New Zealand Parliament Ratifies India Trade Pact, Landmark FTA To Take Effect In October

PM Modi with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

New Zealand’s Parliament has formally approved the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with a decisive 93–29 vote, paving the way for the pact to take effect in October 2026.

The deal will eliminate tariffs on 95% of New Zealand’s exports to India and grant duty-free access for all Indian exports to New Zealand, opening a market of 1.4 billion consumers.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hailed the parliamentary clearance as a landmark achievement. He emphasised that the agreement would generate more jobs, raise incomes, and expand opportunities for New Zealand exporters by unlocking India’s vast consumer base. Luxon described the ratification as proof that his National Party had delivered on its promise to secure the FTA within its first term.

The legislation was supported by both the ruling National Party and the opposition Labour Party, ensuring a clear majority. The FTA was originally signed on 27 April 2026, and Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has indicated that India is working to operationalise the agreement by October, with 19 October cited as the likely date.

Under the terms of the agreement, New Zealand will provide duty-free access for 100% of Indian exports, covering all tariff lines. This is expected to boost India’s labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, and processed foods.

The pact also includes a commitment of $20 billion (₹1,66,000 crore) investment by New Zealand in India over 15 years, aimed at strengthening long-term cooperation.

For New Zealand exporters, 57% of exports to India will become duty-free immediately, while tariffs on 95% of exports will be eliminated or reduced once the agreement is fully implemented. Sensitive Indian sectors such as dairy, sugar, and certain agricultural and metal products have been excluded from tariff concessions.

Products like wood, wool, sheep meat, and raw hides will see immediate tariff elimination, while others such as wine, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and aluminium will benefit from phased reductions. Tariff-rate quotas will apply to items like Mānuka honey, apples, kiwifruit, and albumins.

The agreement also covers agricultural cooperation, focusing on productivity improvements in kiwifruit, apples, and honey. Joint work will include planting material, orchard management, post-harvest practices, supply chains, and food safety. In services, New Zealand has committed across 118 sectors, with Most-Favoured Nation treatment in 139 sectors.

Mobility provisions are a key highlight. A Temporary Employment Entry visa pathway will allow 5,000 skilled Indians to work in New Zealand for up to three years in fields such as IT, engineering, healthcare, education, construction, AYUSH, yoga, culinary arts, and music.

Additionally, a Working Holiday Visa scheme will enable 1,000 young Indians annually to stay in New Zealand for up to 12 months. Student mobility is also addressed, with Indian students permitted to work up to 20 hours weekly during studies and eligible for extended post-study work visas.

The FTA further provides for cooperation in investment, research, innovation, renewable energy, digital services, and infrastructure, reflecting its broad scope beyond trade in goods.

Trade Minister Todd McClay highlighted that the kiwifruit industry alone expects to save around ₹1,040 crore in tariffs over five years, underscoring the tangible benefits for New Zealand exporters.

The parliamentary approval marks a decisive step towards implementation, with both sides committed to doubling two-way trade by 2030. Current bilateral trade stands at approximately NZ$3.99 billion (₹19,000 crore), with India ranked as New Zealand’s ninth-largest export market.

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EU Clears Runway: Landmark India Trade Deal Heads To Council

PM Modi with NATO chief Mark Rutte, President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen

The European Commission has formally advanced the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to the Council for approval, marking a decisive step towards what is expected to be the largest trade pact ever signed between the two sides.

If authorised, the deal could be signed by December 2026 and enter into force in early 2027, unlocking sweeping tariff cuts and expanded market access.

The European Commission has submitted proposals to the Council of the European Union for the signing and conclusion of the FTA. This follows the political conclusion of negotiations in January 2026 after nearly two decades of talks.

The Council’s approval will be required before the European Parliament consents, while India is simultaneously undertaking its own ratification procedures through the Union Cabinet and the President’s office.

The agreement is designed to improve market access, reduce tariffs, dismantle unnecessary trade barriers, and establish predictable rules for trade and investment. It represents a fast-track approach to trade implementation, reflecting the EU’s strategy to accelerate agreements amid global geopolitical uncertainty and mounting pressure on the trading system.

Currently, the EU and India trade goods and services worth more than €180 billion annually, equivalent to approximately ₹16,20,000 crores, supporting nearly 800,000 EU jobs. Under the FTA, tariffs will be eliminated or reduced on 96% of EU goods exports to India.

This is expected to save European exporters around €4 billion annually in duties, which translates to nearly ₹36,000 crores. On the Indian side, the deal grants preferential access to 97% of EU tariff lines, covering 99.5% of trade value, with more than 70% of tariff lines seeing immediate duty elimination.

The agreement will make it easier for European companies to enter and compete in the Indian market, while Indian exporters will gain duty-free access to over 99% of EU tariff lines, including sectors such as apparel, chemicals, and footwear.

