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
India’s wheat procurement plummets 40% due to delayed start in Madhya Pradesh.
With relaxations in quality of the grain to be purchased from Punjab approved on Friday, the Centre’s wheat procurement is expected to get further momentum even as over all purchase so far was nearly 40 per cent lower. After similar relaxations approved earlier for Haryana, the purchase has already moved up in the state.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Centre fully vigilant in farmers’ interests: Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviews Kharif preparedness.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today conducted a high-level review of the current status of the agriculture sector and preparations for the upcoming Kharif season, directing the Agriculture Secretary and concerned senior officials to ensure all necessary arrangements are made well in advance to safeguard farmers’ interests. The meeting extensively discussed weather forecasts, water availability, crop conditions, arrangements for seeds and other agricultural inputs, states’ preparations, and action plans to cope with potential adverse weather conditions. During the review meeting, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh emphasised that farmers’ welfare is of utmost priority for us, and the government is fully prepared to address the potential El Niño impact.
Source: pib.gov.in
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan approves procurement of 20 lakh MT potatoes in Uttar Pradesh, relief for farmers from distressed prices.
In a landmark decision offering substantial relief to farmers and prioritising their economic well-being, the Government of India has formally approved the procurement of potatoes in the state of Uttar Pradesh, alongside chana procurement operations in Andhra Pradesh, and an important extension of the tur (pigeon pea) procurement timeframe in Karnataka. These strategic approvals, personally greenlit by Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan are designed to guarantee that farmers receive fair and remunerative prices for their hard-earned produce. They effectively shield producers from the hardships of distress sales in volatile markets and contribute to overall stability and predictability in the agricultural marketplace, fostering a more secure environment for cultivation and trade.
Source: pib.gov.in