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.
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.
This is the transcript of Ep 1830 of Cut the Clutter, where Shekhar Gupta explains why strategic petroleum reserves are a national necessity & how India compares with China, US & Japan.
Tracked and wheeled variants, built in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and Bharat Forge, carry 30mm turrets, cross water using hydro jets, and are 65% indigenous.
American objectives are unmet. They neither have muscle nor motivation to resume the war. As for Iran, the regime didn’t just survive, it’s now led by more radical individuals.
COMMENTS