1.   

India, NZ to strengthen farming ties

New Zealand Minister for Primary Industries, David Carter, will lead a business delegation in India this week as the relationship between the two countries continues to strengthen. Carter will also meet with senior figures from the Indian government as negotiations for a free trade agreement between India and New Zealand progress.

2.   

ASEAN links: India rebuilds road, sea links to boost trade and people-to-people ties

Connectivity is the buzzword in India's relations with the 10-member Asean as it rebuilds road and sea links to boost trade and people-to-people ties with an economically vibrant region. A Trilateral Highway - linking Thailand and Myanmar with India - called Friendship Road is slowly nearing completion, while a car rally kicks off from Yogakarta in Indonesia to finally end in India's northeast. An Indian naval ship is docking at ports of the Asean countries, reviving and building on an ancient sea route link with the region.

3.   

Britain seeks new partnership with India: London Mayor Boris Johnson

On a mission to promote investment opportunities in the UK, visiting London Mayor Boris Johnson today pitched for a "new and great partnership" with India to help double the bilateral trade by 2015. "Britain is open to investments from India in a big way," he said during an interaction with senior editors here while seeking to allay the perception that doing business with Britain is very difficult.

4.   

Farm exports surge after ban on non-basmati rice, wheat goes

Removal of ban on shipments of non-basmati rice and wheat last year helped India emerge as a net exporter of agricultural commodities. Exports of agricultural products have more than doubled in the past three years, while imports have grown by about a third in the same period. Besides, the surge in shipments of sugar, spices, coffee and tea has helped India boost its agri-exports in recent years. The agri-exports have grown from $10.56 billion in 2009-10 to $23.97 billion in 2011-12.