Consumers on both sides are expected to benefit from greater choice and more competitive prices. The EU will also gain access to the Indian market for cars and wines at concessional duties.

EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič emphasised that the focus is on ensuring businesses and citizens experience tangible benefits quickly.

Brussels has set a goal of doubling European exports to India by 2032 following the conclusion of the deal. India, meanwhile, had a trade surplus of around $6 billion (₹50,000 crores) with the EU in FY26, with imports from the region standing at $66 billion (₹5,50,000 crores).

The move has been welcomed by EU Ambassador-designate to India Jean-Eric Paquet, who described the development as “one step closer to the finish line.” Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also confirmed earlier this month that all 27 EU member states had backed the pact, calling the unanimity unusual by the bloc’s standards and stressing that sensitive sectors on both sides had been protected.

The agreement is not only an economic milestone but also a strategic push by the EU to strengthen ties with India and deepen engagement with a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

Leaders on both sides have expressed confidence that the FTA will come into force in the first half of 2027, cementing a new era in India–EU relations.

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Jaishankar Hails Trusted India-Luxembourg Partnership, Thanks Bettel For Backing EU Trade Pact

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday emphasised the strength of India’s partnership with Luxembourg, describing it as a “very trusted relationship” with significant scope for advancing supply chain resilience and economic diversification.

Welcoming Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel to New Delhi, Jaishankar underlined that the visit reflects the deepening bilateral engagement between the two nations. He expressed particular gratitude for Luxembourg’s consistent support towards the Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union, noting that its ratification is now moving closer to reality.

EAM Jaishankar remarked that in a global environment where foreign ministers often grapple with uncertainty, India and Luxembourg enjoy a relationship built on confidence and trust.

He stressed that both sides have already achieved much together and are poised to do even more, especially in areas such as diversification and strengthening supply chains. He added that the FTA’s entry into force will open new horizons for India’s economic cooperation with Europe.

The Minister recalled his own visit to Luxembourg earlier this year, where he was hosted by Bettel, and spoke warmly of the experience. He expressed satisfaction that the current meeting provided an opportunity to carry forward discussions and expand collaboration.

Highlighting the frequency of high-level exchanges in recent years, Jaishankar pointed out that Luxembourg’s leadership has been closely engaged with India.

He noted that Bettel co-chaired a virtual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020, followed by another summit in 2021 led by Luxembourg’s Prime Minister. These interactions, he said, have reinforced cooperation in trade, investment, and financial sectors, which remain at the core of the relationship.

Beyond traditional areas, Jaishankar emphasised that India and Luxembourg are now actively exploring advanced domains such as space exploration, digital infrastructure, and green technologies. He also mentioned health collaboration, recalling the important cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has since expanded further.

The meeting underscored the shared commitment of both governments to broaden their partnership into cutting-edge sectors while consolidating economic and strategic ties. Luxembourg’s support for the India-EU FTA was recognised as a pivotal contribution to strengthening India’s integration with European markets.

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India And Belgium Set Bold Target To Double Trade In Five Years

India and Belgium have set an ambitious target to double their bilateral trade within five years, building on the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement and expanding cooperation into defence, clean energy, semiconductors, and critical minerals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced new mechanisms to accelerate investment, strengthen military collaboration, and deepen people-to-people ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement concluded earlier this year has opened unprecedented opportunities for economic cooperation.

He described the agreement as historic, emphasising that it would strengthen global stability, growth, and shared prosperity.

India and Belgium have already taken steps to translate these opportunities into tangible outcomes. An Investment Fast-Track Mechanism has been established in India to facilitate Belgian companies. 

Additionally, the India-Belgium Business Forum will now function as a regular mechanism to enhance synergy between financial, fintech, and regulatory institutions of both nations. These measures are expected to help achieve the goal of doubling bilateral trade within five years.

Bilateral trade between India and Belgium stood at approximately $13.01 billion in 2025-26, with cumulative Belgian investment in India reaching around $4.2 billion between April 2000 and December 2025.

Doubling trade would push annual commerce beyond $26 billion, or nearly ₹2,16,000 crores, underscoring the scale of ambition.

On defence and security, both sides agreed to enhance military exchanges and training cooperation. Agreements between governments and defence industries will create opportunities for co-development and co-production of advanced defence systems. Intelligence sharing and cooperation against crime will also be strengthened.

Clean energy and critical minerals were highlighted as priority areas. A Memorandum of Understanding on renewable energy was signed, giving new momentum to sustainability cooperation.

Both countries will enhance collaboration in the processing and recycling of critical minerals, vital for batteries, electric vehicles, renewable energy equipment, and advanced technologies.

Semiconductors emerged as another key area of partnership. Belgium’s IMEC Institute, a global leader in semiconductor research and nanoelectronics, will be integrated with India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem. This cooperation is expected to boost research, innovation, skills development, and advanced technology production.

