India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (India–EU FTA)
Context & Announcement
The India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was jointly announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and European Commission President H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen.
Announcement was made at the 16th India–EU Summit, held during the visit of European leaders to India.
The conclusion of the FTA marks a historic milestone in India–EU economic and trade relations.
It positions India and the EU as trusted partners committed to open markets, predictability, and inclusive growth.
Negotiation Background
FTA negotiations were re-launched in 2022 after a prolonged pause.
The agreement is the culmination of years of sustained dialogue, political will, and cooperation.
The FTA is designed as a balanced, modern, and rules-based economic partnership.
Economic Significance of India–EU Relationship
The European Union is one of India’s largest trading partners.
Recognises and supports Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) to protect indigenous knowledge.
Technology & Future Cooperation
Facilitates cooperation in:
Artificial Intelligence
Clean technologies
Semiconductors
Supports India’s technological advancement and innovation ecosystem.
Strategic Impact & Future Outlook
Expected to:
Substantially scale up bilateral trade
Enhance export competitiveness
Integrate Indian firms into European and global value chains
Embeds review, consultation, and response mechanisms to address evolving trade and regulatory challenges.
Strengthens economic and strategic cooperation with the 27-member EU bloc.
FTA Landscape & Broader Implications
EU becomes India’s 22nd FTA partner.
Since 2014, India has signed FTAs with:
Mauritius, UAE, Australia, EFTA, Oman, UK
Announced trade deal with New Zealand
India–EU FTA, along with FTAs with UK and EFTA, effectively opens the entire European market to Indian exporters.
Aligns with India’s long-term vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”.
Positions India as a dynamic, reliable, and forward-looking global trade partner, fostering inclusive and resilient growth.
Department of Posts – Stock Holding Services Limited Agreement
Background & Context
The Department of Posts (DoP) under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, signed an agreement with Stock Holding Services Limited (SSL).
The agreement was signed on 27 January 2026 at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.
The objective is to promote citizen access to regulated capital market services across India.
Rationale for the Agreement
India Post has a vast nationwide network of over 1.65 lakh post offices, with deep penetration in rural, remote, and underserved areas.
India Post enjoys high public trust, making it an effective channel for financial outreach.
The partnership aims to bridge the gap between citizens and organized capital markets, especially for first-time investors.
Key Objectives of the Collaboration
Encourage wider participation in regulated capital markets.
Promote financial inclusion and investor awareness.
Leverage India Post’s digital transformation to deliver citizen-centric financial services.
Align with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Services Offered Under the Agreement
Citizens can access SSL services through:
Digital onboarding links
QR codes
Official digital platforms
Selected post office locations
Services include:
Opening of demat accounts
Opening of trading accounts
Mutual fund investments
Participation in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)
Other permitted investment products
Role of Stock Holding Services Limited (SSL)
Provide transparent, regulated, and secure capital market services.
Conduct investor education and financial literacy programmes.
Focus on first-time investors and citizens from rural and semi-urban areas.
Enhance awareness of capital market participation and risks.
Role of the Department of Posts
Facilitate citizen access to SSL’s services using its:
Physical post office infrastructure
Digital platforms
Support financial literacy and investor education initiatives.
Act as a trusted interface between citizens and capital market institutions.
Significance of the Partnership
Strengthens investor awareness and financial literacy.
Empowers citizens to participate safely in capital markets.
Contributes to economic growth by expanding the investor base.
Supports India Post’s transformation into a digitally enabled, citizen-centric service delivery institution.
Reinforces the government’s broader agenda of inclusive economic development.
Overall Impact
The agreement represents a strategic convergence of public infrastructure and financial market expertise.
It is expected to significantly enhance financial inclusion, citizen empowerment, and trust-based access to capital markets, particularly in rural and remote regions.
Development of Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Mayabunder
Project Approval & Funding
Project: Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Mayabunder, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Approval: By the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India.
Estimated Cost: ₹199.24 crore, with 100% Central Financial Assistance under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Alignment: Project aligns with Blue Port Initiative principles.
Key Features of the Harbour
Safe landing and berthing facilities for 430 fishing vessels.
Annual fish landing capacity: 9,900 tonnes.
Incorporates latest technology and IoT-enabled systems for operational efficiency.
Focus on sustainable fisheries management, fish-handling capacity, energy-efficient systems, digital traceability, and operational safety.
