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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US House Set To Vote On Russia Sanctions Bill That Could Target India With Up To 100% Tariffs

US Senate lawmakers have introduced a new amendment to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, mandating secondary tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods imported from the top five largest buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas.

This measure directly exposes major importers such as India and China to sweeping trade levies. The amendment is designed to intensify economic restrictions on Moscow by targeting nations that continue to purchase Russian energy, thereby sustaining Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.

The underlying legislation was passed by the Senate on 7 August with an overwhelming 86-11 vote. The House Committee on Rules, one of the oldest standing committees in the US House of Representatives, is currently processing the newly introduced Senate amendments.

While the bill does not explicitly name Russia’s trading partners, it specifically targets the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas by volume.

Section 113 of the statutory text outlines mandatory ad valorem trade duties. It stipulates that within 30 days of enactment, the US President must increase the rate of duty for all goods imported from countries identified under subsection (c) to a rate of up to 100 per cent ad valorem. Subsection (c) defines a covered country as any nation that knowingly made new purchases of Russian crude oil or natural gas after enactment and ranks among the top five importers by volume during the preceding 12 months, or is among the top five countries facilitating Russian oil sanctions evasion.

India, as one of the largest buyers of Russian seaborne crude alongside China, falls directly under this volume-based trigger. Section 113(f) clarifies that any duty imposed under this section will be in addition to existing duties, fees, taxes, or charges applicable to the goods.

The amendment also grants the United States Trade Representative statutory authority under Section 113(b) to adjust duty rates between zero and 100 per cent if a country takes significant steps to either increase or decrease its imports of Russian energy.

Section 113(d) provides a specific exception for natural gas imports, exempting countries whose Russian natural gas imports constitute less than 15 per cent of Russia’s total annual exports, provided they are actively reducing reliance. However, no such exception exists for crude oil buyers, leaving India and China particularly vulnerable to tariff impositions.

Section 115(a) provides executive authority for waivers, allowing the US President to waive sanctions or duties if deemed in the national interest. Such waivers require written certification to Congress.

Beyond tariffs, the Act institutes sweeping measures against Russian leadership, financial institutions, and maritime networks.

Blocking sanctions and visa revocations will apply to Russia’s top leadership, including the President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and senior military commanders. Foreign entities supplying critical items such as CNC tools, lubricant additives, chemical coatings, advanced sensors, and fibre optic cables to Russia’s defence industrial base will also face sanctions.

The legislation further targets Russia’s “shadow fleet” by blocking foreign vessels and sanctioning individuals or companies transporting Russian energy without adequate maritime insurance or those evading price caps established by the Price Cap Coalition.

Severe financial prohibitions are also mandated, including blocking all property and restricting correspondent accounts for the Central Bank of Russia, Sberbank, VTB Bank, and Gazprombank. Foreign financial institutions engaging in significant transactions with these entities will face penalties.

This amendment represents a significant escalation in Washington’s economic campaign against Moscow, while simultaneously placing India’s energy security and trade relations with the US under considerable strain.

The outcome will depend on how New Delhi balances its national energy requirements with the mounting pressure from Washington.

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'Important Pillar of Partnership': India And Russia Deepen Energy Collaboration As Talks Expand Strategic Partnership

India and Russia continue to regard energy cooperation as a central pillar of their bilateral relationship. 

The Ministry of External Affairs emphasised that both sides are actively engaged in discussions to strengthen and expand collaboration in this sector.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two countries in energy, particularly nuclear energy. He cited the Kudankulam nuclear power project as a successful example of India-Russia cooperation, noting its importance in India’s energy security framework.

He stated that India is keen to broaden this cooperation further, with technical teams from both sides holding consultations on multiple aspects of the partnership. These discussions are aimed at identifying new opportunities and enhancing existing projects.

The remarks come at a time when India is placing strong emphasis on diversifying its energy cooperation with key partners to bolster national energy security. Russia remains a significant partner in this endeavour, given its expertise and ongoing projects in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on 11 September on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral ties and held wide-ranging discussions covering trade, energy, defence, space and people-to-people exchanges.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, which has continued to grow despite global geopolitical uncertainties.

