2016.
India & EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) are negotiating Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) that is likely to be finalized within next few weeks.
India-UK FTA talks started in 2022 and its 13th round of negotiations ended in Dec, with both sides resolving that they would aim for a comprehensive and ambitious trade pact.
Sultan and PM of Oman Haitham bin Tarik's India visit is 1st by an Omani ruler in 26 years. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including 7 cabinet ministers & 3 vice ministers.
Minister of Economy & Industry Nir Barkat was speaking at India-Israel Business Forum in Delhi Tuesday. He also said the I2U2 group between India, Israel, UAE & US 'has a lot to offer'.
A consultant who is part of India-UK FTA talks says neither side has received any guidelines that trade talks have been halted on account of Khalistan issue.
Countering insurgency needs the Pakistan Army to demonstrate a political will that ties leaders at the centre with those in the borderlands. But it may not have the imagination.
Centre for Science and Environment in new report makes case for rationalising GST on waste material, saying most informal operators can’t afford high tax & it also hinders recycling.
21st edition of annual joint military exercise will be held from 1 to 16 September, aimed at sharing military tech, operational best practices & disaster relief coordination methods.
Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.
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