Expected to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Employment generation across the fisheries value chain and enhanced stakeholder incomes.
Fisheries Potential in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Marine Resource Base: 6 lakh sq. km of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Tuna Potential: ~60,000 MT of tuna and tuna-like species; includes 24,000 MT Yellowfin tuna and 2,000 MT Skipjack tuna.
Investment Catalysis: Investors’ meet held on 14 November 2024 at Swaraj Dweep for tuna fishing, seaweed, and allied infrastructure.
Tuna Cluster Notification: Under PMMSY to strengthen infrastructure, training, investor partnerships, and global competitiveness.
India’s Fisheries Sector Overview
Public Investment: Over ₹39,000 crore in production, infrastructure, technology, fisher welfare, and post-harvest value chains.
Fish Production: More than doubled from 96 lakh tonnes (2013–14) to 197.75 lakh tonnes (2024–25).
Seafood Exports: Doubled in value to ₹62,408 crore, with over 350 product varieties exported to ~130 countries.
Target: Achieve One Lakh crore seafood exports by 2030–31.
PMMSY Interventions in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Total Investment: ₹5,573.02 lakh in fisheries infrastructure and livelihood support.
Infrastructure Development:
5 freshwater finfish hatcheries.
7 backyard ornamental rearing units.
23.2 ha new brackishwater ponds, 17.9 ha freshwater grow-out ponds.
Fish feed production units, insulated vehicles, refrigerated transport.
Fish kiosks and bio-toilets for mechanised vessels.
Fisher Welfare: Livelihood and nutritional support to 1,000 traditional fisher families.
Cold Chain & Value Addition: Modernised and expanded cold storage facilities (10–20 ton), ice plants, e-rickshaws with ice boxes, and fish value-add units.
Expected Outcomes
Employment Generation: Across the fisheries value chain.
Enhanced Livelihoods: Better incomes for fishers and stakeholders.
Sustainability: Promotes environmentally friendly and traceable fishing practices.
Export Readiness: Strengthens infrastructure for export-oriented fisheries growth.
Resilience: Coastal communities become more resilient with sustainable and diversified fisheries.
Strategic Importance
Unlocks fisheries potential of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Contributes to SDGs, particularly sustainable livelihoods and responsible consumption/production.
Advances India’s goal of modern, technologically enabled, and globally competitive fisheries sector.
Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT) 2026
Event Overview
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy inaugurated the three-day Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT) 2026 in Pune.
The event is organised by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) in association with Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) and SAEINDIA.
SIAT 2026 coincides with ARAI’s Diamond Jubilee Year, marking 60 years of contribution to India’s automotive research, testing and certification ecosystem.
Strategic Importance of ARAI
The Minister praised ARAI’s role in strengthening vehicle safety, emissions compliance and innovation.
ARAI was described as a transformative institution in India’s automotive and mobility landscape.
New facilities inaugurated at ARAI’s Mobility Research Centre (MRC), Takwe, aim to enhance safety, security and advanced R&D capabilities.
India’s Economic & Industrial Context
India has become the world’s 4th-largest economy, with a GDP of USD 4.18 trillion.
India is on track to become the 3rd-largest economy, with projected GDP of USD 7.3 trillion by 2030.
Automotive manufacturing is positioned as a key pillar of India’s industrial growth.
Vision for Sustainable Mobility
India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Government is aligning automotive growth with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Electric mobility is identified as central to reducing fossil fuel imports, lowering emissions and creating jobs.
Government Policy Initiatives for EV Adoption
FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles)-II Scheme
Outlay: ₹11,500 crore
Supported adoption of 16.71 lakh electric vehicles
Enabled sanctioning of 9,000+ public charging stations
PM E-DRIVE (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) Scheme
Outlay: ₹10,900 crore
Enabled sale of over 20 lakh electric vehicles
Includes ₹2,000 crore for installing 70,000+ charging stations, with focus on commercial vehicles
PLI (Production Linked Incentive) Auto Scheme
Outlay: ₹25,938 crore
Promotes domestic manufacturing, value addition and global competitiveness
Aims to strengthen energy security and supply chain resilience
Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) Scheme
Outlay: ₹7,280 crore
Focus on indigenous production for EVs, wind energy, defence and electronics
Focus on Commercial Vehicle Electrification
Commercial vehicles account for over 40% of transport-related pollution.
Electrification of this segment is identified as a priority area for emissions reduction.
