{"id":87203,"date":"2026-01-28T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/?post_type=issue&#038;p=87203"},"modified":"2026-03-12T12:29:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T12:29:07","slug":"india-signs-fta-with-eu","status":"publish","type":"issue","link":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/issues\/india-signs-fta-with-eu\/","title":{"rendered":"India signs FTA with EU"},"content":{"rendered":"<section id=\"87205\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"87205\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">1<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">WHAT WE\u2019RE TRACKING TODAY<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/this-afternoon-us-links-russian-oil-to-india-tariff-talks-as-urals-crude-trades-at-wider-markdown\/\">\r\n                            US flags Russian oil as tariff hurdle for India as Urals crude nears widest markdown                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/this-afternoon-us-links-russian-oil-to-india-tariff-talks-as-urals-crude-trades-at-wider-markdown\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); 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We deconstruct the gains, concessions, and the long-term outlook with inputs from former IMF economist Charan Singh, who views the pact as a harmonizing counterpoint in an increasingly protectionist world.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Meanwhile, Washington is still keeping India on a short leash.<\/strong> US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says New Delhi has \u201cmore ground to cover\u201d on Russian oil before any tariff relief. Consequently, the 50% duties are here to stay, for now.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Over in Saudi Arabia,<\/strong> Indian construction giant L&T landed a major extension contract for the Riyadh Metro, as Indian construction firms solidify their presence in Gulf megaprojects.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">All of that and more, below.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Watch this space <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"> <a id=\"wwtt1\"><\/a> <strong>TARIFFS \u2014 <\/strong><strong>India<\/strong><strong> has more ground to cover to secure any<\/strong><strong> tariff relief from the US<\/strong>, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer flagging continued concerns over New Delhi\u2019s purchases of reduced-price Russian oil. While India has made \u201ca lot of progress,\u201d weaning off Russian barrels remains difficult given pricing incentives, Greer told <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UImBwP3oxKM\" style=\"\">Fox News<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Why it matters: <\/strong>Sustained pressure from the US could prompt Indian refiners to further slash Russian crude inflows, allowing a greater market share to MENA producers. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>While India has slashed Russian crude imports to their lowest levels in years<\/strong>, the comments suggest any leeway to lower the 50% tariffs on Indian goods remains distant. Russian crude is expected to hold a significant share of India\u2019s imports into 2026, complicating trade talks, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2026-01-27\/india-must-do-more-to-wind-down-russian-oil-buys-greer-says\" style=\"\">Bloomberg<\/a> reports, citing analysts.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>\u201cIndia is going to have a heyday with this,\u201d<\/strong> Greer said, acknowledging India\u2019s gains from the newly signed India-EU FTA through expanded market access and labor cost advantages. He framed Europe\u2019s renewed push for globalization as a contrast to Washington\u2019s more protectionist stance to fix problems attributed to it.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><a id=\"wwtt2\"><\/a> <strong>OIL<\/strong><strong> WATCH \u2014 <\/strong><strong>Russian Urals crude is trading close to its widest markdowns to dated Brent in Indian ports since 2022.<\/strong> February-loading Urals cargoes are being offered at a markdown of USD 10 \/ bbl, up to USD 5 \/ bbl cheaper compared to 2024, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/business\/energy\/russian-urals-oil-trades-close-widest-discounts-since-2022-india-sources-say-2026-01-26\/\" style=\"\">Reuters<\/a> reports, citing trading sources. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Why it matters: <\/strong>Indian state-run refiners have <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/21\/indias-crude-purchases-are-gradually-tilting-back-to-middle-east\/\" style=\"\">been tilting back toward Middle East<\/a> crude as US pressure over Russian purchases intensifies \u2014 meaning Gulf producers are closely watching Urals pricing shifts as they compete for a share in one of the largest oil demand centers globally.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Sanctions pressure: <\/strong>The wider markdowns follow Western sanctions targeting Russian energy exports and shipping, prompting sellers to lower prices to place barrels in Asia. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Refiner response: <\/strong>State-run Indian Oil Corporation, India\u2019s largest refiner, has booked about 7 mn bbl of alternative crude for March loading, including supplies from Brazil\u2019s Petrobras, to replace Russian volumes.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"> <a id=\"wwtt3\"><\/a> <strong>INFRASTRUCTURE \u2014 <\/strong><strong>Mumbai<\/strong><strong>-based engineering and construction giant <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.larsentoubro.com\/\" style=\"\">Larsen and Toubro<\/a><\/strong><strong> (L&T) secured a contract from the Royal Commission of Riyadh City<\/strong> to build the extension of Riyadh Metro\u2019s Red Line, according to a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.larsentoubro.com\/pressreleases\/2026\/2026-01-28-lt-secures-major-contract-for-heavy-civil-infrastructure-business\" style=\"\">company statement<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The project covers the design and turnkey delivery of an 8.4-km extension of the metro line<\/strong> spanning both elevated and underground sections as well as five metro stations which will be constructed by L&T\u2019s heavy civil infrastructure business. Although the firm did not reveal the ticket size, it is classified by L&T in the major contracts category which are generally valued between USD 600 mn-1.2 bn. