India will allow around 103,600 tonnes of food items to be exported to Bhutan under a humanitarian operation, making an exception for its strategic partners amid export restrictions, two senior government officials said. This comes after possible signs of progress in long-running boundary talks between China and Bhutan grabbed India’s attention as Beijing stepped up efforts to establish diplomatic ties with the tiny Himalayan kingdom.

 

In August, it exported 79,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Bhutan, followed by 1.98 million tonnes of the staple to nine other key Asian and African nations, including Singapore, Nepal, Malaysia and the Philippines upon request after India imposed a ban on exports of non-basmati white rice on 20 July.

 

India will supply 14,184 tonnes of wheat grain, 5,326 tonnes of wheat flour, nearly 15,300 tonnes of maida, suji (semolina) and 48,804 tonnes of broken rice to Bhutan under humanitarian operations, one of the officials said. It will also supply around 20,000 tonnes of sugar to Bhutan, the other official said.

 

The exports will be done through National Cooperative Exports Ltd, a government export body which was set up under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002 to export agricultural produce and allied items.

 

'We cannot turn down requests for food items by countries such as Nepal and Bhutan that are dependent on imports to meet their domestic demand. To keep the strategic relationship intact both ways, despite the ban, we are offering help to an extent that doesn’t pinch us,' the second official added.

 

Bhutan depends on imports to meet food demand. It mainly imports oil and fuels, base metals, machinery and electrical appliances, vehicles, wood and food. Bhutan’s main import partner is India which contributes to around 80% of total imports.

 

Other import partners include South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, China and Nepal.

 

From April to September, India’s agricultural exports to Bhutan were $65.19 million as against $79.63 million in the same period last year. In FY23, India’s exports to Bhutan of goods in agricultural commodities, including cereals, spices, meat, dairy and poultry products were $148.31 million of total $1.07 billion against $135.94 million out of a total $874.53 million in FY22, according to the ministry of commerce and industry.

 

Meanwhile, China’s exports to Bhutan have been increasing over the years. Exports of goods went up to $169.42 million in FY22 from $13.34 FY18.

 

Queries sent to the spokespeople of the Bhutanese embassy in New Delhi and the union department of food and public distribution remained unanswered at press time.

 

Since last year, the Central government has taken several measures to tame food inflation, including curbs on sugar exports and a ban on wheat export in May 2022, prohibition on the export of broken rice in September 2022 and an export ban on non-basmati white rice in July 2023.

In a significant recognition of Uttarakhand’s rich and diverse heritage, the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry has bestowed the coveted GI tags upon more than 15 products from the state. These products, ranging from traditional teas to textiles and pulses, not only reflect the cultural tapestry of Uttarakhand but also hold immense economic potential.

 

1. Berinag Tea: Himalayan Elegance in Every Sip

Uttarakhand’s Berinag tea, crafted from the leaves of a plant that thrives in the Himalayan wilderness, has earned a spot on the list. The unique process of compressing the leaves into a solid mass sets this tea apart. Widely sought after by London tea houses and blenders, Berinag tea showcases the region’s expertise in the art of tea-making.

 

2. Bichhu Buti Fabrics: Sustainable Fashion from Himalayan Nettles

The recognition extends to Bichhu buti fabrics, made from Himalayan nettle fibers. These fabrics, known for their natural insulation properties, are ideal for clothing in both winter and summer. The hollow fibers trap air, providing a unique and sustainable solution for the fashion industry.

 

3. Uttarakhand Mandua: A Staple Delight

Uttarakhand’s finger millet, known as Mandua, has been an integral part of the local diet in Garhwal and Kumaon. The acknowledgment with a GI tag underscores its significance as a staple food item, marking its distinctiveness in terms of taste and cultural importance.

 

4. Jhangora: The Himalayan Millet Marvel

Another homegrown millet, Jhangora, found in the rain-fed areas of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, now carries the GI tag. This recognition highlights its unique characteristics and strengthens its identity as a valuable local produce.