President Putin extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. Prime Minister Modi accepted the invitation, with dates to be finalised through diplomatic channels.

This renewed emphasis on energy cooperation reflects the broader trajectory of India-Russia relations, where nuclear energy projects, oil and gas collaboration, and diversification into new energy technologies are expected to play a defining role in the coming years.

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Canada Vows To Emerge Stronger And More Independent From US Trade War

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared in Toronto that Canada intends to emerge stronger and more self-reliant from its ongoing trade war with the United States.

Addressing international investors at the Canada Investment Summit, he emphasised that while Canada and the US will always remain neighbours, the relationship can only thrive when both nations act as true partners respecting each other’s traditions and sovereignty.

Carney stated that when opportunities return, Canada will be an even better partner, more resilient and independent. He outlined Ottawa’s plan to attract private investment through long-term concessions for the operation of Canada’s four major airports, while retaining public ownership of the land and assets. 

This initiative, he explained, could generate tens of billions of rupees for reinvestment in transportation and wider infrastructure sectors.

Without naming President Donald Trump directly, Carney criticised what he described as an increasingly transactional and zero-sum approach to international economic relations. He remarked that Canada’s reputation as a reliable and predictable partner has become more valuable in a world where transactions are replacing relationships and win-win outcomes are being replaced by zero-sum calculations.

He further observed that economic integration and national sovereignty are facing growing friction, stressing that nations determined to safeguard their independence must deepen cooperation with like-minded allies. Carney is scheduled to depart for Europe later in the day to address the European Parliament, where he is expected to reinforce these themes.

Trump has repeatedly used tariffs to pressure trade partners, encouraging manufacturers to shift production and investment south of the border. His remarks about incorporating Canada as the 51st US state have added to the strain between the two allies. Despite these tensions, Carney highlighted that approximately 80 per cent of cross-border trade with the US remains tariff-free.

During a fireside chat following his speech, Carney said that a mutually beneficial arrangement is possible and that Canada will be ready to strike a deal when the time is right. He reminded the audience that bilateral trade negotiations collapsed last month, after Washington imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods worth about $20 billion, equivalent to nearly ₹1,66,000 crores. Ottawa responded with retaliatory measures, and the US has since introduced further restrictions on Canadian merchandise.

Carney insisted that Canada cannot base its future strategy on nostalgia, declaring that “nostalgia is not a strategy.” He lightened the mood by sharing an anecdote comparing a ceremonial key gifted to him by his hometown of Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories with a box of gold keys to the White House once presented by Trump. Carney recalled Trump joking that if he brought the key, “They’ll let you in,” before adding, “Maybe they’ll shoot you.” Carney concluded, “That sort of sums up the relationship. In Canada, you get the key. In the US, they might shoot you.”

Carney’s remarks underscored Ottawa’s determination to chart a new course, focusing on resilience, independence, and strategic partnerships beyond the United States. His message to investors was clear: Canada is positioning itself as a stronger, more reliable partner in global economic relations, even as it weathers the turbulence of its trade war with Washington.

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Trump’s Tariffs Invite Rebuke At BRICS Summit, Expand India’s Strategic Autonomy

India’s chairship of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi became a defining diplomatic moment, with Trump’s unilateralism ironically binding BRICS members together and expanding India’s strategic space, Sreemoy Talukdar of FirstPost reported.

The New Delhi Declaration condemned unilateral coercive measures, criticised tariff wars, addressed terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, and reinforced India’s moderating role within the Global South.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership at the summit was shaped by the disruptive policies of Donald Trump. His aggressive unilateralism, hyper-transactionalism diplomacy, militarism, bullying of allies, and protectionist tariffs compelled BRICS members to shelve differences and project unity. India’s idea within BRICS was to foster cooperation and limit the impact of unpredictable hegemonic actions.