People-to-people ties were also emphasised. India and Belgium will strengthen cooperation between Start-Ups, enhance capacity building in the maritime sector, and reinforce collaboration in university and research fields. A Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement will soon be signed to facilitate the movement of talent between the two countries.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is on a three-day official visit to India, his first since assuming office in February 2025. His visit marks the first by a Belgian Prime Minister to India in two decades. 

He is accompanied by Belgium’s Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken and a high-level delegation of officials and business leaders, including representatives from the Belgian defence industry.

This visit builds on the inaugural India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue held in Brussels in July 2026, which provided a structured framework for bilateral cooperation. The current engagements are expected to accelerate momentum and deliver concrete outcomes across economic, defence, and technological domains.

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India Secures Uranium Lifeline As Uzbekistan Elevates Ties With Strategic Honour

India and Uzbekistan have elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing a landmark long-term uranium supply deal in Tashkent.

The agreement secures India’s nuclear energy future, while Uzbekistan honoured Modi with its highest civilian award, underscoring the depth of the relationship.

India has secured one of its most significant nuclear energy wins in recent years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed that India and Uzbekistan will establish a long-term uranium supply arrangement, ensuring steady fuel for India’s expanding nuclear power program.

This deal is expected to support India’s target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, while also helping build a strategic uranium reserve to prevent shortages.

The announcement came after delegation-level talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering trade, investment, defence, energy, digital connectivity, education and people-to-people exchanges.

A Coordination Council at the Foreign Ministers’ level will be established to guide cooperation, while the Joint Commission will be upgraded to the Ministerial level, giving greater political weight to bilateral mechanisms.

India and Uzbekistan are also finalising three sister-city and sister-state agreements. Modi stressed that these must not remain symbolic but should deliver tangible results. He called for clear roadmaps to ensure the partnerships produce outcomes on the ground. Urban development featured prominently, with Uzbekistan’s ambitious New Tashkent project compared to Gujarat’s GIFT City. Modi invited an Uzbek delegation to India to study planning, technology and implementation models.

President Mirziyoyev described India as a reliable strategic partner and highlighted that bilateral trade crossed $1 billion last year for the first time. Joint ventures have increased sevenfold, and both sides have set a target of $5 billion in trade by 2030.

Connectivity has improved, with 14 direct flights a week now linking the two countries. Mirziyoyev also announced that Uzbekistan will remove visa requirements for Indian citizens for stays up to 30 days, a move expected to boost tourism, business travel and cultural exchanges.

Cultural ties were emphasised, with Mirziyoyev noting the role of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Indian Studies. Yoga has become increasingly popular in Uzbekistan, with a national federation established in 2018 and a regional festival held in June. These initiatives highlight the growing people-to-people dimension of the partnership.

The uranium deal carries strategic weight. Uzbekistan is among the world’s top five producers of natural uranium, and securing supplies from Tashkent diversifies India’s sources beyond Kazakhstan, Russia, France and Canada.

This reduces dependence on single suppliers and insulates India from geopolitical supply chain shocks. Energy cooperation also strengthens India’s footprint in Central Asia, balancing Chinese influence in the region.

During the visit, Modi was conferred with Uzbekistan’s highest civilian honour, the “Oliy Darajali Do’stlik” Order, which he dedicated to the enduring bond between the two nations.

He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended by President Mirziyoyev, noting the cultural performances and symbolic gestures such as the city adorned in the colours of the Indian tricolour.

Taken together, the outcomes of the visit mark a decisive step in India-Uzbekistan relations. The uranium supply deal, visa liberalisation, expanded trade targets, and institutional upgrades all point to a partnership moving beyond symbolic gestures to concrete, strategic outcomes.

PM Modi’s visit concludes on 30 August, after which he will travel to Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, where India is expected to emphasise security, connectivity and cultural cooperation across Eurasia.

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PM Modi And Mirziyoyev Chart New Path For India-Uzbekistan Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Sunday at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent.

The discussions were attended by senior members of the Indian delegation, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Secretary (West) Sibi George, and other senior diplomats from both sides.

The two leaders reviewed cooperation in trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education, and people-to-people domains. They set the agenda for the road ahead, reaffirming the strategic partnership between India and Uzbekistan.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome by President Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. The welcome underscored the warmth and depth of bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Modi also attended a yoga program organised by the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan in Tashkent. Sharing glimpses of his visit on X, he highlighted the special welcome, wreath-laying at the Yangi Uzbekistan Monument, and his interaction with the Indian community.

The Prime Minister arrived in Tashkent on Saturday for his fourth visit to Uzbekistan. He was warmly received by President Mirziyoyev, who personally welcomed him at the airport.

From there, the two leaders travelled together by car to the presidential palace, marking another instance of Prime Minister Modi sharing a car ride with a world leader. They later held a dinner meeting at the palace.

