Will advocate trade reforms in India: US envoy-designate Sergio Gor (Business Standard)
The US ambassador designate to India, Sergio Gor, said he will push for higher labour standards and reforms to make India’s markets more open and fair, helping American companies compete while advancing President Trump’s goal to double trade with India to $500 billion by 2030. He highlighted India’s huge population, growing middle class, and areas like AI and pharmaceuticals as key opportunities, but pointed out that protectionist policies and regulatory barriers have stalled past negotiations, especially over agriculture and dairy sectors. While tensions rose after the US imposed tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, both leaders recently signalled a willingness to resolve disputes, and the trade talks are reportedly progressing with hopes to finalise the first agreement tranche by November.
India's reliance on US software, cloud services poses economic risks: GTRI (Business Standard)
The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has warned that India’s heavy reliance on US software, cloud services, and social media creates a serious economic and security risk, as any disruption could cripple banking, governance, and defence systems. To reduce this vulnerability, GTRI recommends that India launch a “Digital Swaraj Mission” focused on building sovereign cloud infrastructure, an indigenous operating system, homegrown cybersecurity, and AI-driven technologies, similar to steps being taken by Europe and China. The plan would be implemented in phases over the next 5–7 years, starting with critical data hosting and pilot projects, and aiming for full digital independence and global competitiveness in the long run.
India becomes third-largest agrochemical exporter with $3.3 bn exports (Business Standard)
India’s agrochemical exports have nearly tripled over the past decade, reaching $3.3 billion in FY25 and making the country the world’s third-largest exporter after China and the US. To keep this growth going, industry leaders are urging the government to offer incentives like tax breaks and production-linked schemes, while also promoting partnerships in research and supporting smaller businesses. With exports making up half the market and insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides leading the way, India’s agrochemical industry is set to expand further—especially as more global products go off-patent and new growth opportunities arise across key crops and regions.
