Daily News - Wednesday, 17 September 2025

⁠India set to attract investments worth ₹8 trillion in coming years: Sonowal (Business Standard)

⁠Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that India’s maritime sector is set to attract ₹8 trillion in investments, create over 1.5 crore jobs, and boost green shipping practices, as part of the government’s transformative vision to make the country a global maritime superpower. Under his leadership, initiatives like the Sagarmala programme—with 840 projects worth ₹5.8 trillion—and major developments like the ₹76,000-crore Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra and expansions in Kerala’s Cochin Port are modernizing infrastructure and creating livelihoods while improving port efficiency beyond global standards. With India Maritime Week 2025 on the horizon, Sonowal is encouraging global stakeholders to collaborate on issues like decarbonization, supply chain resilience, and cybersecurity to strengthen partnerships and ensure sustainable growth.

GCCI urges Centre not to impose export duty on low-grade iron ore (Business Standard)

The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has warned the Centre that imposing export duty on low-grade iron ore could cause over ₹800 crore in annual revenue loss, destabilize the fragile mining sector, and threaten thousands of jobs in the state. They argue that Goa’s ore, with an average iron content of 54%, is largely unsuitable for domestic steelmakers, and such a duty would only hurt local businesses, increase costs, and scare away investors at a time when mining operations are just beginning to recover after years of legal and regulatory hurdles. GCCI is urging the government to retain the current duty-free export regime to protect livelihoods, maintain fair trade, and ensure sector viability, especially since India already has enough high-grade ore for domestic use.

India, US step on the gas to seal trade deal after 7-hour 'positive' meet (Business Standard)

India and the United States have agreed to ramp up efforts toward an early, mutually beneficial trade deal, setting aside recent tensions caused by high tariffs and geopolitical disagreements. After a long, constructive meeting between trade negotiators in Delhi, both sides expressed optimism and a shared commitment to advance discussions, even as they avoided fixing a date for the next round of talks. While political challenges remain—especially over Russian oil purchases and sensitive sectors like agriculture—leaders from both nations have shown a willingness to cooperate and find common ground before the end of this year.

⁠India, US trade dialogue moves forward after Trump softens stance (Business Standard)

Trade talks between the US and India have resumed on a positive note, with both sides expressing optimism about finalizing a mutually beneficial agreement despite ongoing disagreements over Russian oil imports and market access in sectors like dairy and agriculture. The recent phone call between Presidents Trump and Modi, along with Trump’s softened stance, signals a thaw in relations and a renewed focus on overcoming trade barriers while balancing strategic partnerships with countries like China and Russia. Although India’s exports to the US have recently fluctuated, both nations remain committed to strengthening their trade ties and exploring ways to resolve differences as part of a broader effort to enhance their global partnership.

US rejects India's request for WTO consultation on 50% copper tariffs (The Economic Times)

The US has rejected India’s request to hold consultations at the WTO over the 50% tariffs it imposed on copper and related products, saying these tariffs are national security measures—not safeguard actions under WTO rules. This is the third time the US has denied India’s challenge, following similar disputes over steel, aluminium, and automobiles, as it continues to use Section 232 of its Trade Expansion Act to justify these tariffs. The disagreement comes even as both countries are trying to work out a broader bilateral trade agreement, highlighting the complexity of their economic relationship amid rising protectionist policies.