 

5. Gahat: Medicinal Pulse of Uttarakhand

Gahat, a crucial pulse thriving in the dry regions of Uttarakhand, has been granted a GI tag. With known medicinal uses documented in Ayurveda and traditional medicine, Gahat is not only a culinary delight but also a testament to the state’s traditional medicinal knowledge.

 

6. Uttarakhand Lal Chawal: Organically Grown Gem

Organically grown in the Purola region, Uttarakhand Lal Chawal, a red rice variant, now proudly carries the GI tag. This recognition further emphasizes the uniqueness of this locally cultivated rice variety.

 

Diverse Range of Recognition

The list of GI-tagged products from Uttarakhand is extensive, covering a spectrum of items such as the Uttarakhand Kala Bhat (black soybean), Malta fruit, Chaulai (Ramdana) grain for fasting days, Buransh juice from Rhododendron arboreum flowers, Pahari Toor Dal, Uttarakhand Likhai or wood carvings, Nainital Mombatti (candles), Kumaon’s Rangwali Pichhoda, Ramnagar Nainital Litchis, Ramgarh Nainital Peaches, Chamoli Wooden Ramman Masks, and Almora Lakhori Mirchis, a distinctive chili variant.

 

Conclusion: A Culmination of Culture and Commerce

The conferment of GI tags on these diverse products not only celebrates Uttarakhand’s cultural wealth but also opens up new avenues for economic growth. These products, now recognized on a global scale, are poised to contribute significantly to the state’s identity and economy, ensuring their legacy for generations to come.

While Maharashtra takes pride in its Alphonso, for which it acquired a GI Tag in October 2018, people of the state are proving not to be Alphonso purists but rather big lovers of the mango. So much so, that when the first lot of Malawi mangoes, which are identical to Alphonso in taste and texture, arrived in Vashi APMC fruit market from East Africa on Saturday, the boxes were sold within minutes.

 

A shipment of 598 boxes hit the market which were priced between Rs.4,500 and Rs.5,500 per box at the wholesale yard. Pune-based retailer bought 100 boxes, the rest were sold to patrons from Mumbai. The season for these mangoes will be from mid-November to mid-December and more Malawi mangoes are expected to reach the market in the coming days.

 

The mango season in India stretches from April to July, and of the more than 1,000 varieties that hit the markets, the much-coveted Alphonso remains undefeated as the king. During its brief season, the obsession around it remains on par with Bollywood and cricket. Even in the off-season, such as November-December, Mumbaiites crave Alphonso and thanks to Malawi mangoes, the taste buds are satiated.

 

Anil Karhale, a retailer from Crawford Market says he has celebrity clients who purchased the Malawi mangoes from him. 'Right from Sachin Tendulkar to Amitabh Bachchan, these mangoes go to several celebrity homes in Mumbai,' said Karhale, who has been getting the Malawi mangoes for the last two years now, had got 45 boxes on Saturday of which all got sold off. In the retail market, the price of Malawi is from Rs.5,000 to Rs.7,000.

 

Just like Alphonso from western Maharashtra, its African version which arrives from Malawi, a country in East Africa, has a tender, rich, creamy taste. The flesh of the mango is a saffron yellow in colour. The skin of a fully ripe mango is yellow with a red tinge and golden hue.

 

Around thirteen years back, the producers in Malawi got a few Alphonso mango sticks from Ratnagiri which were grafted and planted across a 26-acre farm. Today, it is spread across 600 acres. These mangoes were exported to India in 2018. The first 40-ton mangoes had arrived in the APMC market which then cost Rs.1,500 per box. The popularity of these mangoes went off the charts which resulted in the arrival of 70 tons of mangoes in 2019. During Covid, only 15-ton Malawi mangoes reached the market which were priced between Rs.2,500 to Rs.3,000 per box.

 

'Indian mangoes are not available from October to December. In East Africa, this is the season when mangoes are harvested. Hence there is no clash between both the seasons and patrons are spoilt for choice. Indian Alphonso arrive from January till June from various parts of South and Konkan belt of Maharashtra,' Sanjay Pansare, importer of the Malawi mangoes from APMC market, said.