Landmark buildings across Tashkent, including the Hilton Hotel, were illuminated in the vibrant tricolour hues of the Indian national flag on Saturday evening.

Prime Minister Modi was greeted with enthusiasm by members of the Indian diaspora in Uzbekistan. The community organised a cultural welcome featuring traditional dance performances and a fusion of Indian and Uzbek traditions.

Reflecting on the event, Prime Minister Modi praised the artistry on X. He highlighted performances by the Bollywood Battle Group to ‘Ude Jab Jab Zulfein Teri,’ a fusion of Kathak with the energetic Andijan Polka, and a Kathak presentation by students of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture.

Prime Minister Modi also laid a wreath at Yangi Uzbekistan Park, accompanied by President Mirziyoyev. The ceremony honoured Uzbekistan’s history and aspirations, symbolising the enduring friendship between the two nations.

This visit further strengthens India’s engagement with Central Asia, building on previous high-level exchanges and institutional mechanisms that support the strategic partnership.

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India And Uzbekistan Seal Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent on Sunday, where he praised the warmth extended to him and announced that India-Uzbekistan ties would be elevated to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He stated that arrangements for the long-term supply of uranium would be made. He also announced the establishment of a Coordination Council at the level of foreign ministers to provide direction to all aspects of India-Uzbekistan relations.

During the talks, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for personally overseeing arrangements during the dinner hosted for him on Saturday, which included cultural performances by children.

He remarked that the experience felt as though India itself had been brought to life in Uzbekistan. He said the performances awakened the spirit of his own Gujarat and noted that the city had been adorned in the colours of the Indian tricolour, which deeply touched him. He emphasised that these gestures demonstrated how close India was to the Uzbek leader’s heart.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Uzbekistan and its people ahead of the country’s 35th Independence Day anniversary. He also highlighted that this year marked the 15th anniversary of the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership. He expressed delight that on this special occasion, ties were being elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with concrete goals to be set within this framework.

He appreciated President Mirziyoyev’s initiative to identify projects across key sectors for advancing bilateral economic ties, along with a timeline for their implementation. He noted that this initiative would help both nations make rapid progress.

Prime Minister Modi said that several important decisions had been taken during their dinner meeting on Saturday and that both teams were aligned on the way forward. He announced that the Coordination Council at the Foreign Minister level would provide direction to all aspects of cooperation.

He also confirmed that the Joint Commission would be elevated from the Secretary level to the Ministerial level. Furthermore, both sides would jointly organise a business summit featuring business leaders from both nations.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome by President Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. He also attended a yoga program organised by the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan. In a post on X, he shared glimpses from his visit, including the wreath-laying at the Yangi Uzbekistan Monument and his interaction with the Indian community.

Prime Minister Modi landed in Tashkent on Saturday for his fourth visit to the Central Asian nation. He received a warm and personal welcome from President Mirziyoyev upon arrival. From the airport, the two leaders travelled together by car to the presidential palace, marking another instance of Prime Minister Modi sharing a car ride with a world leader. They later held a dinner meeting at the palace.

This visit builds upon the momentum of India-Uzbekistan relations, which have steadily advanced since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992 and the elevation to a Strategic Partnership in 2011.

The new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signals a deeper alignment in political, economic, defence, energy, and cultural domains, with both nations committing to long-term cooperation and shared goals.

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Uzbek President Hails India's Rising Global Clout During PM Modi's Visit

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Sunday praised India’s rapid progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting that New Delhi’s voice and influence in global affairs have grown stronger.

His remarks came during delegation-level talks with PM Modi in Tashkent as part of the latter’s two-day State visit to Uzbekistan.

Mirziyoyev emphasised that the visit demonstrated the special importance India attaches to advancing bilateral cooperation. He described the day as historic, highlighting that both sides would adopt a joint statement on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He said this would open new horizons for expanding cooperation across all areas.

The Uzbek President lauded India’s achievements under PM Modi, stating that the country was achieving remarkable results across all sectors while maintaining high rates of economic growth and implementing major projects.

He pointed to India’s advances in digitalisation, information technology, artificial intelligence, space exploration and other fields, noting that New Delhi’s global influence had become even stronger. He added that Uzbekistan, as a close friend, was pleased to witness these achievements.

Mirziyoyev described India as Uzbekistan’s reliable strategic partner and underlined the growing momentum in bilateral economic and people-to-people ties. He noted that bilateral trade had crossed $1 billion for the first time last year and that the number of joint ventures between the two countries had increased sevenfold in recent years.

He expressed confidence that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership would open new avenues for cooperation and said the two sides would discuss specific plans and objectives in detail during the talks.

India and Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations on 18 March 1992, when the protocol establishing diplomatic ties was signed in Tashkent. India was among the first countries to recognise Uzbekistan’s sovereignty following its independence.

