Category: international trade
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Strategic Shifts in the Global Economy and India’s “Make in India” Drive
The interplay of global economic forces—most notably the ongoing U.S.–China tariff tensions, evolving inflationary trends, and the reshaping of supply chains—is redefining the strategic contours of India’s economic landscape. These shifts present both opportunities and challenges for India’s Make in India initiative, which aims to position the country as a…
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India’s Fiscal Policy in the Shadow of New U.S. Tariffs: Balancing Growth and Stability
The sharp escalation of U.S. tariffs—now set at 50% on a substantial portion of Indian goods—marks a pivotal moment for India’s fiscal strategy. With USD 30–35 billion worth of exports directly affected and potential spillovers across the broader USD 87 billion trade relationship, policymakers face an immediate test in safeguarding…
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The Shifting Future of Foreign Aid: From Post-War Solidarity to a Fragmented Global Order
Foreign aid is undergoing a transformation that is both structural and strategic. The post-war model—where a handful of wealthy nations set the tone for global development through consistent, large-scale official development assistance (ODA)—is rapidly eroding. Declining donor commitments, rising localization, and the entry of new private and non-traditional actors are…
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Are We Witnessing the End of FTAs and the Rise of Bilateralism?
For decades, free trade agreements (FTAs) and large regional trade blocs have been the hallmark of global economic integration. From the European Union’s single market to NAFTA (now USMCA), from ASEAN’s free trade framework to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the dominant narrative was clear: bigger is better…
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“US Tariffs on $40 Billion Indian Imports: The Most Exposed Sectors”
The United States’ recent tariff hikes on roughly $40 billion worth of Indian imports have put multiple high-value sectors at risk, exposing deep interdependencies between the two economies. While the political narrative frames these measures as a push to protect American manufacturing and encourage domestic sourcing, the reality is far…
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India–U.S. Trade Talks: Between Strategic Opportunity and Harsh Realities
India is currently engaged in what could be one of its most challenging trade negotiations in decades. While optimism is natural in such moments, the political and economic dynamics suggest that the road to a mutually beneficial agreement with the United States will be anything but straightforward. At the surface…
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India Warns of Retaliatory Tariffs as U.S. Steel and Aluminum Dispute Heats Up
India’s recent move to escalate its trade dispute with the United States underscores the delicate balance between protecting national economic interests and navigating complex global trade rules. The government has formally reserved the right to impose retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. duties on steel and aluminum, marking yet another…
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India’s Diamond Industry Faces Mounting Pressures: The Case of Surat’s Declining Exports
For decades, Surat has been the glittering heart of the global diamond polishing and cutting industry, processing nearly 90% of the world’s diamonds. Known as the “Diamond City of India,” the city’s intricate craftsmanship, cost efficiency, and skilled workforce turned it into a global hub, supplying polished stones to luxury…
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Strategic Energy Interests Drive China’s Defiance
China’s latest pushback against U.S. demands to halt purchases of Russian and Iranian oil is not simply a matter of political posturing—it is rooted in deep strategic and economic imperatives. Energy security remains a cornerstone of Beijing’s long-term planning, and the country’s dependency on discounted oil from Moscow and Tehran…
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Diversifying India’s Export Markets: Products, Opportunities & Scale 🌐
India’s ambition to reduce reliance on any single export destination—especially the U.S.—makes strategic diversification a clear priority. Four high‑potential regions stand out, each offering unique demand profiles, growth dynamics, and scale: 🇪🇺 European Union Market size & context: The EU is one of India’s biggest export destinations for pharmaceuticals, gems,…
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