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Why it matters: <\/strong>L&T is a major engineering, procurement, and construction contractor in the Middle East executing projects across oil and gas, green hydrogen, power transmission, and civil infrastructure. The firm is also involved in the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.larsentoubro.com\/pressreleases\/2023\/2023-06-01-lt-construction-is-all-set-to-create-renewable-energy-infrastructure-for-the-world-s-largest-green-hydrogen-plant-at-neom\" style=\"\">Neom city covering projects across renewable energy and grid infrastructure<\/a> with contracts exceeding USD 2.7 bn.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">YOU\u2019RE READING EnterpriseAM MENA <> India, your C-suite briefing on the movement of trade, investment, people, and ideas along one of the world\u2019s most exciting corridors. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2:30 pm UAE, we dive deep into the business, finance, economy, and policy headlines and trendlines that will move markets and set the tone for your day. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Were you forwarded this briefing? <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/sub.ent.news\/mena-india\/\" style=\"\">Tap or click here to sign up without charge for your own<\/a><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/sub.ent.news\/mena-india\/\" style=\"\">copy.<\/a> <\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Data point<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>3k+ <\/strong><strong>aircraft \u2014 that\u2019s the cumulative order backlog held by the UAE, India, and Saudi <\/strong><strong>Arabia with Airbus and Boeing<\/strong>, more than double the size of their current fleets, according to a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.avolon.aero\/newsrooms\/avolon-2026-outlook-up-next\" style=\"\">statement<\/a> from Avolon. Around 900 deliveries are expected over the next three years.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The global scene: <\/strong>While the aviation sector\u2019s prospects are looking promising, thanks to persistent low fuel prices and growth from markets like the US, Europe, the Gulf, and India, a chronic undersupply of aircraft is weighing on the outlook. Airbus and Boeing\u2019s total backlog now stands at more than 11 years, as the two \u2014 along with Embraer \u2014 saw 2k new orders last year. Going forward, the aircraft shortage is expected to lead to higher lease rates.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Still, the sector\u2019s earnings are set to come in at USD 41 bn this year<\/strong>, which would make it the fourth year of gains as it looks to recover USD 182 bn in pandemic-induced losses. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\"> Happening this week <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>India<\/strong><strong> Energy Week is underway and will run through Friday, 30 January in Goa. <\/strong>Senior government officials including energy ministers are attending the event alongside India\u2019s major trade partners, diplomats, and executives from energy majors such as Adnoc and Aramco. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event yesterday, inviting foreign investment into India\u2019s energy sector. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>We have a detailed update on Modi\u2019s speech below. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\"> The big story abroad<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Global trade is dominating headlines for the second morning running <\/strong>after the EU and India <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/commission\/presscorner\/detail\/en\/ip_26_184\" style=\"\">signed a trade agreement<\/a>. The move <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2026\/01\/27\/trump-reaction-eu-india-trade-deal-fta.html\" style=\"\">can be understood<\/a> as a strategic buffer against volatile trade announcements by Washington. Markets will be closely watching US President Donald Trump\u2019s reaction to the news.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Trump unfazed by USD slide: <\/strong>The greenback <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ft.com\/content\/04c785c0-9ca4-4a85-a279-d95c9d8f1f80\" style=\"\">continued its slide on Tuesday<\/a>, spurred on by comments made by Trump, indicating a lack of concern about the currency\u2019s decline \u2014 \u201cthe USD is doing great,\u201d he said in response to a question about the currency\u2019s fall. The USD hit its lowest level in four years after a 1.3% dip yesterday, extending its 2026 losses to 2.6%. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>AND IN MARKET NEWS- The S&P 500 closed at a fresh high yesterday<\/strong>, with investor optimism about the wave of upcoming Big Tech earnings fueling the rally. Meta, Microsoft, and Tesla will be out with their earnings today and Apple will follow suit tomorrow. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>ALSO IT\u2019S FED DAY- <\/strong>The US Federal Reserve will conclude its first policy meeting of 2026 today and markets are <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2026\/01\/27\/fed-preview-january-2026.html\" style=\"\">expecting<\/a> a hold. Markets are also closely watching for Trump\u2019s pick for Fed Chair Jay Powell\u2019s replacement, with his nomination expected sometime this week.