 

This year, according to Pansare, the crops yielded more fruits than last year and hence more number of Malawi mangoes are expected to reach the market in the coming days. 'Malawi mango season is expected to be there till December 20 and a total of 75 tonnes is expected to reach the market. As the produce keeps coming in, the rates would go down but not as much as our Indian Alphonso. Mangoes give more produce every alternate year. Last year the produce was less and hence the rates were high and the quantity that reached us was also less,' Pansare, who is also the director of the fruit market in APMC, said, adding, 'There is a huge demand for the mangoes as they are similar in taste to the famous Alphonso variety from Ratnagiri district. Retailers look forward to Malawi mangoes as both countries have different harvest windows.' The price of these mangoes is high also because they meet European standards as they undergo hot water treatment. 'The sand and weather in Malawi is similar to that of India. That’s why they taste almost like the Alphonso. They smell similar to the mother plant which is here in India,' Pansare added.Shaam Bherumal from Cuff Parade who purchased 100 boxes from Pansare has sold around 15 boxes on day one. 'The mangoes will ripen in the next five days and by then we are expecting the stock to get over. Malawi mangoes, once they enter, get sold off and are mostly used in Diwali gifting,' Bherumal added.

 

Chief negotiators of India and the UK are expected to soon hold next round of talks for the proposed free trade agreement to iron out differences on issues such as automobiles, medical devices, and movement of professionals, an official said. The official said that the UK team may come here for the 14th round of negotiations so that the talks can be concluded at the earliest.

 

'Virtual sessions are progressing. But we are planning for a full fledged round of talks. In the full round, both sides discuss all the chapters. Some 60-70 sessions happen parallelly,' the official, who did not wish to be named, said.

 

Issues which need resolution include rules of origin; intellectual property rights (IPRs); social security agreement; duty concessions on electric vehicles, scotch whiskey, lamb meat, chocolates and certain confectionary items; liberalisation of norms in services sectors like banking and insurance.

 

Talks are also progressing on the proposed bilateral investment treaty (BIT).

 

The investment treaty is being negotiated as a separate agreement between India and the UK.

 

These investment treaties help in promoting and protecting investments in each other's country. The main point of contention involved in this pact is about the mechanism for the settlement of disputes.

 

BITs help in promoting and protecting investments in each other's countries.

 

India has proposed to first utilise all local judicial remedies for settlement of disputes before initiating an international arbitration.

 

India and the UK launched the talks for free-trade agreement (FTA) in January 2022, with an aim to conclude talks by Diwali (October 24, 2022), but the deadline was missed due to political developments in the UK.

 

There are 26 chapters in the agreement, which include goods, services, investments and intellectual property rights.

 

The Indian industry is demanding greater access for its skilled professionals from sectors like IT, and healthcare in the UK market, besides market access for several goods at nil customs duties.

 

On the other hand, the UK is seeking a significant cut in import duties on goods such as scotch whiskey, automobiles, lamb meat, chocolates and certain confectionary items.

 

Britain is also looking for more opportunities for UK services in Indian markets in segments like telecommunications, legal and financial services (banking and insurance).

 

The bilateral trade between India and the UK increased to USD 20.36 billion in 2022-23 from USD 17.5 billion in 2021-22.

 

The 'rules of origin' provision prescribes minimal processing that should happen in the FTA country so that the final manufactured product may be called originating goods in that country.

 

Under this provision, a country that has inked an FTA with India cannot dump goods from some third country in the Indian market by just putting a label on it. It has to undertake a prescribed value addition in that product to export to India. Rules of origin norms help contain dumping of goods.

 

Food safety regulator FSSAI has launched the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal in four regional languages, apart from Hindi and English, in order to enhance user experience and accessibility.

 

The portal is now available in Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu and Marathi, apart from Hindi and English.

 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) also plans to launch the portal in Kannada, Punjabi, Malayalam, Assamese, Bengali and Odia soon, an official statement said.

 

The latest advancement aims to enhance the user experience for local food businesses, allowing them to easily connect with the FSSAI's online compliance portal FoSCoS, launched nationwide in 2020, it added.

The government has granted permission to an additional ten companies to import 50 million eggs as part of ongoing efforts to tame egg prices.

