1.   

Pakistan has not yet granted MFN status to India: Government

The government today said Pakistan has not adhered to the deadline for according the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India. "It was expected that the complete phasing out of the negative list before the end of 2012 would complete the transition to MFN status to India by Pakistan. But this deadline of MFN status has not been adhered to by Pakistan," Minister of State for Commerce and Industry D Purandeswari said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

2.   

India, US completes 3 rounds of negotiations for BIT

India and the US have completed three rounds of negotiations for the proposed bilateral investment treaty (BIT), a pact which would help in enhancing economic ties between the countries. "The bilateral investment agreement discussion with the US started on August 11, 2009 and as of now three rounds have been held on various elements of bilateral investment treaty text of the US," Minister of State for Commerce and Industry D Purandeswari said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

3.   

'Will take Indo-UK business ties to highest possible level'

Bilateral ties between India and the United Kingdom received a boost with the appointment of KumarIyer as the new British deputy high commissioner for western India. Iyer would also serve as the director general for UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) for India, a post that has been created to underline the importance of business ties between the two countries. Iyer, who was previously a high-ranking official at the British treasury and the British prime minister's strategy unit, will be based in Mumbai. He will take over reins on August 5.

4.   

India, Iran pledge to deepen ties as Rouhani assumes office

Iran's new President Hassan Rouhani Sunday pledged to deepen ties with India, hours after he took the oath before a galaxy of world leaders, including Vice President Hamid Ansari.Ansari, who was earlier India's ambassador to Iran, called on Rouhani during which the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties. Reflecting warm bilateral relations, Ansari flew into the Iranian capital by a special plane to represent India at the inauguration of the 64-year-old moderate cleric as Iran's seventh president.