Jan 20, 2026 News Image Govt permits exports of 5 lakh tonnes of wheat flour.
The government has permitted exports of 5 lakh tonnes of wheat flour and related products, according to a notification. This partial lifting of the ban was eased after a gap of over three years, when the centre banned wheat exports in 2022. India is a major producer of the commodity.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
Jan 20, 2026 News Image India, EU set to conclude FTA talks on January 27; deal after legal clearances.
India and the 27-nation European Union (EU) will announce the conclusion of negotiations for the much-anticipated free trade agreement (FTA) at a landmark Summit in the capital on January 27. Both sides are also set to sign a security and defence partnership agreement to add momentum to the strong political ties, said people in the know. A small military contingent from the EU will also be participating in the Republic Day parade on January 26, marking the first time that such a contingent will be taking part in a parade, the people said.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
Jan 20, 2026 News Image IMF raises India's FY26 growth forecast to 7.3%.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday raised India’s FY26 growth estimate to 7.3%, from 6.6% projected earlier, citing a better-than expected performance in the third quarter and strong momentum in the fourth quarter.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
Jan 20, 2026 News Image US-EU bitter trade row may boost India exports, sweeten Europe FTA.
A brewing tariff war between the US and the European Union may stimulate Indian exports to the 27-nation EU bloc, with both sides currently in the final leg of protracted negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA). Trade watchers say the EU now has an added incentive to deepen trade ties elsewhere, including India, with the US turning aggressive on European exports.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
Jan 19, 2026 News Image Commerce Ministry formulates specific guidelines for missions abroad to boost exports.
The government has formulated specific guidelines for Indian missions abroad as it steps up efforts to boost exports through market diversification amid global economic uncertainties, an official said. The official said trade promotion guidelines for Indian commercial missions abroad include management of non-tariff barriers, market engagement activities, planning and resource management, trade intelligence and market research.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
Jan 19, 2026 News Image India-US partnership is growing across trade, technology: US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor.
US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, on Sunday concluded his 'successful' visit to Mumbai, highlighting the growing partnership between India and the United States across trade, technology, education, energy and resilient supply chains. In a post on X, he said, 'Wrapping up a very successful trip to Mumbai! Great meetings with Devendra Fadnavis, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, Chairman of Reliance Industries Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Tata Companies N Chandrasekaran, executives from India's pharmaceutical sector, and religious faith leaders. We're building strong momentum across trade, technology, education, energy, and resilient supply chains as the US-India partnership continues to grow!'
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
Jan 19, 2026 News Image GTRI calls for overhaul of tariff structure, customs to boost India's trade.
India needs a sweeping overhaul of its import tariff structure and customs administration to cut trade costs, strengthen manufacturing competitiveness and revive export growth, suggests trade-focused think-tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The report, titled ;A Blueprint for Modernizing India's Import Tariffs and Customs Regime', outlined the need for reforms, spanning tariff policy, customs procedures, export incentives and manpower deployment.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
Jan 19, 2026 News Image Exports 'highly positive' in January so far: Piyush Goyal.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday that the country's exports during the fortnight of January are 'highly' positive, global economic uncertainties notwithstanding. The minister, however, did not disclose the numbers.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
Jan 19, 2026 News Image India-EU free trade pact will be ‘mother of all deals’, says Piyush Goyal.
The free trade agreement between India and the 27-nation bloc EU will be the 'mother of all deals', Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. He also said that the proposed agreement will be a good and mutually beneficial trade pact.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
Jan 19, 2026 News Image India-US trade deal: US lawmakers urge President Trump to seek lower Indian tariffs on pulse crops in BTA talks.
Two US lawmakers have urged President Donald Trump to push for favourable provisions for pulse crop in any future trade deal with India, saying American producers face a 'significant competitive disadvantage' due to what they described as 'unfair' tariffs imposed by New Delhi. In a letter dated Jan 16 addressed to Trump, Republican Senators Steve Daines of Montana and Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said their states are the top two producers of pulse crops, including peas, while India is the world's largest consumer, accounting for about 27 per cent of global consumption.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com