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U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States and India had finalised a trade deal that lowers U.S. reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18%, linking the agreement to India’s future energy purchases and its role in global efforts to end the war in Ukraine, following a telephone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi . POTUS Trump with PM Modi, file photo; Via US Ambassador to India Announcing the agreement on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said it was “an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi, of India, this morning,” describing Modi as “one of my greatest friends and, a Powerful and Respected Leader of his Country.”  Trump said the two leaders discussed trade and “ending the War with Russia and Ukraine,” adding that Modi had “agreed to stop buying Russian Oil , and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela.” Trump said this shift “will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, ...

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly condemned the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement signed on January 27 , laeblling it a “wholesale surrender” of the country’s economic interests to European powers and a move that will primarily benefit elites at the cost of Indian workers, farmers and small producers. In a scathing statement, the CPI(M) Polit Bureau said the deal entails drastic tariff cuts across key sectors, including automobiles, steel, pharmaceuticals, wines and spirits, processed foods, and meat.  Representational Image via CPIMSpeaks Under the agreement, India will reduce or eliminate tariffs on over 90% of goods imported from the EU. The CPI(M) highlighted specific tariff reductions: from 110% to 40% on automobiles, 150% to 40% on wines and spirits, 50% to zero on processed foods, 11% to zero on pharmaceuticals, and 22% to zero on iron and steel. “These cuts will devastate India’s domestic industries,” the party said.  “The EU itself projects t...

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday described the newly concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a “strategic choice” that will create one of the world’s largest trading zones, combining two economic blocs representing 2 billion people and 25% of global GDP. Image Source: Indian PM NaMo Speaking at the EU-India Business Forum alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, von der Leyen called the agreement a “new era” for global trade that prioritizes “cooperation over fragmentation.”  The FTA, which will lower tariffs, simplify customs processes, and provide stable market access, comes after nearly two decades of negotiations and is expected to unlock significant economic opportunities for both sides. “European companies already employ more than 3 million people in India. In ten years, trade in goods between Europe and India has nearly doubled to €120 billion.  Now this agreement will unleash ev...

India and Canada signed a joint statement to strengthen strategic cooperation in the energy sector during India Energy Week 2026, held in Goa. The agreement marks the first high-level participation by a Canadian cabinet minister, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Timothy Hodgson, at the forum.  File Photo of Canadian PM Mark Carney; Via: Indian Tech and Infra The move renews the India–Canada Ministerial Energy Dialogue and underscores both countries’ shared focus on long-term energy security, trade diversification, and clean energy transition. The development follows directives from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister during their meeting at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, in June 2025. Both leaders had emphasized the need to restart senior ministerial and working-level engagements. In a joint statement, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and his Canadian counterpart reaffirmed their countries’ complementary energy ...

India and the European Union formally concluded negotiations for a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi on January 27, 2026. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa during the EU leaders’ official visit to India. The FTA marks the largest and most ambitious trade deal ever signed by India, covering over 99% of Indian exports by trade value and establishing preferential access to the European market for a broad range of goods and services. Image Source: Kaja Kallas The agreement follows years of negotiations, which resumed in 2022 after being suspended in 2013. It aims to integrate the world’s fourth-largest and second-largest economies, together accounting for 25% of global GDP, and create a combined market of two billion people.  The FTA is designed as a modern, rules-based framework that provides certainty for businesses, ...

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with ambassadors from all 27 European Union countries ahead of the high-level state visit by European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen later this month.  The visit will coincide with India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations and the 16th India-EU Summit, where both sides are expected to finalise a historic free trade agreement and deepen cooperation on security and strategic matters. Image Source: EAM Jaishankar In a post following his meeting with EU envoys, Jaishankar described the conversation as an opportunity to take stock of a rapidly evolving global environment.  “Spoke to them about the current state of the world with volatility and instability as the new normal,” he wrote on X.  “Made a case for stronger India-EU relations that will: derisk the world economy by cooperating on resilient supply chains; reassure the international community by providing public goods...

The European Union and India are poised to sign a landmark free trade agreement during the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi on January 27, a deal expected to create a combined market of two billion people and account for nearly 25% of global GDP.  European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the development at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, calling the agreement “the mother of all deals.”  Image Source: Pan European Foundation She said the pact would give the EU a first-mover advantage with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and reflect a strategic pivot toward Asia in light of deepening trade uncertainty with the United States. Von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are scheduled to travel to India later this week to serve as chief guests at Republic Day celebrations and co-chair the summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  Talks for the free trade agreement — first launched in 2007 and suspended in 2...

U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged warm words during a birthday call that appears to mark a shift in tone following weeks of trade tension.  File Photo: Modi-Trump bonhomie Trump, in a public message, said he had a “wonderful phone call” with Modi, wished him a happy 75th birthday, and thanked him for supporting efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Modi responded on X, expressing gratitude and reaffirming commitment to strengthening the India-U.S. strategic partnership. This was the second direct call between the two leaders in less than a week. The timing is significant, coming shortly after the Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods and an additional 25% on India’s Russian oil imports, escalating trade duties to 50%.  The U.S. has cited India’s continued energy trade with Russia as justification, a move that drew sharp reactions from New Delhi. Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and wa...

