Kirtika Suneja

In its roadmap to increase the share of the Indian toy sector, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has zeroed in on construction toys, stories based on Indian heroes and innovators, traditional themes, AI-assisted toys and smart learning products as the ten emerging areas of growth.

India's Commerce Secretary highlighted sustainability regulations in global trade. He stressed creating an ecosystem for industry to adopt sustainable practices. Discussions covered India's carbon market and producer responsibility frameworks. Early adaptation will strengthen India's global competitiveness and trade position. This workshop aimed to enhance India's strategic approach to trade and sustainable development.

Exports of ready-to-eat and cooked food items increased 16% to $2.4 billion in 2025-26 from $2.1 billion in the previous financial year, according to an ET analysis. The analysis is based on 11 items including pasta, sweet biscuits, pastries, papad, coffee and tea.

The current provision under Section 2(z) of the SEZ Act, 2005 mandates that proceeds for SEZ to DTA supplies of services must be realised in foreign exchange, although there is no such requirement in case of supply of goods to DTA entities.

Under the CEPA, India has granted quota-based tariff concessions to certain Omani goods such as dates, marble, copper weld wire, aluminium ingots, billets and wires, and certain petrochemical products, such as ethylene glycol, linear alkylbenzenes, and low-density polyethene.

Indian enterprises are stepping up their overseas investments, eyeing strategic assets and emerging markets. Foreign direct investment inflows soared past $94.84 billion in FY26, marking a clear escalation from prior fiscal periods. This rise in repatriations suggests a maturing investment framework and the robust scaling of various businesses. Furthermore, India has allocated nearly Rs 2.42 crore towards WTO dispute defense services.

India has dismissed claims regarding United States ethanol imports for fuel blending. All ethanol procurement for the blending program is sourced domestically by India. No concessions or commitments were made to the US for ethanol imports. Reports suggesting a policy shift allowing large-scale imports are misleading. India's fuel blending program adheres strictly to domestic policy requirements.

The panel suggested the commerce department prepare a time-bound roadmap to achieve the objectives of the Mission 500 initiative by promoting trade in goods and services, encouraging investment, enhancing cooperation in critical technologies, improving supply chain and addressing both tariff and non-tariff barriers faced by Indian exporters and prepare a long-term strategy to increase India's share in the American market. The two countries aim to more than double total bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

India imported goods worth $131.63 billion from China in FY26, accounting for nearly 17% of total merchandise imports, the government told Rajya Sabha. It said Chinese imports include critical minerals, intermediate goods, capital equipment and technologies required by sectors such as clean energy, electronics, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.

India's GeM portal has facilitated over twenty lakh crore rupees in procurement. This platform has seen millions of sellers and enterprises participate actively. Micro and small enterprises now hold over forty percent share on GeM. The number of registered sellers has significantly increased over the years. These enterprises have fulfilled substantial orders, contributing to the portal's success.