The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2011, supported by several institutional mechanisms at political and official levels to ensure regular engagement.

PM Modi’s current two-day State visit, from 29 to 31 August, follows his previous visit to Uzbekistan in 2015, as well as his visits in 2016 and 2022 to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summits.

The bilateral relationship has also witnessed high-level exchanges, including Mirziyoyev’s State Visit to India in 2018 and his participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2019.

Following his engagements in Tashkent, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to participate in the 26th SCO Summit, which will mark 25 years of the organisation.

India is expected to focus on security, connectivity and cultural ties across the Eurasian region during the summit, with discussions likely to include cooperation against terrorism, radicalisation and external threats, as well as regional transport and trade routes.

India’s growing role in Eurasia, coupled with Uzbekistan’s recognition of its achievements, underscores the strengthening of bilateral ties and the broader influence New Delhi now commands on the global stage.

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PM Modi Awarded Uzbekistan’s Highest Honour, Vows United Voice For Global South

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Uzbekistan’s highest state honour, the Order of “Oliy Darajali Dustlik”, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent.

Modi dedicated the award to the people of India, emphasising friendship, shared heritage, and a united voice for the Global South. The honour also coincided with new agreements on uranium supply, sister-city partnerships, and expanded strategic cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Uzbekistan’s supreme state honour, the Order of “Oliy Darajali Dustlik”, during his two-day State visit to Tashkent.

The award was presented by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in recognition of Modi’s contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership. This marks Modi’s 36th international award, adding to his growing list of global recognitions.

Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Mirziyoyev, whom he described as his friend and “the father of the economic revolution in Uzbekistan”. He said the warmth extended to him and his delegation made them feel at home, and the visit would remain memorable.

He highlighted that the words used by Mirziyoyev captured India’s thousands-of-years-old heritage, its spirit of universal brotherhood, and the perseverance of 1.4 billion citizens. Modi stressed that the honour was not for him alone but belonged to all Indians.

The Prime Minister underscored the significance of the word “Dostlik”, meaning friendship, noting its similarity to the Hindi word “Dost”. He said the award symbolised the essence of India-Uzbekistan relations and dedicated it to the centuries-old friendship and shared heritage between the two nations. Modi emphasised that the honour carried responsibility, assuring Uzbekistan that India would remain committed to strengthening ties and honouring the friendship in every way.

During delegation-level talks, President Mirziyoyev praised India’s economic and technological progress under Modi’s leadership, highlighting advances in digitalisation, artificial intelligence, information technology, and space exploration.

He noted India’s growing influence in global affairs and described Uzbekistan as a close friend of India. Modi and Mirziyoyev agreed to elevate ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on trade, investment, defence, energy, and digital connectivity.

A major outcome of the visit was the decision to establish a long-term arrangement for uranium supply from Uzbekistan to India, adding a critical energy component to bilateral cooperation.

The two sides also formalised three sister-city and sister-state partnerships to strengthen local and regional engagement. Modi referred to mega-projects such as “New Tashkent” and India’s GIFT City, suggesting exchanges of delegations to share best practices in urban development and technology.

PM Modi concluded by assuring that India and Uzbekistan would work together as a united voice for the Global South, striving for its welfare and for humanity at large.

He said both nations would spare no effort in advancing shared visions of development and prosperity, reinforcing their role as partners in shaping a more inclusive global order.

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India-EU Relations Enter New Phase As FTA Breakthrough Driven By Realism And Pragmatism: EU Ambassador To India Herve Delphin

EU Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin, has described India-EU relations as stronger than they have been in years, attributing this to greater strategic understanding and comfort between the two sides.

As he prepares to conclude his tenure in India, he reflected on his focus on building a comprehensive understanding of India and strengthening cooperation across diverse sectors.

He explained that the role of a diplomat is not only to represent the interests of his own country but also to listen, observe and build awareness of opportunities and challenges in the country of posting. He emphasised that the India-EU relationship is not confined to one area but spans a wide range of sectors, which he considered a key achievement of his tenure.

On the Free Trade Agreement, which took nearly two decades to conclude, he clarified that the latest negotiations should not be seen as a continuation of earlier talks. He described the recent process as FTA-2, distinct from the previous one, driven by realism and pragmatism. Both sides quickly identified priorities and red lines, avoiding wasted effort on issues that were non-negotiable.

He highlighted the strong political push behind the agreement, noting that global volatility and uncertainty had made the breakthrough more significant.

He said the complementary nature of Indian and European markets facilitated negotiations, as the two sides were not competing head-on in the same sectors. He noted that momentum picked up in 2025 and the deal was concluded in just over a year, with hopes of signing within less than a year.

Addressing concerns over the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, he explained that CBAM was designed to prevent carbon leakage and incentivise lower emissions. He said European companies are subject to the EU Emissions Trading System, and CBAM ensures imports with high carbon content do not gain unfair advantage.

