Modi govt has made economic diplomacy a key part of its engagement with US, Quad, and others. Yet, India’s economic linkages in Indo-Pacific region remain underdeveloped.
Despite contraction in exports, India’s merchandise trade deficit improved in 2023-24, owing to steeper drop in imports. However, the trade deficit with China & Russia widened.
Last month, at least two meetings were held between representatives of India & European Free Trade Association. The FTA with the 4-nation bloc is likely to be finalised this month.
Speaking at book launch, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar says India engaged in ‘fairly serious negotiations with some fairly serious partners regarding free trade pacts’.
Coffee will be the first export to Chinese market, Honduran Foreign Minister Reina noted, adding that both countries are evaluating future shipments of shrimp & melon to China.
The index ranks 26 countries and is based on 8 broad parameters. It includes Russia, Australia, New Zealand and the US for the influence they wield over the continent.
In an interview with ThePrint, World Bank's Cecile Fruman says just 5% of South Asia's trade is within the region. More free trade agreements, seamless connectivity needed.
Poland PM Donald Tusk highlighted that the ‘Trump pill’ will serve as a much-needed wake-up call for Europe to make painful but necessary structural changes.
Donald Trump has been vocal about India’s high import tariffs and has threatened retaliation. Simultaneously, his tough stand on China could see Chinese goods flood India.
The Chinese aircraft has uncanny similarities to the American F-35 jet. There are claims that China copied the design. Cyber theft of F-35 design data was reported in 2009.
While we talk much about our military, we don’t put our national wallet where our mouth is. Nobody is saying we should double our defence spending, but current declining trend must be reversed.
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