Western media largely ignored the summit, framing it narrowly as a binary of dethroning or failing to dethrone the US dollar. Yet the real achievement lay in consensus-building among countries with profound internal conflicts. India managed to thrash out a joint statement despite severe bilateral tensions among members, demonstrating the structural effectiveness of BRICS.

The declaration sent a clear message to Washington. Without naming the US, it condemned unilateral coercive measures contrary to international law, stressing their negative implications for development, health, food security, and human rights.

It criticised unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures inconsistent with WTO rules, directly referencing Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. It demanded restoration of a functioning WTO dispute settlement mechanism, targeting US obstruction of the Appellate Body.

On West Asia, the declaration voiced serious concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. This amounted to a rebuke of US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, framing them as violations of international law. India’s endorsement of such language reflected compromise within consensus diplomacy.

India secured extraordinary gains in return. Paragraph 40 condemned terrorism unequivocally, referencing the April 2025 Jammu and Kashmir attack that killed 26 people.

By situating the attack in Jammu and Kashmir rather than Pahalgam, the text validated India’s sovereign space and forced China to concede in writing that Jammu and Kashmir belongs to India. This was a substantial diplomatic achievement.

Beyond geopolitics, the summit advanced frameworks for resilient supply chains and cross-border payment integration. Paragraph 90 highlighted diverse opinions on payment mechanisms. Russia, China, and Iran sought alternatives to Western financial systems, while India preferred bilateral local currency mechanisms. India’s nuanced position reflected its need to remain within the US-led financial ecosystem while retaining options.

India’s moderating role was evident. It resisted creating an anti-West bloc or replacing US dominance with Chinese dominance. Instead, it sought reforms of Bretton Woods Institutions to make them agile, inclusive, and representative. If reforms fail, India’s vision is for BRICS to prepare alternatives.

The summit expanded India’s strategic autonomy. Modi’s ability to embrace both Benjamin Netanyahu and Masoud Pezeshkian symbolised India’s unique position. The image of Modi clasping the Iranian president’s hand became iconic. India used BRICS to engage multiple powers simultaneously, evaluating partnerships strictly on developmental and security needs.

From New Delhi’s standpoint, BRICS functioned as a buffer against global unpredictability. Energy security cooperation and alternative financial routing systems created systemic shock absorbers. India executed this hedging strategy while safeguarding integration with Western markets, capital, and technology. It avoided Cold War-style bloc politics, proving indispensable to both Western and non-Western partners.

India’s demonstrated capacity to manage competing interests validated its leadership in a volatile era. The summit showed India could secure its economic future while championing a cooperative global order.

PM Modi’s interventions also proposed mechanisms like a BRICS Troika for continuity and a Seafarers Emergency Support Network, addressing maritime security amid rising attacks on commercial vessels.

The New Delhi Declaration, adopted unanimously, covered terrorism, trade, governance, health, technology, and sustainable development. India’s chairship ensured BRICS remained inclusive, practical, and people-centric. The summit reinforced India’s role as a consensus-builder, agenda-setter, and rule-shaper for the Global South.

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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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Xi Jinping’s India Visit With Power Team Signals High‑Stakes Diplomacy

Chinese President Xi Jinping has landed in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, accompanied by two of his most powerful aides — Cai Qi and Wang Yi — signalling the high diplomatic weight of his visit.

This marks Xi’s first trip to India in nearly seven years, with a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to be closely watched for its impact on India‑China relations.

Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday morning at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He was received by Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada, underscoring the ceremonial importance of the visit. This is Xi’s first India trip since 2019, when he met Modi in Mamallapuram, and his fourth overall since 2014.

Travelling with Xi are Cai Qi and Wang Yi, two of China’s most senior officials. Cai Qi is a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and serves as director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee.

He is widely regarded as Xi’s right‑hand man and China’s second‑most powerful leader, having risen rapidly through the party ranks. His presence highlights the strategic importance Beijing attaches to Xi’s engagements in India.

Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister and a member of the CPC Political Bureau, is another key figure in the delegation. He has been deeply involved in India‑China diplomatic exchanges, particularly on the boundary issue.

Just weeks before Xi’s visit, Wang held extensive talks with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in Beijing during the 25th round of Special Representatives’ discussions. The two sides reached an eight‑point consensus, including advancing talks on boundary delimitation and border management, aiming for what both termed an “early and substantial harvest.”

Xi’s meeting with Modi is expected to be pivotal. It will be the third consecutive year the two leaders have met, following interactions in Kazan and Tianjin. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasised that Beijing seeks to act on the strategic guidance of the two leaders, handle relations from a long‑term perspective, step up communication, enhance cooperation, and properly manage differences.

She described China and India as “friends enjoying good‑neighbourliness and partners helping each other succeed.”

Xi will also address the BRICS Summit, engaging in in‑depth exchanges with other leaders on pressing issues such as the international situation, BRICS institutional development, and practical cooperation. He is expected to put forward new Chinese initiatives to chart the course for deeper BRICS collaboration.

The summit is taking place against the backdrop of the Iran‑US conflict and the Russia‑Ukraine war, with China advocating a common, cooperative and sustainable approach to security.

Mao Ning stressed that Beijing is committed to promoting political settlements of hotspot issues through dialogue and looks forward to working with BRICS partners to safeguard regional and global peace.

The Modi‑Xi meeting will be closely scrutinised for signals on the future of India‑China relations, particularly regarding the border dispute and wider bilateral engagement.

The visit comes amid cautious efforts to stabilise ties following the deadly Galwan clashes of 2020 and years of strained relations. Xi’s presence, alongside Cai Qi and Wang Yi, underscores Beijing’s intent to elevate the diplomatic significance of this engagement.

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12 and 13 September. After the summit, China will assume the rotating BRICS chairmanship, further shaping the grouping’s agenda in the coming year.

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PM Modi Says India Builds Economic Bridges Amid Rising Trade Barriers At BRICS Summit 2026

PM Modi in intense conversation with close ally and friend Russian President Vladimir Putin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Leaders’ Session of the BRICS Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, emphasising that India is building economic bridges at a time when trade barriers are rising globally.

He highlighted India’s growing network of free trade agreements, noting that the country has entered into agreements with nearly 40 nations since 2014. Modi underlined that this approach is strengthening economic cooperation within BRICS and beyond.

The Prime Minister pointed out that BRICS nations now account for 50 per cent of the world’s population, 40 per cent of global GDP and more than 25 per cent of global trade. He explained that while global GDP has grown around 2.5 times, the combined GDP of BRICS nations has expanded nearly 4.5 times.

He remarked that the economic strength of BRICS has grown at nearly twice the pace of the rest of the world, signalling the grouping’s increasing clout in the global economy.

Modi stressed the importance of secure global trade routes, stating that progress in global trade is possible only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open and seafarers are safe. He reaffirmed India’s strong support for freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of women in the BRICS economy, describing the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance as a key part of India’s vision. He said India wants women entrepreneurs to lead the growth story, noting that around 200 women business leaders participated in the alliance’s meeting held in India.

Modi emphasised that BRICS nations are emerging as hubs for global innovation and solutions. He said India’s BRICS presidency has established cooperation networks in areas such as agriculture, health, skills and smart grids.

India has promoted initiatives including the BRICS Incubator Network, the BRICS MSME Portal and the BRICS Start-Up Innovation Fund. These programs aim to connect start-ups and MSMEs with markets, finance and talent, thereby strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem across BRICS.

The Prime Minister observed that the growing scale, speed and optimism of BRICS are evident in its expansion. From four founding members in 2006, the grouping has grown into a family of 21 member and partner countries.

He concluded by reiterating that the economic strength of BRICS has grown nearly twice as fast as that of the rest of the world, underlining its rising influence in shaping the global economic order.