He stressed that CBAM would not affect all Indian exporters equally, pointing out that steel and iron account for over 80 per cent of India’s high-carbon exports to Europe. He added that consultations had been held with Indian authorities and industries, and noted that Indian steelmakers were increasingly working to reduce their carbon footprint. He suggested that low-emission steel producers could benefit, as Europe is expected to remain a net importer of steel.

He urged that the issue be right-sized, expressing confidence that through dialogue and mutual understanding it would be addressed fairly. He also underlined the shared objective of India and the EU to de-risk and build resilient supply chains. He said the FTA would act as an enabler, complemented by an Investment Protection Agreement and the India-EU Trade and Technology Council.

He revealed that both sides were examining strategic sectors such as semiconductors, clean technology, pharmaceuticals and agri-food. He spoke of exploring specific global value chains where cooperation and integration would bring mutual benefit.

He also introduced the concept of blue valleys, industrial cooperation parks or corridors where European and Indian companies could collaborate across research, innovation, Start-Ups, investment, skilling and joint manufacturing. He said this represented a qualitative change in the way the two sides worked together, enhancing resilience and reliability.

The Ambassador’s reflections underscored that India-EU ties are entering a new phase, marked by realism, pragmatism and a shared commitment to building a resilient, future-oriented partnership.

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Poland Envoy Piotr Switalski Confident India-EU FTA Will Be Operational By Year-End

Poland’s Ambassador to India Piotr Antoni Switalski has declared that there is “no reason for delay” in finalising the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), expressing confidence that it will be signed and operational by the end of 2026.

Legal scrubbing has already been completed, and both sides are now working on translations and internal approvals, keeping the landmark deal firmly on track.

Switalski, speaking in New Delhi, emphasised his experience as a former European Union official, noting that such treaties usually take time but insisting that a fast-track approach should be adopted. He said he was optimistic that the agreement would be ready and operational by year-end.

He underlined the importance of complementing the FTA with an investment protection agreement, describing it as a crucial element of the overall relationship. He reiterated that he saw no delays and no reason for delay in completing the pact.

His remarks came as the India-EU FTA entered its final stages. Government sources confirmed that legal scrubbing of the agreement has been completed, while internal approvals and translation processes are underway on the European Union side. Both India and the EU remain committed to completing the remaining formalities for signing by the end of 2026.

The FTA was jointly announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 27 January 2026 during the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi. This announcement followed the resumption of negotiations in 2022 after years of stalled discussions. The first attempt between 2007 and 2013 had failed due to differences over duties on automobiles and spirits, but renewed talks in 2022 led to a breakthrough.

The agreement is significant given the scale of economic ties. In 2024-25, bilateral trade in goods between India and the EU stood at $136.54 billion, with India’s exports valued at $75.85 billion and imports at $60.68 billion. Trade in services reached $83.10 billion in 2024.

Together, India and the EU account for around 25 per cent of global GDP and nearly one-third of international trade.

According to details from the legal scrubbing process, the FTA will grant market access for over 99 per cent of Indian exports by trade value to the EU. It also unlocks commitments in services and includes a mobility framework enabling seamless movement of skilled Indian professionals.

Imports of luxury cars and wines from the EU are expected to become cheaper, while Indian exporters will gain duty-free access to the European market for about 93 per cent of goods.

The agreement has been intentionally designed as an exclusive trade agreement, requiring approval only from the European Parliament and not from all 27 member states. After ratification by the European Parliament and the Indian cabinet, both sides will announce dates for implementation.

Officials have indicated that the FTA could become operational in the first quarter of 2027, though Switalski’s remarks suggest optimism for an earlier start.

Lithuania’s Ambassador to India Diana Mickevičienė has also expressed confidence that the agreement will come into force during Lithuania’s EU presidency in early 2027, calling it a “game changer” for businesses on both sides.

The India-EU FTA is expected to strengthen economic and trade relations, promote professional mobility, and set a framework for deeper cooperation in goods and services. It marks the culmination of nearly two decades of negotiations and is seen as a major milestone in India’s global trade strategy.

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'India-Israel FTA To Strengthen Trade, Innovation And Strategic Cooperation' Says Israeli Ambassador

India and Israel are moving rapidly towards finalising a Free Trade Agreement, with both sides hoping to conclude negotiations by February next year. Two rounds of talks have already been held, in February and July, with a third scheduled for October.

The agreement is expected to go beyond conventional trade issues such as tariffs, customs duties and rules of origin, incorporating deeper cooperation in investment, innovation and technology partnerships. Ambassador Reuven Azar emphasised that while Israel is already a relatively open economy, India’s larger market offers greater scope for access, and in return India is seeking stronger investment commitments.

Governments cannot dictate private sector decisions, but they can create enabling frameworks, and this is where innovation and technology collaboration will play a central role.

