India, Canada aim to conclude CEPA trade pact by end-2026: MEA.
India and Canada are working towards concluding negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said on Friday that three rounds of CEPA negotiations have been held so far, with the latest round taking place in Ottawa from July 6-10.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India Food Safety Conclave to take place on August 7.
Food Safety Works and the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce will organise the 4th Edition of India Food Safety Conclave Set for August 7, 2026. The day-long conclave will take place on August 7, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Hotel at Brigade Gateway, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Industry leaders, regulators, and academicians gather under the theme ‘Navigating Food Safety in the New World of Health & Wellness.’
Source: fnbnews.com
Reconstituted NABMGR charts roadmap for agricultural genetic resources.
The reconstituted National Advisory Board on Management of Genetic Resources (NABMGR) held its first meeting at the ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in New Delhi on July 29, 2026, outlining a strategic roadmap to strengthen the conservation and sustainable use of India's agricultural genetic resources. Originally constituted in 2011, the Board has been reconstituted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under the chairmanship of former DARE Secretary and ICAR Director General Dr R.S. Paroda, with Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, serving as Co-Chairman.
Source: fnbnews.com
China, India resume border trade at Nathu La after years-long suspension, signaling warmer engagement.
The Nathu La Pass resumed operation for border trade between China and India on Saturday, signaling a new phase of mutually beneficial cooperation and development in cross-border trade, Gong Shijun, head of Yadong county in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, said at the reopening ceremony, according to a statement sent to the Global Times. According to the statement, Gong said that Yadong had historically served as a major route on the southern branch of the ancient Silk Road and a gateway for trade between China and South Asian countries. It has long been an important window for Xizang's opening-up.
Source: globaltimes.cn
Russia, India Preparing Logistics Routes To Handle Upcoming Free Trade Agreement Boost.
Investment Protection Agreements are being worked on to prepare businesses in India, Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union members – Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan for the upcoming free trade zone between India and the EAEU. This includes new logistics corridors and a financial settlement system independent of Western sanctions, according to Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko.
Source: russiaspivottoasia.com
India–UK CETA opens new economic corridor, targets $100 billion trade with tariff & services reform.
India and the United Kingdom have dismantled a substantial part of the tariff wall separating two of the world’s largest economies. With the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement coming into force on July 15, 2026, Indian garments, footwear, marine products, engineering goods and processed foods have secured easier access to the British market, while UK automobiles, whisky, cosmetics and advanced machinery will enter India at progressively lower duties. But CETA’s real significance extends far beyond cheaper imports and preferential tariffs: it creates a new framework for services, professional mobility, digital commerce, investment and supply-chain integration.
Source: government.economictimes.indiatimes.com
Trade Deal With UK May See Around $1 Billion Incremental Exports.
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) can potentially open up an almost $1 billion incremental export opportunity for Indian textiles. The trade deal offers a strong medium-to-long-term growth opportunity for India's textile industry, potentially opening up almost $1 billion in incremental export opportunities, finds India Ratings and Research. In FY26, India exported USD 2.2 billion in textiles and readymade garments to the UK.
Source: deccanchronicle.com
Government enhances MIDH financial assistance.
The Central Government has revised the operational guidelines of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) in 2025, substantially increasing financial assistance for horticultural crops such as orange, kinnow, cumin and isabgol in response to rising input and labour costs. The revision follows requests from stakeholders and reflects the increased cost of quality planting material, fertilisers, irrigation systems and post-harvest infrastructure, while also incorporating newer technologies in horticulture.
Source: fnbnews.com
NBA releases Rs 8.22 crore to rice research institutions and rice-growing States.
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released Rs 8.22 crore to three research institutions and 33 State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils, marking one of the largest single access and benefit-sharing (ABS) disbursements for rice. According to a press release, the amount was received from Pioneer Overseas Corporation, an international seed company, for using Indian rice (Oryza sativa) varieties to develop and commercialise hybrids. The disbursement reflects India's commitment to ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of the country's biological resources.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India, Canada aim to conclude CEPA trade pact by end-2026: MEA.
India and Canada are working towards concluding negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said on Friday that three rounds of CEPA negotiations have been held so far, with the latest round taking place in Ottawa from July 6-10.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com