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Trump Says India, US 'Very Close' to Trade Deal After Modi Bilateral at G7
US President Donald Trump said India and the US are 'very close' to finalising a trade deal, after a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit. Trump praised Modi as a 'tough negotiator' and also offered US assistance if India is attacked. The comments come amid tensions over US strikes on ships with Indian sailors in the Strait of Hormuz.
Gold, Silver Prices Outlook: MCX Gold Targets 160,000, Silver Eyes 270,000 as Bullish Tone Holds
Gold and silver prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) are consolidating with a bullish bias, according to Abhilash Koikkara of Nuvama Professional Clients Group. Gold has a target of 160,000 with support at 148,000, while silver aims for 270,000 with key support at 235,000. The near-term outlook remains positive, with any dips seen as accumulation opportunities.
India Eyes $200 Billion Export Opportunity to BRICS Countries by 2030, Says ASSOCHAM
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) projects India's exports to BRICS nations could hit $200 billion by 2030, capturing 4% of the bloc's global imports. The target hinges on enhanced South-South cooperation, focusing on sectors like electronics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
UKIBC Hails India-UK Trade Pact Rollout From July 15, Says CETA to Unlock New Growth
The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) has applauded the upcoming India-UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), which enters into force on July 15, 2026. Bilateral trade reached £47.9 billion in the four quarters ending Q4 2025, a 10% increase, with tariff reductions and improved market access expected to further boost trade and investment. The pact is projected to significantly benefit India's services sector, including IT, financial services, and education.
India launches sustainability certification framework for exports to meet EU, UK norms
India's commerce ministry has begun developing a sustainability certification framework for exports, seeking input from export-oriented sectors to meet compliance norms in the EU and UK. The initiative aims to generate verifiable data and strengthen India's capacity to comply with trading partners' regulations, as Europe and North America account for about 40% of India's goods exports.
Trade Brexit Cost UK Economy 6% According to Bank of England Company Data Study
Economists analyzing Bank of England's Decision Maker Panel data found Brexit cost the UK economy 6% of GDP over ten years. Half the impact came from post-referendum uncertainty, half from rising trade barriers after 2021. The study used company-level data alongside five other methods, with an average estimate of 8%.
India and Canada Agree to Conclude Free Trade Pact Negotiations by End of 2026
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, and reaffirmed their shared objective of concluding negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026. The two leaders also agreed to launch talks on a General Security of Information Agreement to deepen defence cooperation. The meeting builds on positive momentum following Carney's visit to India in March 2026.
'We did it': Modi, Starmer caught on mic hinting at breakthrough in UK-India trade deal
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer were overheard exchanging 'We did it' at the G7 summit, sparking speculation that hurdles delaying the UK-India free trade agreement—including disagreements over steel safeguards—may be close to resolution. The pact, signed last year, involves significant tariff reductions on both sides and is expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually.
G7 Leaders Agree to Cut China Dependence on Critical Minerals by 2030 with New Platform
G7 leaders agreed to reduce their dependence on China for critical minerals, setting a target to cut reliance on any single non-G7 supplier for rare earths and permanent magnets to below 60% by 2030. They will create harmonised mechanisms and a platform supported by the International Energy Agency, starting with lithium and nickel pilots. China currently controls about 90% of global processed rare earths and permanent magnets.
India-EU free trade deal to be inked by year-end: Ursula von der Leyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement will be signed by the end of the year, with accelerated work on an investment agreement. The announcement was made at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, in a meeting also attended by European Council President Antonio Costa. The deal, described as the 'mother of all trade deals,' is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment.
India, Canada Agree to Conclude Free Trade Pact Talks by Year-End After G7 Meeting
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains and reaffirmed their commitment to concluding negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026. The leaders reviewed progress in energy, trade, and critical minerals cooperation, and announced new initiatives including Raisina Americas.
India's gold imports surge 81.7% in April as duty hike fails to curb demand
India's gold imports jumped 81.7% year-on-year to $5.63 billion in April 2026, just before the government raised import duties on 13 May. Even after the duty hike, imports rose 34% in May to $3.42 billion, according to a GTRI report. The total effective tax burden now stands at about 18.4%.
How West Asia Conflict Reshapes India's Trade Map: Oman Surges, UAE Slips
India's trade map has been transformed by the West Asia conflict. In April-May 2026, Oman surged from the 30th to the 10th largest import source, while the UAE slipped to fourth place. Singapore overtook China and the Netherlands to become India's third largest export destination. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has made Oman a transit gateway, supported by a new free trade agreement.
India, UK Working to Resolve Outstanding Issues for Trade Pact Implementation
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal confirmed that an Indian team is in London to resolve outstanding issues after the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed on July 24, 2025. Key sticking points include UK steel safeguard measures and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which could impact Indian exports worth USD 775 million. Discussions with UK Secretary Peter Kyle are ongoing.
Trade Inflation Fuels Unconventional Consumer Behaviour in India with Stockpiling and Premium Home Spending
The article by Harish Bhat in The Hindu BusinessLine outlines seven counter-intuitive consumer responses to inflation in India, including accelerated stockpiling of essentials, a shift to larger packs, increased spending on premium home groceries, and a preference for domestic products. These trends have direct implications for import demand, packaging, and supply chain strategies.
India-France Discuss Deepening Trade, Tech Ties During Piyush Goyal-Nice Mayor Meeting
India and France are deepening trade and technology ties, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hosting a dinner for Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti. The two sides agreed to establish a high-level mechanism to double bilateral trade over five years and announced several outcomes spanning innovation, AI, space, and railway cooperation.
Basmati rice, tea exports to West Asia grind to halt as Strait of Hormuz closure disrupts trade
Exports of basmati rice and premium orthodox tea from India to West Asia have ceased due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Three vessels laden with 100,000 tonnes of basmati rice are idling at Kandla Port. Tea exporters are unable to fulfill orders from GCC countries, with only small consignments moving via Turkey. The disruption follows an attack on the Indian-flagged vessel MT Marivex off Oman.
Trade Odisha SHG Exports 7.5 Quintals of Amrapali Mangoes to London via PSFPO Project
Maa Kalijai SHG from Odisha's Angul district has exported 7.5 quintals of Amrapali mangoes to London under the PSFPO project. The export was facilitated by Palladium Consulting with support from the Directorate of Horticulture, Mission Shakti, and Odisha Livelihoods Mission. Odisha has achieved 90 tonnes of mango exports so far this year.
Free Trade Pacts to Boost Furniture Exports and Domestic Manufacturing: Industry
Industry representatives say FTAs will provide preferential market access, encourage capacity expansion, and attract investments in the Indian furniture sector. India has implemented FTAs with Mauritius, UAE, Australia, EFTA, and Oman, signed pacts with New Zealand and UK, and concluded negotiations with the EU. The Indian furniture market exceeds USD 30 billion, with India ranking 16th globally in furniture exports.
Electronics, pharma and engineering goods lead India's FTA dividend as export engine shifts gears
Yes Securities has developed an FTA Opportunity Score to assess India's recent free trade agreements. Electronics emerged as the strongest sector with a score of 1.32, followed by pharmaceuticals at 0.66 and engineering goods at 0.50, with Monte Carlo simulations confirming positive outcomes for all three.