The ambassador highlighted that Indian companies are already developing intellectual property and technological solutions for Israeli firms, while Israeli technology companies are increasingly looking to India for investment and partnerships.

Once the FTA is concluded, it will become easier for Israeli firms to enter India and for Indian companies to invest in Israeli start-ups, particularly in areas such as defence, water technology and agriculture. He noted that the cooperation chapter is the most complex part of the negotiations, as mechanisms must be designed to ensure mutual benefit in both trade and innovation.

Bilateral trade figures currently stand at around $3–4 billion, though this number is somewhat misleading due to the UAE’s emergence as a hub following the Abraham Accords, which has diverted trade flows.

The ambassador argued that the true value of the partnership lies not in headline trade numbers but in co-production, innovation and adaptation of technologies. Israeli water technologies, for instance, are being localised by Indian firms to reduce costs and make them viable for the domestic market. This model could be replicated across multiple sectors, creating sustainable economic value.

Infrastructure has emerged as another major pillar of cooperation. Israel has significant infrastructure needs, and Indian companies are being encouraged to participate. The $50-billion Greater Tel Aviv Metro project is a prime example. Of the 22 companies that applied for prequalification in the Infra-1 tenders, 11 were Indian.

Each tender is worth approximately $800 million, and if Indian firms qualify, they will have strong opportunities to secure contracts. These projects are backed by Israeli government financing, meaning Indian firms can participate without bringing their own capital. This could mark a transformative step in India-Israel economic relations, embedding Indian infrastructure expertise in Israel’s development.

The evolving security situation in West Asia, particularly the conflict involving Iran, has created disruptions in supply chains. Some trade previously routed through Gulf hubs is now moving back to Indian ports. Ambassador Azar stressed that the FTA will not be undermined by these challenges; instead, cooperation mechanisms must become more efficient to offset disruptions.

He argued that confronting Iran’s threats is essential for long-term regional stability. Without action, Iran could have developed nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and drones, casting a shadow over Gulf economies. Millions of Indian workers in the Gulf and Indian companies operating there would benefit from greater stability, even if short-term instability arises from confronting existential threats.

Pakistan’s growing engagement in the Middle East, including defence partnerships with Saudi Arabia, was also noted. Azar observed that while Pakistan is playing a larger role, the principal threat to Saudi Arabia remains Iran and the Houthis in Yemen.

He suggested that regional stability will improve once the Iranian threat is neutralised, reducing the need for external powers in the security equation. Israel’s technological advances in countering drones, missiles and other threats are areas where India and Israel can cooperate more closely, given their shared security challenges. Speed of innovation and deployment is critical, as adversaries are constantly developing new threats.

Agriculture remains a strong area of cooperation. The FTA will not revolutionise this partnership but will encourage more Israeli technology companies to manufacture solutions in India.

Technologies such as N-Drip, which enables efficient irrigation using gravity without external power, are being tested in India.

If approved, they could significantly improve agricultural efficiency. Another innovation involves storage systems that extend the shelf life of produce without electricity, addressing post-harvest losses. 

These technologies are particularly relevant for small farmers and could transform agricultural practices. Centres of Excellence are already introducing such solutions, and the FTA will act as a catalyst for greater private sector participation.

The India-Israel FTA is therefore poised to deepen ties across multiple domains—trade, investment, innovation, infrastructure, defence and agriculture.

It reflects a strategic alignment that goes beyond conventional economic agreements, aiming to create a resilient and future-oriented partnership that can withstand regional uncertainties and deliver long-term benefits to both nations.

Agencies

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PM Modi And UK PM Burnham Vow To Harness Trade Opportunities Under Landmark Pact

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the newly elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham, and emphasised that both countries would work closely to fully harness the trade and investment opportunities presented by the recently operationalised India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

He expressed delight at the conversation and once again congratulated Burnham on assuming office, extending his best wishes for a successful tenure.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education and people-to-people ties.

They underlined their commitment to taking the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights. Modi stressed that collaboration under the trade agreement would contribute to shared prosperity and well-being for both nations.

According to the UK Government’s statement, Burnham reflected on the strength of the UK-India partnership and its impact on local communities across Britain. He outlined his ambitions to enhance bilateral ties through the UK-India Vision 2035 framework and stronger people-to-people connections. 

He praised the contribution of Indian communities in the UK, while Modi highlighted the connection between Manchester and Ahmedabad, referring to Ahmedabad as the “Manchester of India.”

Burnham also underlined the potential of the trade agreement, noting that it would create opportunities for people in both countries. He reaffirmed his commitment to the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, and both leaders acknowledged the scope for collaboration in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence. They agreed that cutting-edge cooperation in these areas would be vital for the future.

The leaders exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and agreed to continue working closely towards de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Both expressed their desire to meet in person at the earliest opportunity to continue discussions.

