Goods and Services Tax implementation likely delayed; introduction now targeted for the next fiscal amid state calls for delay.
Proposed implementation of the Goods and Services Tax is unlikely to meet the scheduled April 1 deadline and is now being targeted for introduction in the following financial year; the reform aims to subsume most central and state-level indirect taxes, and several states have called for delaying implementation, highlighting the need for further intergovernmental coordination.

Foreign direct investment inflows: government investment promotion and facilitation to strengthen investor confidence and attract capital.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to India increased steadily between 2004-05 and 2008-09, driven by the macro economic policy framework, investment climate, corporate investment policies and commercial considerations. The Government uses investment promotion and facilitation measures, including international outreach programmes and bilateral business forums, to raise investor awareness and strengthen economic cooperation, aiming to augment inflows within a liberalised policy environment.

Budget consultations: Government seeks inputs on Direct Taxes Code and GST to inform general budget formulation.
Consultations to inform the general budget solicited stakeholder suggestions and advanced key tax reform projects. The Finance Minister convened the Parliamentary Consultative Committee to invite inputs for budgetary priorities and fiscal policy, noting stabilising effects of recent monetary and fiscal measures. The Government indicated continued engagement on major tax reforms, specifically the Direct Taxes Code and Goods and Service Tax, as integral to the budget planning process.

Value Added Tax amendment updates Delhi VAT law, notified and brought into effect by official commencement notification.
The Delhi Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act, 2009 amends the Delhi Value Added Tax, 2004; the amendment received legislative assent, was published by official notification, and its provisions were brought into force by a subsequent government notification setting the Act's commencement date and integrating the amended provisions into the VAT regime.

GST rollout deferred; implementation dates and rates to be finalised by month-end after budget preparations.
The announcement of the GST rollout date has been deferred after the Union Finance Minister requested additional time due to Union Budget preparations; the Empowered Committee will meet by month-end to finalise the implementation timetable and tax rates, acknowledging that the previously targeted start date may not be met and limiting the change to a procedural postponement pending agreement.

Trade balance and provisional foreign trade data show exports up monthly but cumulative exports and imports down year on year.
Provisional November 2009 foreign trade figures show exports increased month on month in dollar and Rupee terms but cumulative April-November exports declined year on year; imports fell slightly in November and declined markedly cumulatively. Oil imports rose in November yet fell cumulatively, non oil imports declined for both November and April-November, and the April-November trade deficit narrowed versus the prior year. 2009-10 figures are provisional while 2008-09 figures are revised.