 

With this recent approval, a total of 35 companies have been authorised to bring in 250 million eggs from foreign countries.

 

This decision comes at a time when the initial 25 companies, previously allowed to import 200 million eggs, are facing challenges in executing their imports. To date, only 62,000 eggs have entered the country from India.

 

The prices of widely consumed eggs have seen a reduction of Tk 1 to Tk 3 in the local market. Further price reductions are anticipated once the imported shipments are introduced to the domestic market.

 

As per the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the retail price of an egg is currently Tk 10-11.25, slightly below the government-fixed rate of Tk 12. The country's daily demand for eggs is estimated to be 40 million, according to the commerce ministry.

 

The newly authorised companies for egg imports include MA Engineering, Khairul Rice Agency, Hafsa Mart, M/S Tarafder (L) Enterprise, Save and Safety International, Patwary Enterprise, M/S Sheikh Enterprise, Hydroland Solution, M/S Mts Trading, and Rum Jum International.

 

On October 8, five companies were permitted to import 50 million eggs, and on September 17, four private companies were granted permission to import 40 million eggs. Subsequent permissions were given to additional companies, totalling 250 million eggs.

 

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Senior Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh mentioned that although the government has allowed the import of 250 million eggs, only 62,000 have been imported thus far.

 

He attributed the delay to precautionary measures and emphasized that the government's objective is to reduce egg prices, and imports will continue until price stabilisation is achieved.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met the US Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai and discussed ways to further boost trade and investments between the two countries. Goyal is in the US for a four-day visit. He reached San Francisco on November 13.

 

He also met Dukgeun Ahn, Minister of Trade, Korea, and Gan Kim Yong, Minister of Trade and Industry, Singapore.

 

These ministers are in the US for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) meeting.

 

'Wonderful meeting my friend Ambassador Katherine Tai, the US Trade Representative. We discussed ways to further deepen our trade & investment ties along with convergence on key WTO issues for a favourable outcome at MC13,' Goyal said on the social platform X.

 

The 164-member World Trade Organization (WTO) is holding its 13th ministerial conference (MC) at Abu Dhabi in February next year.

 

During the ministerial meetings in San Francisco, Goyal discussed potential collaboration under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), ways and means of further enhancing bilateral trade and commerce linkages and matters related to the WTO.

 

During the interaction with his Singaporean and South Korean counterparts, he suggested expediting the conclusion of the review of free trade agreements, the commerce ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

 

Goyal also attended an investors' round table, where different venture capitalists and entrepreneurs from sectors such as energy, manufacturing, logistics, and technology participated.

 

During the visit, Goyal will participate in the third in-person IPEF Ministerial meeting, and the engagements of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

 

Exports to the US have come down to USD 38.28 billion during April-September 2023, from USD 41.49 billion a year ago. Imports have declined to USD 21.39 billion during the first six months of the current fiscal, compared to USD 25.79 billion in the same period of the previous financial year.

 

External affairs minister S Jaishankar, currently on a trip to the UK, has said that India and the UK are focusing on a free trade agreement (FTA) and hoped the two sides will find a 'landing point' that works for both.

 

'We are focusing on what is officially called an enhanced trade partnership. In common sense, it's called FTA and that is today very much the focus of what the Indian and British systems are negotiating and where we hope that we will find a landing point which will work for both of us,' Jaishankar said at an event in London on Monday.

 

India and the UK have been negotiating an FTA since January last year to enhance bilateral trading ties.

 

The talks have undergone 13 rounds of negotiations, with officials hopeful of clinching a deal ahead of general elections in both countries scheduled for 2024. There are reports that a deal could be announced in December after the assembly polls.

 

Speaking to the Indian community at the Diwali reception in London on Monday, Jaishankar talked about his meetings with foreign secretary David Cameron, defence secretary Grant Shapps and home secretary James Cleverly.

 

He said Cameron met him on the first day of his job and that his 'commitment and support for the relationship' was extremely satisfying. 'We spent a lot of time talking about how to take it forward. I also, of course, met the home secretary, recently appointed foreign secretary and he has been a pillar of strength for the relationship in his previous job. In his current job, we continue to count on him. Again, taking this relationship to a higher level,' he added.

