The post India–US Trade Corridor Gets a Boost as Both Nations Finalise Trade Readiness appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Under the proposed arrangement, the United States is expected to reduce import duties on several Indian products. Tariffs on select categories are likely to be lowered from the existing levels of around 50 percent to nearly 18 percent, significantly improving the competitiveness of Indian goods in the American market. In return, India will rationalise duties on a range of US industrial and agricultural imports in line with global trade practices.
The agreement is projected to open an export opportunity worth nearly 30 billion dollars for India. Sectors such as generic pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, ready-made garments, leather goods, footwear, machinery, handicrafts, plastics and rubber products are expected to benefit directly. Agricultural and food items including tea, coffee, spices, fruits, soyabean oil, animal feed, dairy inputs and processed food products are also likely to gain from improved access and lower duties.
Government sources indicated that care has been taken to ensure that the interests of Indian farmers and the domestic agriculture sector are protected. No provision in the understanding is expected to adversely impact dairy or core farming activities. The focus remains on expanding exports while maintaining food security and supporting rural livelihoods.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the framework would deepen investment and technology partnerships between the two countries and create new opportunities for farmers, workers and entrepreneurs. He added that the initiative aligns with the Make in India vision and would contribute to job creation and long-term economic growth.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the development as a major achievement under India’s current leadership, stating that it would enhance India’s global standing as a reliable manufacturing and export hub while safeguarding national interests.
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]]>The post Trump Reduces Tariff on Indian Imports by 18 Percent After Talks with Prime Minister Modi appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Earlier, Indian exports to the US were facing tariffs of up to 25 percent. With the new decision, these duties have now been lowered, bringing relief to Indian exporters and improving access to the American market. President Trump stated that his conversation with Prime Minister Modi was centered on respect, friendship, and strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Sharing a photograph with Prime Minister Modi on social media, President Trump wrote that India is a great nation and a trusted partner. He said the relationship between the two democracies holds great importance for global stability and economic growth. Trump also praised Modi’s leadership and expressed confidence that cooperation between India and the United States would continue to expand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move and thanked President Trump for the decision. He said the reduction in tariffs would benefit millions of Indians and help Indian products become more competitive in global markets. Modi added that both leaders are working together to ensure fair trade, economic growth, and opportunities for businesses and workers in both countries.
Following the announcement, positive reactions were seen in American stock markets. Experts believe the tariff reduction will especially benefit sectors such as agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods. Indian exporters are expected to gain improved access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Analysts also see this step as a signal of improving India US relations. The decision comes at a time when global trade faces uncertainty, and cooperation between major economies is considered crucial for global peace, stability, and prosperity.
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]]>The post GST Reforms Spark Record Festive Sales, 10X Rise in Digital Payments appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>New Delhi | India’s latest GST reforms, implemented on September 22, have significantly impacted consumer spending, with festive sales soaring and digital transactions multiplying overnight. According to government data, of 54 essential items being monitored for price reductions, 30 became cheaper than expected, while 24 showed less-than-anticipated relief.
The tax cuts—ranging from 28% to 18% on five items and a drop to 5% on 43 others—have played a major role in this festive shopping surge. Six products have even become completely tax-free under the revised GST framework.
Shopping Up 25%, Business to Cross ₹7 Lakh Crore
The ongoing festive and wedding season has recorded a 25% increase in consumer spending compared to last year. Officials estimate the total business activity to surpass ₹7 lakh crore, making this one of the biggest consumer spending seasons in decades.
The government projects that by the end of FY 2025–26, India’s consumption could grow by an additional ₹20 lakh crore, marking a record 10% year-on-year increase.
Digital Payments Surge Overnight
Driven by the rush to benefit from GST cuts, digital payments experienced an extraordinary rise: from ₹1.18 lakh crore on September 21 to ₹11.31 lakh crore on September 22—a nearly tenfold increase overnight.
Products with Higher-Than-Expected Price Drops
Among the goods that saw significant price relief:
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Condensed milk
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Cheese
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Dry fruits
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Bottled water
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Soya milk
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Tomato ketchup
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Jam
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Shampoo
The expected price drop for these items was around 6.25%, but actual reductions ranged from 6.28% to 12.36%.
Items That Offered Less Price Relief
Some goods failed to meet expectations in price reductions:
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Ghee
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Butter
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Packed milk
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Chocolate
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Biscuits
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Corn flakes
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Toilet soap
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Ice cream
For example, chocolate, expected to be cheaper by over 11%, saw only a 4.04% decrease.
