What happened?

India and the US are set to deepen their economic engagement through high-level discussions on a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), beginning 17 May in Washington D.C. The meetings will involve top trade and commerce officials from both countries. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is scheduled to hold talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer.

The negotiations will cover approximately 19 chapters, including tariffs, services, rules of origin, non-tariff barriers, and customs facilitation. Chief negotiators from both sides will meet between 19 and 22 May, with India represented by Rajesh Agrawal and the US by Brendan Lynch.
The US has been India’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year, with total bilateral trade reaching $131.84 billion in 2024–25.

Why it matters to India

The BTA negotiations are crucial for India to expand its trade relationship with the US and address key economic concerns. India is seeking duty concessions for its labour-intensive export sectors, such as textiles, leather goods, and gems and jewellery, to boost employment and export revenues. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact India’s trade dynamics and its economic partnership with the US.

What happened?

Union Minister Manohar Lal is on an official visit to Brazil to attend the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting on 19 May 2025. At the meeting, discussions will focus on energy security, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability.
India will showcase its achievements in the power sector, including increased power capacity, leadership in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and biofuels.

Why it matters to India

India’s active participation in the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting provides a platform to highlight its advancements in the energy sector and advocate for its energy priorities. This engagement strengthens India’s collaboration with BRICS nations in building a robust and sustainable energy future. India’s focus on energy security and renewable energy aligns with its national development goals and its commitment to global energy transition.

What happened?

The European Union and India have joined hands to find innovative research solutions to combat marine pollution and develop waste-to-renewable hydrogen technologies. Under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), two new research and innovation initiatives have been launched with a total investment of Euro 41 million (Rs 394 crore).

The first call focuses on combating marine pollution, with co-funding from the EU (Euro 12 million) and India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences (Rs 90 crore). The second call focuses on the development of waste-to-renewable hydrogen technologies, co-funded by the EU (Euro 10 million) and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (Rs 90 crore).

Why it matters to India

This collaboration with the EU is significant for India as it addresses critical environmental and energy challenges. The initiatives align with India’s focus on sustainable development, clean energy transition, and addressing marine pollution. By partnering with the EU, India can leverage expertise and resources to develop advanced technologies and implement effective solutions in these key areas.

What happened?

The government announced that seven all-party delegations would visit various countries later this month to rally global support for India’s fight against terrorism from Pakistan and to isolate Islamabad internationally. Three of these delegations will be headed by Opposition leaders.

The delegations will be led by Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Baijayant Panda, Sanjay Kumar Jha, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Supriya Sule, and Shrikant Eknath Shinde.

The delegations are set to visit key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, to project India’s national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism.

Why it matters to India

This initiative showcases India’s united stance against cross-border terrorism and its proactive efforts to engage with key international partners on this critical issue. By sending all-party delegations, India aims to reinforce its message of zero-tolerance against terrorism and build international support for its counter-terrorism efforts. This is significant as it strengthens India’s diplomatic efforts to address its security concerns and seek cooperation on combating terrorism.