India's merchandise exports rebounded strongly in November after falling 11.8% in October, pushing the trade gap to a record high. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the November bounce outpaced the previous month's decrease, placing combined October-November exports back into positive territory. He expressed confidence ahead of the official data release on December 15th. The increase comes after a difficult October, when exports fell to USD 34.38 billion due to lower demand and the impact of additional US tariffs. Gold imports also increased, pushing the trade gap to USD 41.68 bil
The 14th edition of the India-Maldives Joint Military Exercise EKUVERIN began on December 2, 2025, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and will continue until December 15. The annual bilateral practice reflects the Indian Army's strengthening defence collaboration with the Maldives National Defence Force. EKUVERIN, which means "friends" in Dhivehi, represents the trust and cooperation that both countries have nurtured over time. Since 2009, the exercise has alternated between India and the Maldives, emphasising India's commitment to regional security and its Neighbourhood First Policy. This yea
UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri praised the country's outstanding economic and tourism performance as it celebrated its 54th Eid Al Etihad. He added that the UAE has the highest growth rates in the GCC, with real GDP expanding 4.2% in the first half of 2025 and non-oil GDP increasing by 5.7%. Non-oil activities accounted for 77.5% of real GDP, indicating growth in economic diversification. The UAE's attraction to global enterprises remained strong, with over 220,186 new firms created between January and November 2025. During the same time period, over 36,000 t
Mizoram formally thanked the NITI Aayog for declaring the state the 'Ginger Capital of India'. The acknowledgement occurred during a review meeting conducted by Chief Minister Lalduhoma in the CM's Conference Hall. The recognition came after a stakeholder consultation in New Delhi on November 24, which was co-hosted by Mizoram and NITI Aayog. Officials from several central ministries attended the event, as did more than 60 ginger buyers, processors, and investors. It was the largest official consultation on Mizoram held in the national capital. The NITI Aayog release highlighted Mizoram's
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing for a major economic reform for the upcoming parliamentary session in order to boost growth and attract global investment. His government intends to seek approval for allowing 100% foreign involvement in insurance companies, simplifying atomic-energy regulations, and expediting insolvency proceedings. These changes are likely to restructure regulatory structures and improve India's economic standing. PM Modi is pushing these reforms following a strong political victory and an economic boom, with GDP expanding 8.2% in the September quarter. The gove
India and Switzerland have increased their cooperation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal meeting Helene Budliger Artieda, Switzerland's State Secretary for Economic Affairs, during her visit to India with a high-level pharmaceutical delegation. The discussions focused on increasing collaboration in research, development, and investment, allowing Swiss pharma companies to enter India's rapidly expanding healthcare ecosystem. Goyal stated that both parties discussed how to develop relationships and enhance sectoral opportunities.
Dubai has approved its largest budget cycle, allocating AED302.7 billion from 2026 to 2028. The financial plan also predicts AED329.2 billion in revenues and a 5% operational surplus, indicating the emirate's excellent fiscal condition. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the 2026 budget, which includes AED99.5 billion in expenditures and AED107.7 billion in revenue, as well as an AED5 billion general reserve. The allocation prioritises infrastructure spending, allocating 48% of the 2026 budget to improve roads, bridges, parks and public transport. Social development receives 28
India's marine product exports have increased by 16%, driven by rising demand in newer international markets. This rise has allowed exporters to overcome a decline in shipments to the United States, which has been dealing with high inventory, cautious consumer spending, and tighter import rules. The diversification strategy has reduced India's reliance on a single major market and created opportunities for more consistent global sales. Exporters are increasing their footprint in West Asia, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Vietnam, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and South Korea have emerg
India and Canada are close to finalising a $2.8 billion uranium export pact, marking a significant improvement in bilateral relations following a long diplomatic rift. The ten-year agreement will include uranium supplies from Canada's Cameco Corp., as part of the two countries' resumed nuclear cooperation. Although the final details may alter, insiders believe the agreement will be a new one rather than an extension of the $350 million deal signed in 2015. The progress coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's meeting at the G20 Summit in Johanne
India is on track to break its own record for rice exports in 2025-26, thanks to strong output and renewed global demand. The Indian Rice Exporters Federation forecasts shipments of basmati and non-basmati rice to increase by 16% to 23.5 million tonnes, exceeding the previous peak of 22.35 million tonnes in 2022-23. Exports fell in 2023-24 due to restrictions on non-basmati types, but rebounded strongly once the curbs were relaxed, reaching 20.2 million tonnes last year. Exporters now aim to reach 30 million tonnes by 2026-27, a milestone India has never reached. The US Department of Agric