The government compared projected price drops based on revised GST rates to actual retail pricing to measure effectiveness.
Auto and Electronics Break Sales Records
The festive season also brought a boom in automobile and consumer electronics sales:
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Maruti Suzuki doubled its sales over last year, selling 1.65 lakh cars in just 8 days, breaking a 35-year record.
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Mahindra’s SUV sales surged by 60%.
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Tata Motors sold over 50,000 vehicles at retail level.
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Hyundai SUVs (Creta, Venue) accounted for 72% of the brand’s total SUV sales.
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Two-wheeler giants Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj Auto saw customer traffic double.
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Consumer durable sales rose by 40–45%, with Reliance Retail reporting a 25% year-on-year growth.
Electronics brand Haier witnessed an 85% sales jump.
Government Backs Reforms with Positive Economic Signals
At the “GST Savings Festival” in Delhi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw jointly addressed the media.
Sitharaman confirmed that the government is monitoring 54 essential items to ensure price reductions are being passed to consumers. She stated that prices of 375 products have come down, including toothpaste, shampoo, TVs, and cars, noting that 99% of daily-use items are now more affordable.
Piyush Goyal reported that GST reforms and infrastructure investments have accelerated India’s economic momentum. In the first half of FY 2025–26, total exports rose 5% to $413.3 billion, while merchandise exports grew 3% to $220.12 billion.
Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted a 20–25% increase in electronics sales, adding that the electronics manufacturing sector now directly employs 2.5 million people.
“These figures clearly show that the Indian economy is moving in the right direction,” said Vaishnaw.
Conclusion
The recent GST reforms have not only brought price relief but have also injected fresh momentum into India’s economy. From booming digital payments to record-breaking auto and electronics sales, the impact is visible across sectors. With continued monitoring and implementation, the government expects long-term gains in both domestic consumption and exports.
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]]>The post Diplomatic Firestorm! Russia Slams Trump’s ‘Unjustified’ Tariffs — Stands Firmly With India appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Russia has come out swinging against the United States, lashing out at Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs on Indian exports, calling them “unjustified, illegal, and unilateral.”
The fiery statement came from Roman Babushkin, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, during a high-intensity press briefing today. Moscow didn’t just criticize Washington’s move — it threw its full weight behind India.
Moscow’s Big Statement
Babushkin made it clear: Russia is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with India.
“If Indian goods are blocked from entering the U.S. market, the Russian market is open and ready,” he declared, triggering a wave of applause among diplomats and business representatives present at the event.
With these words, Moscow sent a direct signal to Washington — India won’t be isolated, and Russia is ready to fill the gap.
U.S. Under Fire
Babushkin didn’t hold back when accusing the U.S. of weaponizing the global economy.
“Unilateral sanctions and secondary penalties, without U.N. approval, are illegitimate. Friends don’t pressure friends through economic warfare,” he said sharply, in what many are calling a diplomatic strike against Washington’s aggressive policies.
India’s Strong Response
New Delhi has already slammed the steep tariff hike, which has raised duties on several Indian exports to a staggering 50%.
Indian officials have labeled Trump’s move “unfair, unreasonable, and unacceptable.”
Sources confirm that India is doubling down on its strategic energy independence — determined to continue importing Russian crude oil, despite growing U.S. pressure.
Energy & Trade Alliance Gets Stronger
Russia has reassured India that its supply of crude oil, LNG, and energy resources will remain unaffected.
Behind the scenes, both nations are working on alternative trade mechanisms, including local currency settlements, to bypass U.S. financial restrictions entirely.
Analysts suggest that this could mark the beginning of a new trade era, with India and Russia forging even stronger economic links.
Geopolitical Shock waves
The diplomatic clash isn’t just about tariffs — it’s about global alliances shifting rapidly.
Reports suggest a potential trilateral summit involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chinese President Xi Jinping is on the cards. If confirmed, this could send a clear message to Washington: a united front against Western economic coercion.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about tariffs — it’s about global power shifts. With Russia openly backing India and offering to deepen strategic ties, the Indo-Russian partnership could enter a new era of cooperation.
As Washington tightens trade restrictions, Moscow and New Delhi are aligning more closely than ever — signaling a potential reshaping of global economic alliances.
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