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Friday, July 18, 2025
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

India’s solar ambition needs financial vision – ISA must move from commitments to execution

The ISA should champion a Global Solar Asset Registry for standardised project information, and establish a Solar Credit Guarantee mechanism to mitigate political and currency risks.

India-US set to ink mini trade deal soon, reach understanding on agricultural & dairy products

Mini deal will likely see no cut in 10% baseline tariff on Indian exports announced by Trump on 2 April, it is learnt, but additional 26% tariffs are set to be reduced.

3 top ULFA-I leaders ‘killed’ in Myanmar, Indian Army denies role as insurgent group alleges involvement

The banned group claimed their leaders & cadres were killed in ‘drone strikes’ by the Indian Army. Guwahati Defence PRO denies any such operation.

RSS chief Bhagwat draws the line at 75. India’s politics stares at the Modi Exception

BJP has no dynastic succession, at least not at the top. You can trace this back to Vajpayee-Advani era. This act of spotting, empowering younger talent is even more striking with the choice of BJP presidents.