The Maldives is currently discussing with India if the island nation can make payments for its imports from the country in Maldivian Rufiyaa, a senior minister has said. A similar arrangement is also being worked out for imports of goods from China, Minister for Economic Development Mohamed Saeed said and noted that annually, Maldives imports goods worth USD 780 million and USD 720 million from India and China respectively.

The government on Saturday said the payment mechanism for traders importing pulses from Myanmar has been eased and simplified. The importers have been asked to utilize Rupee/ Kyat direct payment system using Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) through Punjab National Bank, the consumer affairs ministry said in a statement.

The seventh round of negotiations for the India-Peru Trade Agreement took place in New Delhi, India from April 8 to April 11, 2024. The discussions involved understanding priorities and concerns of each other and ensuring that the negotiations are rooted in mutual respect and benefit. 

India is diversifying its import of pulses to keep domestic prices stable by entering into long-term deals with Brazil and Argentina after several rounds of negotiations, two officials aware of the matter said.

The area under summer crops has reached 60.63 lakh hectares (lh) as of Friday, which is 8 per cent more than 56.04 lh reported in the year-ago period with the zaid season progressing well. Zaid crops are grown before kharif sowing and after rabi harvest.