India Demands $900 Mn Steel Quota Under 2025 UK FTA, Threatens Scotch Whisky Retaliation Over CBAM

India-EU FTA: Additional Preferential Steel Quota of 694,853 Tons, but CBCT Levy Applies

India secured an additional preferential steel export quota of 694,853 tons to the EU under the India-EU FTA, raising the total quota to 1.64 million tons. However, Indian steel remains subject to the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which could add costs equivalent to ~35% of value. This is a crucial trade-off for aspirants: market access vs. carbon compliance.

India-EU FTA: Steel Quota 1.64 MT, EU Car Imports May Rise Sixfold to 1 Lakh Units

India and the EU are close to finalizing a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA). India has secured a 1.64 million tonne steel export quota to the EU, while the EU wins a massive tariff-rate quota for car imports, potentially increasing EU car imports into India sixfold. This deal has major implications for India's steel industry, its auto sector, and its trade relations with other partners.

India-EU FTA Draft Copyright Chapter Threatens Fair Dealing, TPM Exceptions Under Copyright Act

The draft India-EU FTA's IP chapter could force India to amend its Copyright Act, weakening existing exceptions for students, researchers, librarians, and ISPs. By excluding the WIPO Copyright Treaty from the National Treatment clause, the FTA threatens India's digital policy flexibilities and could criminalize legitimate acts like bypassing digital locks for education and security research.

India-Bhutan Sign ₹4,000 Cr LoC; 12 New PTA Projects Under 13th FYP Approved

India and Bhutan reviewed development cooperation, signed a ₹4,000 crore concessional LoC, and approved 12 new PTA projects under Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-29). This reinforces India's position as Bhutan's largest development partner, with total support of ₹10,000 crore for the plan period.

India Retains 80% of Steel Exports to EU via FTA Front-Loading, Quota at 19 Lakh Tonnes

Despite EU's new steel quota curbs from July 2026, India secured front-loading of FTA concessions to retain 80% of its steel exports. This strategic negotiation protects India's export interests and provides a boost to the upcoming India-EU FTA, while CBAM remains a separate challenge.

US Russia Sanctions Act: 100% Tariff on Russian Oil Imports Threatens India's Exports

The U.S. has enacted a law allowing up to 100% tariffs on countries like India that import Russian oil, a significant escalation from previous executive orders. This poses a direct threat to India's export competitiveness, particularly for MSMEs, and forces a strategic policy choice between diversifying energy sources or facing economic consequences.

U.S. Senate Passes 100% Tariff Bill on India, China Under Russia Sanctions Act

The US Senate has passed a bill allowing President Trump to impose 100% tariffs on top importers of Russian oil, including India. This is a strategic move to pressure countries supporting Russia's war economy. The bill, named after late Senator Lindsey Graham, also extends Iran sanctions. India must assess its energy dependence and potential trade retaliation.

BRICS New Delhi Declaration: India's Dilemma on Local Currency Trade vs. Strategic Autonomy

The BRICS New Delhi Declaration highlights India's cautious approach to local currency trade, balancing export advantages from a depreciating rupee against the risk of yuan dominance and US tariff threats. India supports local currency trade but opposes a common BRICS currency due to China's likely control.