Mukesh Jagota

Project awards rise 63% signalling a likely pick-up in H2

US President Donald Trump has waived tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from the five largest purchasers of Russian oil or gas, along with

India’s exports to Africa and ASEAN surged during early FY27, but trade data reveals the growth is largely fueled by refined petroleum products rather than manufacturing.

The India-New Zealand free trade agreement offers zero-duty access for Indian exporters, boosts bilateral trade to NZ$7 billion by 2030, and enhances investment, services, and agricultural cooperation.

India's optical fibre exports surged 158% to $483 million in April-August 2026-27, driven by global AI investment and growing demand for digital infrastructure and connectivity solutions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that India and the US are close to finalizing a trade deal, with only a few issues remaining. The agreement aims to enhance market access and boost bilateral cooperation.

Engineering goods dominate India's exports with 27-28% share, overcoming 50% US tariffs through strategic shipments and market diversification, driving a 15.5% growth to $9.97 billion in 2026.

India and Poland aim to double bilateral trade by 2030, enhancing cooperation in manufacturing, critical minerals, clean energy, advanced technologies, and leveraging the India-EU free trade agreement to boost economic ties.

India plans to scale up domestic missile and drone manufacturing as defence exports reach Rs 38,424 crore, with private industry and startups set to play a larger role.

NHAI has earmarked 1,360 km of highways for monetisation through Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) in FY27, accounting for around 80% of its 1,692-km pipeline.