Minister of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Pashupati Kumar Paras held a bilateral meeting with the Governor of the state of Mato Grosso of Brazil, Mauro Mendes Ferreira in New Delhi on Monday. The India-Brazil bilateral meeting was attended by the Additional Secretary, MoFPI, Minhaj Alam and senior officials from the ministry. From the Brazil side, the Governor was accompanied by Kenneth Nóbrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India and other senior officials of Brazil.

 

'Both sides discussed the historic relationship both countries enjoy which goes back to over 70 years. The recent high-level interactions and visits are testimony to both sides’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, and this momentum needs to be continued, sustained, and further strengthened,' MoFPI said. Pashupati Kumar Paras highlighted that the Prime Ministers of our respective nations had very productive meetings on the sidelines of G7 Summit as well as G20 Summit.

 

Governor Mauro Mendes Ferreira emphasised that India is a key strategic partner for Brazil and Brazil commends as well as congratulates the visionary steps taken by the Indian government to foster development in the country. Ferreira also applauded the recent success of Indian space missions and the strong performance of India’s food processing, pharma, and energy sectors.

 

At the India-Brazil bilateral meeting, Paras inquired about the status of agrifood production in Brazil in accordance with the agro-climatic in general and specific to the state of Mato Grosso. Brazil officials expressed their interest in expanding their export of soybean, corn, cotton, and poultry meat among other agricultural commodities to India in the near future.

 

Both sides acknowledged the strategic importance of each other in fostering food security. India as one of the largest producers of agrifood and Brazil as one the largest exporter of food can work towards ensuring food security for the world. The Brazilian side highlighted that the bilateral trade between the two countries has expanded by 32 per cent to US$15.2 billion in 2022.

 

The two countries discussed synergies and explored possibilities for further collaboration and coordination in the food processing sector particularly in terms of exchange of goods and human resources. Both sides agreed to continue to work in partnership with each other to facilitate an even greater exchange of goods and ideas.

Trade ministers from 14 countries are poised to announce a significant development in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) as they finalize agreements on two additional pillars - clean energy & infrastructure and tax & anti-corruption. The signing of an agreement on resilient supply chains is also anticipated later this week. The move reflects a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties while reducing dependence on China in the post-COVID era.

 

This announcement will leave only the trade pillar open for further negotiations. India has remained cautious on the trade pillar, maintaining an observer status while keeping options open for the future. The decision regarding India's active participation in the trade negotiations will be considered at a later stage.

 

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is in the US to attend the ministerial engagements of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

 

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Monday said there had been 'very substantial progress' on three of the four areas under discussion by the 14 member countries of the IPEF, but that trade needs 'further work.'

 

A key element of the Biden administration's strategy to strengthen economic connections with Asian countries and mitigate the increasing influence of China in the Pacific is the IPEF. This forum serves as a platform for engaging in multilateral discussions with the goal of reaching agreements across various domains, including trade.

 

'My understanding is that very substantial progress has been made on three of the four pillars' of the talks, Yellen said in a news conference in San Francisco, referring to talks on supply chains, the climate transition, and anti-corruption.

 

The trade pillar is perceived as the most challenging aspect, as it necessitates commitments from participating countries to ease rules in various areas, including labor, environment, agriculture, and inclusivity—areas that have traditionally been considered 'no-go areas.' India's approach is cautious, with negotiators participating in discussions but refraining from making commitments at this stage.

 

Clean energy and tax-related negotiations are seen as less challenging. India is considered to be ahead of the curve in clean energy, and discussions on tax and anti-corruption align with frameworks established by international bodies such as the OECD and the Financial Action Task Force.

 

While India has historically refrained from participating in US-led trade groupings, the IPEF has emerged as a platform for engagement. It aims to form a coalition that balances the economic influence of non-market economies, particularly China. India's involvement in these talks signals a strategic shift, leveraging stronger bilateral relations and exploring the potential benefits of the IPEF platform in the evolving global economic landscape.