bilateral engagements

India and the UK are working to resolve outstanding issues, including steel quotas and duties, to expedite the implementation of their bilateral trade agreement. Discussions between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State Peter Kyle focused on overcoming these sticking points to advance economic engagement and strengthen the partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump are expected to cross paths at the G7 summit in France, with both leaders confirmed to attend. While a bilateral meeting is being explored on the sidelines, no official engagement has been finalized yet.

The US Trade Representative has proposed a 12.5% tariff on exports from 54 countries, including India and China, citing their failure to prohibit goods made with forced labor. This move comes as US officials are in India discussing a framework agreement. The USTR's report also addresses excess capacity in several countries, potentially leading to further tariffs.

India and Singapore solidified their robust defence partnership during the 16th Defence Policy Dialogue in Singapore. Discussions focused on deepening cooperation in strategic areas, including emerging and digital warfare domains. The visit also explored collaboration opportunities in advanced digital and technical capabilities, reinforcing the strong bilateral ties guided by their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Union government is engaging with the US concerning a Section 301 investigation into forced labor and industrial capacity. The US Trade Representative has identified India among countries with inadequate measures against goods made with forced labor, proposing potential tariffs. This occurs amidst ongoing bilateral trade deal discussions.

Indian exporters are closely monitoring US trade investigations and bilateral deal talks, expecting an advantage over rivals. While not overly concerned about a proposed 12.5% tariff on 54 countries, they are apprehensive about the same levy on China. Exporters are confident that ongoing negotiations will lead to mutually beneficial outcomes, especially for sectors like footwear and leather.

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah proposed resolving border disputes with India through dialogue and suggested involving the UK, citing its historical role in defining regional borders. He emphasized negotiations and diplomatic efforts, noting that Nepal has exchanged notes with India to examine historical and geographical records concerning disputed territories.

India and Singapore's defence chiefs met to boost cooperation, exploring new frontiers in cyber security, AI, and maritime domains. Discussions focused on strengthening strategic ties, industry collaboration, and building capacity to tackle evolving regional security challenges. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a stable Indo-Pacific.

India and the UK are addressing key issues delaying the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) implementation, including Britain's steel safeguard measure and carbon border adjustment mechanism. These concerns could lead India to rebalance duty concessions on British products like Scotch whisky, impacting bilateral trade.

India and China convened their 35th border talks in Beijing, reviewing the Line of Actual Control and discussing measures for peace. Both nations expressed satisfaction with progress in border areas, deeming it crucial for normalizing bilateral ties. Discussions covered delimitation, management, and cooperation, with India pushing for an early expert meeting on trans-border rivers. Diplomatic and military exchanges will continue.

The USTR released the outcome of 60 investigations conducted under Section 301, identifying India among 54 economies that, according to its assessment, do not have adequate measures in place to prohibit or effectively prevent the import of goods allegedly produced using forced labour.

India and the US have signed a bilateral framework to secure supplies, mining, and processing of critical minerals and rare earth elements. This agreement aims to strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains, fostering collaboration on financing and management of these vital resources. The pact underscores the strategic importance of the growing partnership between the two nations.

India and Australia have significantly boosted their defence ties, agreeing to enhance interoperability, expand maritime security cooperation, and deepen military engagements. Key initiatives include joint exercises, reciprocal aircraft deployments, and increased information sharing. Discussions also focused on defence industrial collaboration, with plans for joint research and industry roundtables, strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

India and Canada are accelerating free trade agreement negotiations, aiming to boost bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. Both nations are committed to deepening economic ties, with a "Team Canada" business delegation set to visit India later this year to explore new opportunities.

The US Trade Representative has proposed additional tariffs on goods from 54 economies, including India, over concerns about forced labor in supply chains. This move, stemming from a Section 301 investigation, could impact India's exports, particularly those relying on Chinese inputs, despite existing domestic prohibitions on forced labor.

IPL governing council chairman Arun Dhumal said the league’s media rights growth is unmatched in global sport, highlighting its massive return on investment in just 18 years. He credited fan engagement, close contests and the IPL’s talent pipeline for India’s cricketing dominance and growing commercial value

India and Italy have elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, fostering deeper cooperation in defence, technology, and trade. A defence roadmap for co-development and co-production of military platforms was agreed upon, alongside an ambitious €20 billion trade target by 2029. Discussions also covered global security, including West Asia and Ukraine, and maritime cooperation.

India and Italy have forged a Special Strategic Partnership, revitalizing defence and industrial ties. A new roadmap prioritizes co-development and co-production of military systems, including helicopters and naval platforms, aligning with India's 'Make in India' vision. This collaboration also extends to counterterrorism and space exploration, marking a significant step forward for both nations.