NZ-India Free Trade Agreement verified.
Legal verification of the new New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been completed, with both countries agreeing its signing on 27 April in New Delhi. Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said the 'once-in-a-generation' agreement gives New Zealand exporters unprecedented access to 1.4 billion people and an economy set to become the third-largest in the world.
Source: insidegovernment.co.nz
Fast track for fruit: Railways to run cargo train between Budgam, Delhi.
In a significant boost for Jammu and Kashmir’s fruit growers and handicraft merchants, the Indian Railways announced the launch of a rapid cargo train between Budgam and New Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar starting on Friday.. This dedicated service aims to provide a faster, more reliable, and cost-effective alternative to road transport, arriving at a critical juncture for the region’s horticulture sector. With perishable cash crops like cherries, peaches, and plums set to hit the market in May, local businessmen estimate that the rail link will be approximately 30% to 40% cheaper than traditional trucking.
Source: hindustantimes.com
'Cultivating premium fruit varieties requires premium effort'.
Fresh Produce India 2026 wrapped up at Mumbai's Trident Nariman Point Hotel last week, witnessing a day buzzing with panel discussions, networking, and deal-making. Avocados and blueberries dominated discussions as hundreds of growers, exporters, retailers, and marketers discussed India's horticulture and export challenges and opportunities. From consumers demanding real health results to new varieties rewriting production playbooks, sessions brought forward what the next phase of India's produce trade with the rest of the world looks like. Here's what stood out.
Source: freshplaza.com
India-China SCO talks focus on trade security, connectivity under first bilateral consultations
India and China held their first bilateral consultations on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in New Delhi on April 16-17, agreeing to strengthen cooperation on security, trade and regional connectivity. The two sides exchanged views on implementing SCO leaders' decisions and the future course of the organisation. They agreed to continue and deepen consultations on SCO-related issues, officials said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Exporters seek removal of cap on interest subvention.
Exporters on Friday urged the government to remove the cap on interest subvention, saying the current level of support is inadequate to cushion the sector amid rising global trade uncertainties. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) expects the government to revisit the structure of the subsidy scheme to provide more meaningful relief to businesses facing higher borrowing costs and volatile export demand, a top official added.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India explores FTA full use with Norway, sets up fast-track investment system with Austria.
India and Norway explored sectoral cooperation across energy, maritime, pharmaceuticals and biotech, including discussions on oil and gas, offshore technologies, renewable energy, green hydrogen, low-carbon solutions, digitization of port operations, and sustainable shipping practices, the government said Friday. Norway, a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), expressed its growing investment interest in India through Government Pension Fund Global and Norfund’s investments in renewable energy projects.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
West Asia crisis: Govt expands export insurance scheme.
The government on Friday expanded the list of eligible destinations to include Jordan and Egypt under the Rs 497 crore Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme to provide higher insurance to exporters facing disruptions from the West Asia crisis. The scheme was launched on March 19 for exports meant for 17 countries. 'In view of the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia and its continuing impact on maritime logistics across the Gulf and adjoining regions, the government has expanded the list of eligible destinations under RELIEF, a time-bound intervention under the Export Promotion Mission,' the commerce and industry ministry said in a statement.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
FSSAI says only Ashwagandha roots permitted in nutraceuticals, supplements.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has cautioned companies to ensure use of Ashwagandha in products is done in compliance with the notified standards. It has directed food business operators to ensure that only roots of Ashwagandha and its extracts are used in their products in compliance with prescribed limits. It emphasised that the use of the herb’s leaves and its extracts is prohibited.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Strengthening agri-exports: The role of processed sugar in India’s global trade strategy.
The Indian sugar industry has undergone a significant structural transformation in recent years, evolving from a domestic commodity supplier into a globally competitive manufacturing sector aligned with international standards for refined and processed sugar. As we move through the current sugar season, this shift has become central to India’s agricultural trade strategy. Recent production data show that by the end of January 2026, Indian sugar mills produced 193.05 lakh metric tonne (LMT) of sugar, compared to 165.30 LMT during the same period last year. This increase, along with an improved recovery rate of 9.11 per cent, highlights stronger operational efficiency and the sector’s ability to support higher export volumes.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
China suspends import licences of 3 Indian rice export firms.
About a month after rejecting consignments from three Indian rice exporters due to traces of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), China has cancelled the import licenses of these companies, effective April 17, according to sources. The Indian Embassy in China communicated the matter to APEDA, India’s official agricultural export promotion body, which subsequently informed the affected companies.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com