Economy & Policy News
India's merchandise trade deficit widens to $27.1 billion in February
Imports surge led by gold, silver and electronics while exports dip marginally; Centre weighs relief measures as West Asia crisis disrupts logistics and raises shipping costs
 "India's merchandise trade deficit widens to $27.1 billion in February")
EU, India focus on implementing FTA, defence deal: von der Leyen
Her remarks came after a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Brussels for talks with his counterparts from the 27-member European Union (EU)
 "EU, India focus on implementing FTA, defence deal: von der Leyen")
India exports to US fall 13% in Feb; China trade deficit crosses $100 bn
Exports contracted in September, October, December last year and January this year also. However, it rose 22.61 per cent in November
 "India exports to US fall 13% in Feb; China trade deficit crosses $100 bn")
India to wait for new US tariff architecture before signing interim deal
India remains engaged with the US side for a mutually beneficial trade deal, says Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, as negotiations continue on tariff changes and non-tariff barriers
 "India to wait for new US tariff architecture before signing interim deal")
India inks terms of reference with Philippines, Maldives for trade talks
The terms of reference (ToR) outline the scope and modalities of a proposed trade pact
 "India inks terms of reference with Philippines, Maldives for trade talks")
Unemployment dips marginally to 4.9% in February, shows govt survey
After an increase in January 2026, the urban unemployment rate among persons aged 15 years and above declined to 6.6 per cent in February 2026, falling below the December 2025 level (6.7%)
 "Unemployment dips marginally to 4.9% in February, shows govt survey")
India to sign US trade deal after Washington tariff reset: Commerce Secy
India will sign the trade pact with the US after Washington completes work on a new tariff architecture, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said, adding there is no stand-off in the ongoing talks
 "India to sign US trade deal after Washington tariff reset: Commerce Secy")
Trade deficit widens to $27.1 billion in February as imports surge
Imports grew 24% in February to $63.71 billion, due to gold and silver imports, according to data released by the commerce department on Monday
 "Trade deficit widens to $27.1 billion in February as imports surge")
Wholesale inflation rises to 2.13% in February on higher food prices
Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation was 1.81 per cent in the previous month and 2.45 per cent in February last year
 "Wholesale inflation rises to 2.13% in February on higher food prices")
DPIIT amends 'Press Note 3' to ease FDI norms for border countries
The government has amended Press Note 3 under the FDI policy, allowing investors from countries sharing land borders with India to hold up to 10 per cent non controlling stakes via the automatic route
 "DPIIT amends 'Press Note 3' to ease FDI norms for border countries")
West Asia conflict: 23% households buy induction cooktops amid LPG concerns
Survey by LocalCircles found that households are rushing to buy induction cooktops, as delays in cylinder deliveries and supply disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict raise concerns
 "West Asia conflict: 23% households buy induction cooktops amid LPG concerns")
India walks diplomatic tightrope between Iran and US as war bites economy
India's Brics presidency faces an early challenge as Iran seeks condemnation of US-Israel strikes, while fellow members Saudi Arabia and the UAE, targets of Iranian attacks, complicate consensus
 "India walks diplomatic tightrope between Iran and US as war bites economy")
Services sectors feel ripple effects as West Asia crisis hits operations
Aviation, hospitality, travel, e-comm, q-com, logistics prepare for dent to bottomlines; IT services insulated for now
 "Services sectors feel ripple effects as West Asia crisis hits operations")
West Asia conflict likely to keep rupee under pressure amid oil surge
Third year of consecutive BoP deficit if oil stays above $100/bbl, to weigh on rupee
 "West Asia conflict likely to keep rupee under pressure amid oil surge")
West Asia war cloud over India's economic 'sweet spot' as oil prices rise
Rising crude prices and trade disruptions from the West Asia war are prompting economists to trim India's growth forecasts, threatening the economy's recent "sweet spot"
 "West Asia war cloud over India's economic 'sweet spot' as oil prices rise")
India gains most from US nod to Russian oil imports, but concerns remain
The country still faces a shortfall of 750,000 bpd of crude oil in March compared to Feb
 "India gains most from US nod to Russian oil imports, but concerns remain")
West Asia war a sword of Damocles over ₹3.6 trillion March capacity
Manufacturing projects worth over ₹1 trn nearing completion
 "West Asia war a sword of Damocles over ₹3.6 trillion March capacity")
West Asia crisis: Farmer earnings may decline if exports remain affected
Though some reports claim that authorities have started exploring alternative routes to quickly ship farm goods bound for West Asia, if the crisis continues, the losses could be substantial
 "West Asia crisis: Farmer earnings may decline if exports remain affected")
India stares at steep rise in oil import bill amid West Asia conflict
India's net oil import bill could rise by $56-64 billion annually assuming global crude averages $110-115 per barrel in FY27
 "India stares at steep rise in oil import bill amid West Asia conflict")
Industry seeks duty concessions to sell goods from SEZs to domestic mkt
The rationale behind the request is to allow fair access to sell in the domestic market at a comparable rate with FTA partner nations
 "Industry seeks duty concessions to sell goods from SEZs to domestic mkt")