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Monday, February 23, 2026
TopicFree Trade Agreements

Topic: Free Trade Agreements

Why India shouldn’t join RCEP. It will stifle economy, undo PLI progress

The World Bank has urged India to reconsider its position on RCEP. Worries about China’s overcapacity and India’s struggles with previous FTAs had led to its withdrawal in 2019.

India’s diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific has an economic hole. Fill it with trade, investment

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.

India’s trade deficit improved in 2023-24, but it needs to watch its FTAs to fix persistent imbalances

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.

‘Chintan Shivir’ in Rajasthan charts strategic course for FTA negotiations

Experts take a comprehensive look at trade policy in the agriculture, health, and technology sectors.

Govt departments split as trade talks with European pharma firms hit last lap, patent key issue

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.

‘What about my domestic lobby’ — Jaishankar dismisses ‘naysayers’ narrative’ on India-UK FTA talks

Speaking at book launch, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar says India engaged in ‘fairly serious negotiations with some fairly serious partners regarding free trade pacts’.

Honduras to launch trade talks with China, months after it ended relations with Taiwan

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.

India pursuing FTAs not just with UK, but also EU and Canada: Sitharaman in US

Speaking in Washington, FM Nirmala Sitharaman also spoke about how World Trade Organisation must be fairer to all members & listen to opposing views.

Why Australia’s Lowy Institute says India is Asia’s 4th biggest power but still an ‘underachiever’

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.

Falling exports, rising imports show why India has to look within to push growth for now

Boosting competitiveness is the key to enhancing exports. Inflation remains an issue but RBI should allow the rupee to gradually depreciate.

On Camera

Nick Jonas wearing a mangalsutra is validation for many Indians. He’s our favourite jiju

Nick Jonas is not trying to modernise the mangalsutra, but his gesture shows that choices can be equal. If commitment must be flaunted, it need not be gendered.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

Suspected brake failure leads to Tejas accident after landing, airframe likely to be written off

The IAF, so far, remains mum on this accident which has led to grounding of the fleet for safety checks.

No country is ever fully sovereign. Cold War era taught India its real meaning

India’s fraught neighbourhood places multiple constraints on its strategic choices. It leaves no time to take a deep breath, lean back and reset.