Free trade agreement talks gain momentum as Canadian and Indian officials signal renewed optimism over a comprehensive partnership deal.
Canadian and Indian officials expressed optimism that negotiations on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement would resume and advance after talks stalled in 2023, reflecting renewed bilateral engagement between the two countries. Public comments at a business summit indicated continuing discussions on a free trade agreement and confidence that a deal could be reached later in the year, alongside a broader push to expand bilateral trade.

UK-India trade and global security talks drive Yvette Cooper's visit to China and India amid wider cooperation plans.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is due to visit China and India for talks on global challenges, bilateral cooperation and the UK-India Vision 2035. The discussions are expected to cover the Strait of Hormuz, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Ebola outbreak in Africa, while the India visit will include engagement with business, academia and government stakeholders linked to the free trade framework.

Onion growers' revival package demand centers on export stability, price protection, storage support and direct farmer assistance.
Onion growers in Maharashtra have sought a comprehensive revival package and a stable long-term export policy to address losses attributed to repeated export bans, export duty, minimum export price restrictions, buffer stock releases at low domestic prices, and crop damage from adverse weather, disease, spurious seeds and storage losses. The association also wants direct transfer of assistance into farmers' bank accounts, subsidies for certified seeds and storage infrastructure, and support for processing industries and farmer-owned value-added units.

Windfall gains tax on fuel exports reduced as export duties and cess are eased while domestic rates stay unchanged.
Windfall gains tax on export of petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel was reduced from 1 June, with the levy on petrol cut to Rs 1.5 per litre, diesel reduced to Rs 13.5 per litre and aviation turbine fuel reduced to Rs 9.5 per litre. Road and infrastructure cess on export of petrol and diesel was made nil, while domestic duty rates on petrol and diesel remained unchanged.

Limited trade arrangement shapes India-EAEU free trade talks as negotiations on product-group liberalisation gain momentum.
India and the Eurasian Economic Union are discussing a limited and temporary trade arrangement covering selected groups of goods as part of negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement. The arrangement is being considered as a product-group-based free trade zone rather than a full liberalisation package. The trade liberalisation process has gathered momentum, with Terms of Reference signed to launch negotiations and the first round of talks already held.

Gold exchange and import duty shape India's high gold import demand as consumers seek transparent valuation and lower cost buys.
India's gold imports remain high because domestic supply cannot meet demand for jewellery, investment, and seasonal purchases. Gold continues to serve as a cultural asset and family savings instrument, so demand persists even when prices rise. Rising prices and import duty have encouraged more consumers to use gold exchange, with organised jewellers gaining trust by offering transparent weighing, purity testing, separate stone valuation, and clear exchange practices that reduce dependence on freshly imported gold.

Special economic zones notified in Puducherry for IT/ITES and multi-sector development under the SEZ framework.
The government has notified two special economic zones in Puducherry for development under the SEZ framework. One is an IT/ITES SEZ proposed by Oulgaret Municipality at Thattanchavady village in Oulgaret Taluk, and the other is a multi-sector SEZ proposed by the Pondicherry Industrial Promotion Development and Investment Corporation at Karasur village in Villianur Taluk. The proposals had already received approval from the Board of Approval for SEZs under the Department of Commerce.

Special Economic Zones in Puducherry expand industrial growth, investment, exports and employment through IT/ITES and multi-sector projects.
Two new Special Economic Zones were notified in Puducherry after approval by the Board of Approval for SEZs under the Department of Commerce. One is an IT/ITES SEZ to be developed by M/s Oulgaret Municipality at Thattanchavady village in Oulgaret Taluk, described as the first SEZ in India to be developed by an urban local body. The other is a multi-sector SEZ to be developed by M/s Pondicherry Industrial Promotion Development and Investment Corporation at Karasur village in Villianur Taluk.

AI governance framework launch for secure adoption, operational oversight, and compliance alignment across enterprise AI systems.
A cybersecurity and standards body has launched the Adopt. Defend. Govern. (ADG) AI Framework and a free AI Readiness Self-Assessment Tool to help organizations securely adopt, operationalize, and govern artificial intelligence at scale. The framework presents a unified governance structure with three pillars, 12 minimum controls, nine governance surfaces, implementation overlays, and accountability mechanisms for AI systems, agentic AI environments, multi-model architectures, and large language model ecosystems. It is designed to align with major global AI governance and security standards and reduce compliance fragmentation.

India-US trade negotiations near interim agreement as talks focus on market access, customs facilitation and investor confidence.
India-US trade negotiations advanced toward an interim agreement, with assurances that discussions are nearing finalisation. The engagement focused on bilateral trade, investment, innovation and supply-chain partnerships, alongside investor confidence, business stability and a predictable regulatory environment. Further talks are expected to address market access, non-tariff measures and customs facilitation under the broader bilateral trade framework.