Automotive Industry Performance
Vehicle production
Increased from 28.4 million units (FY 2023–24) to 31 million units (FY 2024–25)
Vehicle exports
Increased from 4.5 million units to 5.36 million units
Growth reflects success of policy support, manufacturing expansion and global competitiveness.
Innovation, Startups & MSMEs
Strong participation from MSMEs and startups at SIAT 2026.
ARAI’s outreach and incubation initiatives are nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.
Exhibition showcased advances in vehicle safety, electrification, testing, connected mobility and efficiency.
Overall Significance
SIAT 2026 is positioned as a global knowledge-sharing platform for researchers, industry leaders and policymakers.
The symposium supports India’s vision of Viksit Bharat, clean mobility, and a resilient, innovation-driven automotive ecosystem.
Reinforces India’s ambition to become a global hub for future-ready automotive technologies.
WaSH Warriors
Event Overview
The Ministry of Jal Shakti organised a ‘Samvad Samaroh’ and recognition programme for WaSH Warriors at PSOI, New Delhi.
The event aimed to honour grassroots leaders who have demonstrated exemplary work in water conservation, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH).
It highlighted the Ministry’s emphasis on community-led development and Jan Bhagidari as central to national water and sanitation initiatives.
National Recognition & Republic Day Participation
58 WaSH Warriors nominated by States and Union Territories under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) participated in the programme.
They were invited as Special Guests to the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026.
The recognition symbolised the Government’s acknowledgement of rural and community contributions to nation-building.
Profile of Selected WaSH Warriors
The honourees were drawn from Swachh Sujal Gaon villages, representing:
Rural households
Poor and marginalised communities
Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) majority villages
Vulnerable tribal groups
Their work showcased inclusive, equitable, and community-owned solutions to water and sanitation challenges.
Swachh Sujal Gaon Concept
A Swachh Sujal Gaon is:
Har Ghar Jal certified under the Jal Jeevan Mission
ODF Plus Model verified under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)
The concept integrates safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene into a unified rural development framework.
Grassroots Experiences Shared
Chhattisgarh: Access to household tap water reduced time spent fetching water, improved health outcomes, and empowered women.
Gujarat: Community-led systems such as model wells ensured sustainable water supply and received district-level recognition.
Nagaland: Availability of tap water improved women’s daily lives and reduced waterborne diseases like diarrhoea among children.
Assam: Improved water quality led to better health and enabled sustained hygiene and conservation practices among children and adults.
Impact of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
JJM has benefited over 9.5 crore women by reducing the drudgery of fetching water.
It has saved an estimated 4.5 crore hours of women’s time, improving well-being and safety.
Functional household tap connections have led to:
Improved public health
Enhanced dignity and safety for women
Greater community ownership of water assets
Focus on Behaviour Change & Youth Engagement
The Minister stressed that Swachhata is a way of life, not just a slogan.
Youth engagement initiatives such as Youth for Ganga – Youth for Yamuna aim to build water conservation awareness among students.
Emphasis was placed on Jal Sanchay (water conservation) and responsible water use through collective action.
Knowledge Dissemination & Documentation
A JJM publication titled “Peyjal: Jan Shakti Ki Abhivyakti – Volume II” was released.
The booklet documents inspiring stories of WaSH Warriors and their grassroots leadership.
Overall Significance
The programme reinforced the role of community participation as a cornerstone of India’s water and sanitation success.
It highlighted the transition from infrastructure-driven schemes to people-centric, sustainable solutions.
The initiative aligns with broader national goals of inclusive development, women empowerment, public health improvement, and sustainable water management.
India–Canada Joint Statement on Energy Cooperation
Context & High-Level Engagement
The Joint Statement was issued during India Energy Week 2026 (IEW’26) held in Goa.
Canadian Energy and Natural Resources Minister H.E. Timothy Hodgson participated at IEW for the first time at Cabinet level, marking a milestone in bilateral engagement.
A bilateral meeting was held with India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, H.E. Shri Hardeep Singh Puri.
The meeting led to the launch of the renewed India–Canada Ministerial Energy Dialogue.
Strategic Background
The engagement follows directions from the Prime Ministers of India and Canada during the G7 Summit (June 2025, Kananaskis, Canada).
Both leaders had emphasised the need to restart senior ministerial and working-level engagements, especially in strategic sectors like energy.
