MoU signed to strengthen food safety, compliance in India–EU spice trade.
The All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF) and the European Spice Association (ESA) have signed an MoU to strengthen food-safety compliance, sustainability standards and regulatory alignment in the India–EU spice trade. The agreement was signed at the International Spice Conference (ISC 2026) in Kochi by AISEF Chairman Emmanuel Nambusseril and ESA Chairman Benoit Winstel.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
India’s pulses imports ease 4.5 per cent to 65.69 lakh tonnes during 2025.
India’s pulses imports during calendar year 2025 eased marginally to 65.69 lakh tonnes, compared with 68.75 lakh tonnes in the previous year. The 4.45 per cent decline in imports, however, masks divergent trends across key category of pulses. The decline was driven primarily by a sharp fall in yellow peas imports following the government’s decision to impose a 30 per cent duty during the year.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Centre approves gram, mustard and lentil procurement under PSS for Rabi 2026.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said the government has approved the procurement of gram, mustard and lentils under the Price Support Scheme for the Rabi 2026 season, and urged states to fully utilise central funds under key farm schemes before March 31. Chairing a virtual meeting with agriculture ministers and senior officials from eleven states, Chouhan conducted a detailed review of progress under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Krishi Unnati Yojanas, an official statement said.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
India-GCC FTA: Piyush Goyal signs Joint Statement for trade pact with Gulf Cooperation Council.
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signed the Joint Statement for a free trade agreement (FTA) on Monday, marking a major step towards deeper collaboration in key strategic areas. The signing took place in the presence of the distinguished delegations and representatives of both the parties.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India, US to resume trade talks once there is clarity on tariffs, says Piyush Goyal.
India and the United States will resume negotiations on their proposed interim trade pact once there is greater clarity on tariff changes announced by Washington, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday, days after the two sides deferred a scheduled meeting of trade negotiators amid a reset of US duties.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India launches 1st round of FTA talks with Israel, inks joint statement for GCC pact.
India and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Tuesday signed the Joint Statement for the India–GCC free trade agreement (FTA), formally launching negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial agreement.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Reduced RoDTEP rates not applicable to exports of agri, processed food products: Govt.
The government on Tuesday clarified that the reduced rates and value caps under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme are not applicable to the export of agricultural and processed food products.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Government allows export of 25 lakh tonnes of wheat.
The government on Tuesday permitted exports of 25 lakh tonnes of wheat, according to a commerce ministry notification. The decision was taken earlier this month, but the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) notified it on Tuesday. 'The export policy of Wheat ...continues to remain prohibited. However, export of 25 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of Wheat is permitted,' the DGFT said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Piyush Goyal virtually interacts with Canada Minister Maninder Sidhu, discusses Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal virtually interacted with Canada Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu and held a discussion related to India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). They also discussed strengthening business ties on both sides through regular delegation-level engagements.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India halves remission benefits to exporters.
The government on Monday halved the benefits given to exporters under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme. In a notification, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade said that 'RoDTEP benefits shall be restricted to 50% of the notified rates and value caps with immediate effect', prompting exporters to urge the government to review the decision amid slowing demand and heightened uncertainty.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com