India and the European Union are approaching a decisive phase in the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement, said Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, addressing the 65th Annual Session of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA). India-EU Trade Deal Almost Done. Via Piyush Goyal He described the negotiations as sincere, structured, and moving in the right direction, with strong political backing from both sides. Back in 🇮🇳 for the 3rd time this year to advance an ambitious EU-India FTA with Minister @PiyushGoyal . Maximising our efforts to wrap up in 2025. The auto sector should be at its core, boosting 2-way trade via win-win tariff liberalisation. @ACMAIndia 👉 https://t.co/nso6YUYbr6 pic.twitter.com/KY3LTASITo — Maroš Šefčovič🇪🇺 (@MarosSefcovic) September 12, 2025 Goyal underscored that the FTA must be balanced, mutually beneficial, and guided by fairness, not idealism. “A perfect deal should not become the enemy of a good one,” he said, c...

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held talks in New Delhi with the Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the Council of the European Union. This marked the PSC’s first visit to Asia.  The 30-member delegation, led by Committee Chair Delphine Pronk, included ambassadors of EU member states and senior officials from the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS). Misri was joined by Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) Sibi George, and other senior Indian officials. Trade Deal between India and EU likely by year end. Via MEAIndia The two sides discussed security cooperation across multiple sectors including defence, cyber governance, maritime security, and counter-terrorism. They welcomed the pace of recent high-level engagement and ongoing sectoral dialogue.  Both parties committed to concluding the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership and the Security of Information Agreement at the earliest. The India-EU Free T...

India has revealed one of its most ambitious aid-and-strategy packages in the Indian Ocean by pledging over USD 680 million (MUR 30 billion) ( approximately ₹56,440 crore INR)  in grants and credit support for Mauritius during the state visit of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam . Image Source: PM NaMo Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi , hosting Ramgoolam in Varanasi, announced projects that bind hard infrastructure with strategic commitments.  “This package is not assistance. It is an investment in our shared future,” Modi said in his joint press statement. Addressing the press meet with PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius. @Ramgoolam_Dr https://t.co/UC4Ly08nDY — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2025 Among the most striking decisions was India’s agreement to fund a new Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, and a Veterinary School and Animal Hospital, alongside the provision of helicopters.  Together, thes...

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that India and the United States are continuing negotiations to resolve trade barriers, stressing that the partnership remains “close” and “natural.” Representational Image Source: PM NaMo In a post on X, Modi said: “India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India–US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people.” India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I am also looking forward… p...

Amid some friction between New Delhi and Washington over India's continued imports of Russian oil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks stating their personal rapport and the strength of the bilateral relationship. File Photo source: PM NaMo Taking to social media on Saturday, Indian Prime minister Modi said he “deeply appreciate(s) and fully reciprocate(s)” Trump’s positive sentiments, calling India and the U.S. partners in a “very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.” His comments came a day after President Trump, speaking from the White House, described India–U.S. ties as a “very special relationship,” while also voicing frustration over India's energy dealings with Russia. “I’ll always be friends with Prime Minister Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister,” Trump said. “But I just don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment… India and the United States have a very special relationsh...

United States President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order officially implementing the United States–Japan Trade Agreement, a sweeping accord that restructures trade between the two countries, imposes a 15% baseline tariff on most Japanese imports, and secures an unprecedented $550 billion in Japanese investment into the American economy. Image Source: Eric Daugherty The executive order follows the July 22 announcement of the agreement’s framework and marks a significant escalation in the administration’s broader push for reciprocal trade terms and reduced trade deficits.  The order invokes multiple authorities including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, linking the trade deal directly to national security interests. Under the new tariff regime, any Japanese product entering the United States with a current tariff below 15% will now be subject to additional duties to bring the total to 15%. Products already subje...

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint telephone conversation on Wednesday with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The leaders stated the shared commitment to conclude the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and to deepen the strategic partnership across key sectors. Image Source: Ursula von der Leyen The call comes amid intensifying geopolitical realignments and ahead of the planned India–EU Summit expected to be held in New Delhi in early 2026. Both sides agreed to work toward finalising a joint strategic agenda, with trade, technology, security, and sustainability at the core of bilateral cooperation.  “We also remain fully committed to concluding the Free Trade Agreement negotiations by the end of the year. To achieve this, progress is needed now,” von der Leyen said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Had a very good conversation with European Council President António Costa and European ...

India and Singapore unveiled an expansive roadmap for their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) on Thursday, outlining concrete plans for joint cooperation in semiconductors, defence, digital payments, maritime security, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing, as both countries marked 60 years of diplomatic ties. Image Source: MEA India The announcement followed wide-ranging talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during Wong’s first official visit to India since assuming office in 2024.  “This is a partnership with purpose -- rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests, and driven by a common vision for peace, progress, and prosperity,” Indian Prime Minister Modi said in a joint press statement. Had a productive start to my visit in New Delhi. Last evening, I joined overseas Singaporeans and friends of Singapore for a special SG60 reception. Many had travelled from different parts of India — Chennai, Mumbai, an...

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has approved a sweeping set of tax reforms aimed at reducing costs for consumers and simplifying the indirect tax regime.  The measures, announced after the 56th meeting of the GST Council in New Delhi, include rate cuts on essential medicines, household items, food products, vehicles, and building materials. Image Source: Screengrab PIB Broadcast Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the changes as “next-generation reforms” designed to benefit the “common man.”  Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who chaired the marathon 10.5-hour session, said the reforms were consensus-driven and aimed at correcting anomalies in the current multi-tier structure. Among the most notable changes is a reduction of GST from 12% to 0% on 33 life-saving drugs, including those used for cancer and rare diseases. Spectacles and goggles will now be taxed at 5%, down from 28%. Essential agricultural equipment such as tractors, threshers, and composting ...