india

India Starts New Zealand FTA Rollout With Tariff Cuts

India has notified the first customs concessions under its trade agreement with New Zealand. Lower duties begin on October 20, while sensitive Indian agricultural sectors remain protected and all Indian exports gain duty-free access to New Zealand.

India Moves to Ban Added Sugar in Food for Infants Under Six Months

India has proposed banning added sucrose and fructose in food products for infants under six months. The FSSAI draft seeks to strengthen early childhood nutrition standards, but the restriction will take effect only after the regulatory process is completed.

India and US Confirm Jaishankar-Rubio Talks for October 20

India and the US have confirmed an October 20 meeting between S Jaishankar and Marco Rubio in Mumbai. Trade, energy and investment will accompany discussions on defence, technology and the wider strategic partnership.

India Moves Closer to US Trade Deal, Holds Firm on Tariff Advantage

India has finalised the first phase of its trade agreement with the United States, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed. Legal drafting is underway, but New Delhi insists on securing a tariff advantage for Indian exporters before the agreement takes effect.

AI Investment Gives Global Trade a Boost Despite Tariffs and Energy Costs

Global trade is receiving a boost from surging investment in artificial intelligence, according to the IMF. Demand for chips, computing equipment and data-centre infrastructure is supporting Asian economies, although questions remain over the long-term returns from AI spending.

Russia Hosts Taliban and Regional Powers for Afghanistan Talks

Russia brought the Taliban, India, China, Iran, Pakistan and Central Asian states together for Afghanistan talks. The meeting advanced regional engagement but ended without a joint statement after Kabul and Islamabad clashed over terrorism and cross-border attacks.

World Bank Raises South Asia Growth Forecast to 6.9%

The World Bank has raised South Asia’s 2026 growth forecast to 6.9%, largely because of India’s stronger-than-expected performance. India is projected to grow 7.1% in FY27, but the region excluding India will expand by only 3.6%, exposing a widening economic divide.

India and Switzerland Sign Five Agreements as Defence and Nuclear Talks Expand

India and Switzerland signed five agreements covering mobility, transport, research and start-ups as Modi and Guy Parmelin opened talks on defence production, military exchanges and nuclear cooperation. The visit builds on the India-EFTA trade pact and its major investment target.