Shared Strategic Vision
Both countries reaffirmed the critical role of energy security and diversity of supply for:
Economic growth
National safety
Public wellbeing
The Ministers acknowledged the complementary nature of the Indian and Canadian energy sectors.
India–Canada Energy Complementarity
Canada’s strengths:
Aspires to become an energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy.
Focus on export diversification, especially to Asia.
Expanding LNG projects, crude oil exports via the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) Pipeline, and LPG exports through its west coast.
India’s position:
World’s 3rd largest oil consumer
4th largest LNG importer
3rd largest LPG consumer
4th largest refining capacity
Expected to contribute over one-third of global energy demand growth over the next two decades.
This creates a natural, symbiotic partnership based on scale, stability, and long-term demand.
Energy Trade & Fuel Cooperation
Ministers agreed to deepen bilateral energy trade, including:
Supply of Canadian LNG, LPG, and crude oil to India
Supply of refined petroleum products from India to Canada
Both sides recognised strong potential for collaboration across conventional energy fuels.
Investment & Commercial Partnerships
Canada’s initiatives:
Launched a Major Projects Office (2025) to fast-track energy and resource projects.
Announced acceleration of projects worth over USD 116 billion.
India’s initiatives:
Highlighted major policy reforms and a USD 500 billion investment opportunity across the energy value chain.
Both Ministers agreed to promote long-term, reciprocal investments in each other’s energy sectors.
Climate & Energy Transition Cooperation
Both sides recognised the need to align energy growth with climate objectives.
Focus areas include:
Emission reduction in conventional energy via Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS).
Deployment of cleaner technologies as energy demand grows.
Identified high potential for cooperation in:
Renewable energy
Hydrogen
Biofuels and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Battery storage
Critical minerals
Clean technologies
Electricity systems
Energy supply chain resilience
Artificial Intelligence applications in the energy sector
Multilateral & Global Cooperation
Both Ministers noted ongoing collaboration under the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA).
Canada currently participates in the GBA as an observer.
Emphasis on contributing to the global energy transition through shared platforms.
Key Affirmations by Both Sides
Reaffirmed the importance of diversified and secure energy supply chains, with:
India as a major consumer
Canada as a reliable and secure supplier
Commitment to:
Strengthen energy trade, including services
Continue Government-to-Government dialogue, especially through the Ministerial Energy Dialogue
Enable Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) collaboration
Support climate objectives through bilateral, multilateral, and industry partnerships
India Energy Week 2026
Overview of India Energy Week
India Energy Week (IEW) is India’s flagship global energy platform, convening:
Government leaders
Industry executives
Innovators and investors
Purpose: Accelerate progress toward secure, sustainable, and affordable energy globally.
IEW acts as a neutral international forum to drive:
Investment
Policy alignment
Technological collaboration
IEW 2026 hosted in Goa with 75,000+ energy professionals, 700+ companies, and participants from 120+ countries.
Thematic Zones
11 strategically curated thematic zones, each focusing on priority energy areas:
Hydrogen Zone
Renewable Energy
Digitalisation & AI
Biofuels
LNG Ecosystem
City Gas Distribution
Petrochemicals
Make in India
India Net-Zero Zone (Two other zones focused on emerging clean technologies and energy innovation)
Hydrogen Zone
Inaugurated by Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri.
Hosted by Oil India, showcasing cutting-edge hydrogen technologies:
Production, storage, and utilisation.
Highlights the role of hydrogen in decarbonising “hard-to-abate” sectors:
Refining
Fertilisers
Steel
Mobility
Positions India as a competitive global player in emerging hydrogen markets.
Facilitates direct engagement between policymakers, investors, and technology providers.
Ministerial Panel – Day 1
Theme: “Charting a Course through Uncertainty: Securing Affordable, Accessible and Sustainable Energy in a Turbulent World”
Panelists:
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, India
HE Tim Hodgson, Canada
HE Jassim Al Shirawi, Secretary General, IEF
Key discussion points:
Global energy uncertainty due to:
Geopolitical tensions
Shifting trade dynamics
Rising demand from emerging economies
Accelerating energy transition
Agreed that no single transition pathway fits all countries.
India’s Perspective
Energy availability is central to economic growth and national resilience.
India has navigated global turbulence successfully via:
Diversifying energy sources
Expanding supplier geographies
Implementing energy sector reforms
Ambitions:
Increase the share of natural gas in the energy mix.