The landmark trade agreement, which came into effect this month, has been described as a historic moment that will unlock new opportunities for businesses, workers and consumers in both countries. It is expected to significantly deepen the bilateral economic partnership.

PM Modi had earlier congratulated Burnham upon his assumption of office, stressing the strong foundation of India-UK relations, which are bound by shared democratic values and extensive cooperation across trade, investment, technology, defence and people-to-people exchanges.

He underscored the significance of the agreement, saying it would provide fresh momentum to bilateral ties and further strengthen cooperation between the two nations. Burnham, who became the 59th Prime Minister of Britain after Keir Starmer’s resignation, arrived at 10 Downing Street accompanied by his wife Marie-France van Heel.

In his first remarks, he stressed the need for Britain to regain stability, noting that he was the seventh Prime Minister in a decade, and promised to act as a circuit breaker to bring forward the biggest changes in forty years.

ANI

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India-EU Free Trade Agreement Hailed As Game Changer By German Envoy

German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann has described the forthcoming India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as a major milestone in bilateral relations. He said the pact would transform economic ties and significantly boost commercial activities between the two regions.

Speaking after a press conference at the German Embassy in New Delhi, Ackermann emphasised that the agreement would act as a catalyst for cross-border commerce. He called it a “game changer in many ways,” stressing that it would encourage more German investment in India and potentially more Indian investment in Germany.

The Ambassador underlined that the reduction of tariffs and removal of trade barriers between Europe and India would directly stimulate economic engagement. He expressed strong optimism about the timeline, noting that the implementation of the free trade agreement in the first half of next year would generate progressive transformation over the coming years.

Ackermann reiterated that the deal would lead to greater investment flows both ways, which he said Germany highly welcomed. He added that the lowering of tariff barriers would activate trade and investment activities between both markets, and he was very optimistic about the early implementation.

He also pointed out that the deepening of economic synergy would naturally translate into greater people-to-people movement. He remarked that the agreement would increase the number of visitors travelling between India and Germany, strengthening cultural and social exchanges alongside economic ties.

Last week, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal concluded a five-day visit to Spain, Belgium, Finland and Estonia. During this tour, India and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to the early signing and implementation of the proposed Free Trade Agreement.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry confirmed that both sides had reiterated their determination to move swiftly towards the conclusion of the deal. Goyal’s meetings in Brussels included discussions with European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic and other senior EU leaders.

The proposed agreement is expected to help India redirect exports worth an estimated $10–11 billion from the United States to the European Union. This would reduce India’s dependence on a single export market while expanding its presence in Europe.

According to a report by Rubix Data Science, such diversification would strengthen India’s trade resilience and open new opportunities for exporters.

The India-EU Free Trade Agreement is therefore being seen not only as a commercial arrangement but also as a strategic program to reshape global trade patterns. It promises to enhance investment flows, stimulate industrial cooperation, and broaden the scope of bilateral engagement across multiple sectors.

ANI

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India And Israel Advance Free Trade Agreement Talks

India and Israel have successfully concluded the second round of negotiations for their proposed free trade agreement. The discussions took place in New Delhi between 20 and 23 July 2026, with both sides engaging in detailed technical deliberations across a wide spectrum of trade-related issues.

The proposed agreement covers trade in goods and services, rules of origin, technical barriers to trade, intellectual property rights, customs procedures, and trade facilitation. It also extends to sanitary and phytosanitary measures, economic cooperation, and other chapters that are integral to a comprehensive pact.

According to the Commerce Ministry, the talks were constructive and forward-looking. Experts from both countries worked to narrow gaps and identify areas of convergence, reflecting the complementarities that India and Israel share across several sectors. The ministry emphasised that the FTA represents a significant opportunity to deepen economic integration and expand bilateral trade.

Both delegations held dedicated technical sessions to address specific aspects of the agreement. These sessions focused on harmonising standards, improving customs cooperation, and ensuring smoother trade facilitation mechanisms. Intellectual property rights and technical barriers to trade were also key areas of discussion, highlighting the importance of creating a balanced framework that supports innovation and fair competition.

The statement underlined the commitment of both sides to conclude the negotiations at the earliest possible date. The goal is to achieve a balanced, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement that will strengthen trade and economic ties.

India and Israel already enjoy a strong economic relationship, with total merchandise trade between the two countries reaching $3.93 billion in 2025–26. The proposed FTA is expected to build on this foundation, opening new avenues for cooperation in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, defence, and agriculture.

The negotiations also carry strategic significance, as both nations seek to diversify their trade partnerships and reduce dependence on single markets. The FTA is viewed as a step towards building resilient supply chains and enhancing collaboration in emerging sectors.

The conclusion of the second round marks steady progress in the negotiation process. Both sides remain optimistic that the agreement will be finalised soon, paving the way for a stronger and more dynamic economic partnership.

Agencies

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