Terms of Reference Signed for India–Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
India and Canada launched negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) today in New Delhi and decided to finalise it soon. The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) were signed by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Mr. Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade of Canada on 2nd March 2026 and were exchanged in the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi & Prime Minister Mr. Mark Carney of Canada at Hyderabad House, New Delhi.
Source: pib.gov.in
Department of Commerce convenes Stakeholder Consultation to ensure trade continuity amid evolving geopolitical developments.
The Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, held a stakeholder consultation with all stakeholder ministries, key logistics and trade facilitation partners to review the emerging geo-political situation and its potential impact on India’s export-import (EXIM) cargo flows, including the export ecosystem.
Source: pib.gov.in
Chouhan unveils roadmap for major reforms at Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela.
The three-day National Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela was formally inaugurated by Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) campus in Pusa, Delhi, with a renewed focus on transforming Indian farming towards ‘Viksit Krishi (Developed Agriculture) – Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)’.
Source: fnbnews.com
Government assures exporters of support.
Govt on Monday assured exporters that it was willing to offer flexibilities and support them through trade facilitation measures, amid the uncertainty caused by the conflict in West Asia. In a meeting in the commerce department convened by special secretary Suchindra Misra and DGFT Lav Agarwal, exporters flagged possible pressure points: Perishables in transit, higher freight rates, demurrage, longer shipping routes, import component in exports and impact on bank repayments.While a monitoring cell or a 24x7 war room is in the offing for better coordination among agencies and to resolve issues, an official statement said govt 'reiterated its readiness to facilitate trade operations' and indicated its willingness to look at issues related to procedural flexibility in cases of genuine disruption, coordination with customs authorities for smooth clearance and engagement with banks and insurance agencies.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Turning agriculture into an engine of prosperity.
Recently, I visited a friend’s farm where he has spent years developing an organic and natural farming enterprise. Through sustainable practices, careful breeding, and chemical-free inputs, he produces high-quality farm products that meet global standards. His produce is pure, traceable, and responsibly grown. Yet, despite this commitment, he struggles to scale. The reason is limited access to reliable markets. He lacks strong links to organised retail, export channels, and professional branding platforms. Organic farming involves higher costs than conventional production, but he cannot consistently secure premium prices. His experience reflects a broader challenge in Indian agriculture. While there is dedication and quality at the farm level, existing systems to connect farmers to value and consumers are weak.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Global Victoria leads trade mission to Fresh Produce India.
Global Victoria is seeking applications from 'export-ready' Victorian horticultural producers to be part of the Australian state’s first trade mission to Fresh Produce India, taking place on 16-17 April 2026 in Mumbai. 'Fresh Produce India is South Asia’s flagship annual fresh produce trade show, attracting influential buyers and importers from across the region,' said Global Victoria in an industry notification.
Source: fruitnet.com
Meghalaya exports GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin organic oranges to Dubai.
Union ministry of commerce and industry on December 1 felicitated the trial export shipment of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin orange of Meghalaya to Dubai in association with Meghalaya’s ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare. The project is a part of its initiatives to promote exports of locally-sourced Geographical Indications (GI) tagged agricultural products.
Source: thenewsmill.com
Government panel said to review future of key GM food crop.
A panel of Indian ministers is set to examine a key genetically modified food crop with a view to agreeing government policy — a potential step toward opening one of the world’s largest agricultural markets to engineered varieties. The officials will discuss field trials of a GM variety of rapeseed, known locally as mustard, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter. The rollout of the crop has been stalled for years due to a lengthy court process after activists challenged its commercial release.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Iran-Israel-US war: Ships asked to bypass West Asia ports.
The government has asked Indian-flagged vessels to stay anchored at sea and avoid calling at West Asian ports, officials said as the US-Israel attack on Iran and retaliatory strikes by Iran on US allies in the region entered the second day. About 25 vessels in the Persian Gulf region are being monitored in coordination with the Indian Navy, they said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
West Asia conflict may spike dal prices; rice exports to Iran at risk.
West Asia conflict disrupts trade routes, potentially increasing prices for Indian consumers on staples like dal. While rice prices might decline due to export disruptions, the gem and jewellery sector faces significant risks, impacting employment and trade with the UAE. Bullion prices are expected to remain volatile as investors seek safe-haven assets.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com