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PM Modi Accepts To Visit Moscow For 24th India-Russia Annual Summit After Prez Putin’s Invitation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Moscow for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Modi has accepted the invitation. The summit dates will be finalised through diplomatic channels at a mutually convenient time.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Brics Summit in New Delhi on Friday. They held wide-ranging discussions on the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

The talks covered trade, investment, defence, energy, critical minerals, fertiliser supplies, skill mobility and industrial cooperation.

The annual summit is the highest-level institutional mechanism between India and Russia. It is held alternately in the two countries. The invitation comes as both sides continue to deepen their long-standing strategic partnership across economic, defence and energy sectors.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. They discussed ongoing conflicts and other international developments. Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward in resolving disputes.

Both sides deliberated on strategies to reach the ambitious bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030. The current annual trade volume stands at around $65 billion.

This translates to approximately ₹5,41,000 crores. The target of $100 billion equals about ₹8,32,000 crores. Achieving this will require stronger market access, improved payment mechanisms and reduced trade barriers.

Defence cooperation was a major focus of the talks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that both sides are exploring BrahMos missile upgrades. Moscow remains committed to fulfilling its remaining S-400 system deliveries. Discussions also included the proposed supply of Su-57 fighter jets to India.

In the energy sector, the two sides reviewed the overall scenario. They agreed to ramp up cooperation in civil nuclear energy. This is expected to strengthen India’s energy security and diversify its energy mix.

Industrial cooperation also featured prominently. Collaboration in the rail and tunnelling sectors, development of the steel value chain and broadening access to the Russian market for Indian exporters were discussed. Expanding industrial ties is seen as vital to balancing the trade deficit.

The talks also covered increasing the mobility of skilled Indian labourers to Russia. Cooperation in critical minerals was another area of focus. These discussions reflect the growing scope of the partnership beyond traditional defence and energy ties.

The invitation for the 24th Annual Summit underscores the resilience of the India-Russia relationship. Despite global geopolitical uncertainties, the partnership continues to expand across multiple domains. Modi’s forthcoming visit to Moscow will mark another milestone in this enduring strategic partnership.

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Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal Urges BRICS To Link Payment Systems And Boost Local Currency Trade

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday urged BRICS member and partner countries to integrate their payment systems, expand trade in local currencies and strengthen cooperation in digital commerce and emerging technologies.

Speaking at the opening session of the BRICS Business Forum 2026, he underscored India’s digital public infrastructure and the rapid growth of the Unified Payments Interface.

He noted that UPI now processes more than ₹2,08,33,333 crores worth of transactions annually, accounting for over half of global transaction volumes.

Goyal emphasised that UPI is already accepted in 11 countries and called on BRICS members and partners to explore greater integration of their payment networks. He argued that stronger payment connectivity would help deepen economic ties among BRICS economies.

The BRICS Business Forum was convened ahead of the two-day BRICS summit hosted by India from Saturday. The discussions took place against the backdrop of heightened uncertainty in global trade and supply chains, driven by geopolitical conflicts, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and tariff measures introduced by the Trump administration.

Goyal highlighted the need for BRICS economies to build deeper and more resilient trade relationships supported by diversified supply chains. He stressed that trade should serve as a driver of economic growth and improve people’s well-being rather than act as a constraint.

He also called for greater market access among BRICS members and partner countries, particularly for raw materials and critical minerals. He pointed out that supply chains could only become genuinely resilient when trade flows in both directions.

The minister flagged the impact of non-tariff measures on exporters, noting that such restrictions can increase export costs more than tariff barriers. He urged BRICS countries to simplify regulatory processes and accelerate the clearance of consignments to enable smoother trade.

Goyal further proposed enhanced cooperation in agricultural technology, particularly through partnerships among agri-tech Start-Ups.

He suggested that Start-Ups across BRICS economies could jointly develop solutions for farmers while contributing to food security.

He also called for stronger integration of services markets and easier movement of professionals across member countries. He proposed mutual recognition of professional qualifications to facilitate cross-border services.

Goyal identified agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering, electronics, automobiles, auto components and services as sectors offering significant scope for deeper cooperation between BRICS economies.

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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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