Economy

News on Indian Economy

India and France Deepen Critical Minerals Partnership for Clean Energy and Strategic Supply Chains

The meeting was held on 6 July 2026 and was co-chaired by Benjamin Gallezot, France’s Interministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals, and Kameshwar Saip, Joint Secretary, National Critical Mineral Mission, Ministry of Mines. The discussions brought together officials and technical experts from both sides at a time when critical minerals are becoming central to clean energy, electric mobility, defence technology, electronics and advanced manufacturing.

India and Costa Rica Open New Trade Dialogue as Bilateral Commerce Reaches USD 391 Million

The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary in India’s Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Ms. Adriana Castro, General Director of Foreign Trade from Costa Rica. Both sides discussed the current state of bilateral trade and investment relations and noted the steady rise in merchandise trade, which reached approximately USD 391 million in 2025–26.

India Hosts 13th AITIGA Joint Committee Meeting: A Major Push to Upgrade ASEAN-India Trade Partnership

The 13th Joint Committee meeting was co-chaired by Shri Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and Ms. Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General for Trade, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia. Delegations from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam participated in the discussions.

PM Modi’s Indonesia Visit: India and Indonesia Turn Civilisational Ties into Strategic Partnership

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Shared Vision of India-Indonesia on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, first announced in 2018. They also underlined their support for a free, open, transparent, rules-based, peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. This is important at a time when the Indo-Pacific is witnessing strategic competition, maritime pressure, supply-chain uncertainty and new security challenges.

India’s Steel Sector: The Industrial Backbone of Viksit Bharat

India is already the world’s second-largest crude steel producer. According to World Steel Association data, India produced 164.9 million tonnes of crude steel in 2025, registering 10.4 percent growth over 2024, while global steel production remained under pressure in several large economies. This makes India one of the clearest growth centres in the global steel market.

APEDA Facilitates First Export of Areko Cherries and Scentrose Plums from Jammu & Kashmir to UAE

The inaugural consignment, comprising one metric tonne of premium stone fruits sourced from farmers in Shopian and Pulwama districts, marks a significant milestone in promoting Jammu & Kashmir’s high-value horticultural produce in international markets. The shipment reflects the growing global demand for premium Indian fruits and the region’s increasing potential as an export hub.

India Strengthens Global Green Hydrogen Leadership as ACME Signs Major Green Ammonia and Methanol Deals with Japan

ACME Group signed an agreement with IHI Corporation of Japan for the supply of green ammonia and another 10-year agreement with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. for green methanol. Together, these partnerships represent one of the largest green ammonia and green methanol offtake commitments from India to Japan, creating a strong international market linkage for Indian clean fuels.

Indian Railways Records Strong Freight and Passenger Growth in June 2026

During June 2026, Indian Railways loaded 142.21 million tonnes of freight, compared to 136.71 million tonnes in June 2025. This marks a 4 per cent increase over the corresponding month last year. Freight earnings also recorded positive growth, generating additional revenue of nearly ₹430 crore, reflecting a 3 per cent rise over June 2025.