Container transshipment growth accelerates as Vizhinjam Seaport scales up handling and expansion capacity.
Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has crossed 2 million TEUs within 18 months of commencing operations, making it the fastest Indian port to reach both the 1 million TEU and 2 million TEU milestones. The port has handled over 950 vessels, including ultra-large container vessels, and its location and natural deep draft support transshipment activity. Phase II expansion is underway with major investment and is expected to enhance container handling capacity by 2028.

Long-term rail wheelset supply agreement expands India's export role in the global rail manufacturing chain.
Jupiter Tatravagonka Railwheel Factory Pvt Ltd has entered into a 10-year long-term supply agreement with European rail wagon manufacturer Tatravagonka a.s. for rail wheels, axles and wheelsets, with commercial supplies due to begin by the end of calendar year 2027. The company's Odisha greenfield facility is planned to produce 1 lakh wheelsets annually, with about 50,000 expected to be exported to Europe, and around 40-50 per cent of output expected to serve export markets over the long term.

Transparent onion procurement and price protection sought for Maharashtra growers facing recurring losses and delayed relief.
Onion growers in Maharashtra have sought complete transparency in procurement operations, including disclosure of procurement quantities, farmer details and daily market-wise data, while questioning whether purchases are reaching all major producing districts. They also demanded compensation or subsidy support for farmers who sold below production cost, along with a permanent price protection mechanism and a dedicated Onion Corporation for systematic procurement, storage, processing and export.

Regulatory fairness in competition law requires legality, reasoned decision-making and equal treatment of foreign investors.
The Supreme Court set aside the penalty and suspension orders passed against Amazon concerning its investment arrangement with Future Coupons Pvt Ltd, and directed refund of any amount deposited or recovered. The Court held that regulatory authorities must act within statutory limits and with fairness, legality, reasoned decision-making, certainty and predictability, especially in economic regulation and cross-border investment matters. It also stated that fair treatment of foreign investors means equal treatment under the same law and procedural safeguards.

Bilateral trade negotiations advance as India and the United States discuss an interim agreement and broader market access issues.
India and the United States have continued negotiations toward an Interim Agreement within the broader Bilateral Trade Agreement framework, with the U.S. negotiation team visiting India to advance the interim arrangement and broader BTA talks. The discussions are proposed to cover market access, non-tariff measures, customs and trade facilitation, investment promotion, and economic security alignment.

Bilateral trade pact negotiations continue as India and the United States revisit tariffs, market access, and supply chain cooperation.
India and the United States are continuing negotiations on an interim bilateral trade pact and the broader bilateral trade agreement, with the planned talks focused on finalising the legal text and addressing market access, non-tariff measures, customs and trade facilitation, investment promotion, and economic security alignment. The proposed framework includes tariff reductions, expanded market-opening commitments, and recalibration of the agreement in light of the changed US tariff environment, alongside cooperation on critical minerals and related supply chains.

Interim trade agreement talks between India and the United States advance with focus on market access and trade facilitation.
Trade negotiations between India and the United States are continuing through an upcoming visit by the US chief negotiator's team to India to finalise the details of an interim trade agreement and advance the broader bilateral trade agreement framework. The discussions concern reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade and are expected to address market access, non-tariff measures, customs and trade facilitation, investment promotion, and economic security alignment.

LNG export deal supports Canada's trade diversification as Ksi Lisims advances toward investment decision.
Canada has agreed to export liquefied natural gas to Germany through the proposed Ksi Lisims export facility on the British Columbia coast. The arrangement with Germany's SEFE group contemplates annual exports of up to 1 million metric tons of LNG. The project already holds the necessary permits, but a final investment decision has not yet been made, and securing offtake agreements remains a key step before construction can begin.

Comprehensive economic partnership negotiations between India and Canada move toward early conclusion, covering goods, services and investment.
India and Canada are negotiating a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in mission mode, with both sides expressing optimism that the trade pact could be concluded before the end of 2026 and possibly by October or before the G20 Summit. The talks have resumed after a pause in 2023, two rounds have been completed, and the third round is underway in Ottawa, with the stated objective of finalising a comprehensive economic partnership covering goods, services and investment.

Textile value chain strengthening drives export growth, skills, and global competitiveness under the Viksit Bharat vision.
Strengthening the textile value chain from farm to fibre, factory, fashion and foreign markets was emphasised as the central policy direction for expanding cotton textile exports and production. The Finance Minister linked this objective to the broader Viksit Bharat vision, noting ambitious targets of USD 100 billion in textile exports and USD 250 billion in textile production by 2030. The text also refers to an Advanced Certificate Program in International Trade, designed to strengthen the export ecosystem and align with government schemes and policy measures.