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>WATCH THIS SPACE-<\/strong> Saudi Arabia yesterday said that it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used in an attack on Iran, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/middle-east\/iran-welcomes-any-process-prevent-war-president-tells-saudi-crown-prince-phone-2026-01-27\/\" style=\"\">Reuters<\/a> reports. The news, delivered on a call between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran's president, came a day after the UAE made a similar statement.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>In context: <\/strong>Trump said last week that an \u201carmada\u201d was steaming toward Tehran.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\"> Circle your calendar<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Canada\u2019s<\/strong><strong> Prime Minister Mark Carney is likely to visit India in the first week of March <\/strong>as Ottawa steps up efforts to diversify trade ties beyond the US, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/carney-likely-visit-india-early-march-canada-trade-pivot-intensifies-envoy-says-2026-01-26\/\" style=\"\">Reuters<\/a> reports, citing India\u2019s High Commissioner to Canada. The visit is expected to focus on trade and investment, with potential agreements spanning energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and nuclear cooperation, as both countries look to restart momentum on a long-stalled freetrade agreement. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Check out our full calendar on the web<\/strong> for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events, national holidays, and news triggers.<\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/india-gcc-corridor\/\">India-GCC Corridor<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/india-us-relations\/\">India-US relations<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/oil-and-gas\/\">oil and gas<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/russian-oil\/\">Russian oil<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/trade\/\">Trade<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/what-were-tracking-today\/\">WHAT WE\u2019RE TRACKING TODAY<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"87207\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"87207\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">2<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">THE BIG STORY TODAY<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/finally-here-an-india-eu-fta-opening-long-protected-markets-on-both-sides\/\">\r\n                            India-EU clinch landmark FTA, slash tariffs on 90% of goods                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/finally-here-an-india-eu-fta-opening-long-protected-markets-on-both-sides\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); 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Leaders on both sides conceded to having delivered \u201cthe mother of all [agreements]\u201d as each braces for trade tensions with the US.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">(<strong>** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links<\/strong> to our background and outside sources.)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Among the <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/business\/Economy\/india-european-union-summit-live-updates-on-january-27\/article70555085.ece\" style=\"\">biggest<\/a><\/strong><strong> FTAs signed by India<\/strong>, the agreement slashes Indian tariffs on 90% of EU exports, with 30% going to zero immediately, delivering around EUR 4 bn in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/commission\/presscorner\/detail\/da\/ip_26_184\" style=\"\">annual duty savings<\/a>. Tariffs on imported automobiles will dip to 10% from 110% over five years, under quotas. Industrial goods from the EU including machinery (currently at 44%) and chemicals (at 22%) will see duties hit zero immediately. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>In exchange, the EU will scrap tariffs on 90% of Indian goods at launch<\/strong>, expanding to 93% of goods within seven years, with concessions covering textiles, gems, chemicals, and marine products. India retains protections for autos and agriculture. Indian exporters stand to gain as the EU's average tariff rate dips to 0.1% from 3.8%. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">No carbon tax exemption for the subcontinent<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>India failed to secure any concessions on a carbon tax exemption<\/strong>, but a new technical group will now assist Indian firms in verifying their carbon footprints as the EU's <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu\/carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism_en\" style=\"\">strict green rules<\/a> took effect in January this year. India secured a limited zero-duty steel quota of 1.6 mtpa to the EU, roughly half of its recent shipment levels. This is part of the blocs\u2019 move to halve overall no-tariff steel imports from third countries \u2014 steel exporters that are neither EU member states nor countries with preferential access like India, China, and Turkey.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Why this matters<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The pact is a strategic hedge against the US\u2019 trade volatility and diversifies supply chains away from China<\/strong> <strong>and US <\/strong>as both regions seek more predictable partners. The FTA covers economic zones adding up to 25% of global GDP and one-third of the global trade, Modi said. With talks delayed for nearly two decades, the pact opens up India\u2019s massive yet closely protected consumer market to freetrade with the 27-nation bloc. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Former IMF <strong>e<\/strong>conomist\u2019s view on the pact: A mutual victory<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Harmonizing, not weaponizing, trade: <\/strong>With this pact, India and the EU are moving away from the \u201cweaponization of trade\u201d increasingly seen in Washington, Charan Singh, CEO of Egrow Foundation and former senior economist at the IMF, told EnterpriseAM. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Anti-protectionist stance: <\/strong>Singh views the pact as a vital anti-protectionist strategy that provides necessary market diversification for both parties in a \u201cgloomy world\u201d of geopolitical uncertainty and eroding trust. Geopolitically, the agreement is the EU\u2019s experiment with an alternate supply chain in a gradual pivot away from China, Singh said. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>For India, the gains are concentrated in labor-intensive and high-tech industries.<\/strong> Beyond the immediate victories for textiles, pharma, and gems, Singh expects the pact to stabilize export growth by tightening technology and investment ties with Europe. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The EU\u2019s looming carbon border tax could dampen gains by roughly 30%<\/strong>, according to Singh, with its complete implementation slated for 2026. However, he maintains a \u201cmutual victory\u201d outlook, underlining the spirit of the agreement to prompt a review of the carbon tax and all commodities covered under it. He urged a pragmatic approach given Europe\u2019s own energy constraints.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Logistics hubs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are positioned to gain as \u201cswitchyards\u201d between Asia and Europe.<\/strong> As firms re-optimize supply chains and look for better alternatives to bypass risks in the Red Sea, some ports in India and MENA could benefit, stated Singh.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Addressing the deficit:<\/strong> India's trade with the EU transformed from a near-zero balance in 2019-2020 to a USD 15.2 bn <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.forbesindia.com\/photogallery\/news\/india-eu-fta-in-numbers-india-flips-eu-trade-to-15-billion-surplus\/2990681\/1\" style=\"\">surplus<\/a> in 2024-25. The phased tariff easing under the India-EU FTA is designed to avoid a sudden import surge, giving both sides time to adjust and reduce the risk of India\u2019s trade surplus widening sharply, Singh told us. <\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/european-union\/\">European Union<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/fta\/\">FTA<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/india-eu-relations\/\">India-EU relations<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/the-big-story-today\/\">THE BIG STORY TODAY<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"87209\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"87209\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">3<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">ENTERPRISE EXPLAINS<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/why-indias-customs-execution-will-matter-more-than-tariffs-reductions-for-gulf-trade\/\">\r\n                            Why streamlining customs operations is the real test for India\u2019s FTAs                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/why-indias-customs-execution-will-matter-more-than-tariffs-reductions-for-gulf-trade\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); navigator.clipboard.writeText('https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/why-indias-customs-execution-will-matter-more-than-tariffs-reductions-for-gulf-trade\/')\">\n                    Copy Link                <\/a>\n\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/why-indias-customs-execution-will-matter-more-than-tariffs-reductions-for-gulf-trade\/\">\n                    Facebook                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/facebook-icon2.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/post?text=Why India\u2019s customs execution will matter more than tariffs reductions for Gulf trade&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/why-indias-customs-execution-will-matter-more-than-tariffs-reductions-for-gulf-trade\/\">\n                    X                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/twitter-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/why-indias-customs-execution-will-matter-more-than-tariffs-reductions-for-gulf-trade\/&title=Why India\u2019s customs execution will matter more than tariffs reductions for Gulf trade\">\n                    LinkedIn                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/linkedin-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Why+India%E2%80%99s+customs+execution+will+matter+more+than+tariffs+reductions+for+Gulf+trade+https%3A%2F%2Fenterpriseam.com%2Fmena-india%2F2026%2F01%2F28%2Fwhy-indias-customs-execution-will-matter-more-than-tariffs-reductions-for-gulf-trade%2F\">\n                    WhatsApp                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/whatsapp-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\r\n                    \r\n                <\/div>\r\n\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/why-indias-customs-execution-will-matter-more-than-tariffs-reductions-for-gulf-trade\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2026\/1\/1105.jpg?fit=1568%2C9999&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"87210\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/why-indias-customs-execution-will-matter-more-than-tariffs-reductions-for-gulf-trade\/1105-jpg\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2026\/1\/1105.jpg?fit=%2C&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"[]\" data-image-title=\"1105.jpg\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2026\/1\/1105.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2026\/1\/1105.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" \/>                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-87209\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-87209 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-enterprise-explains tag-budget-2026 tag-customs tag-enterprise-explains tag-enterpriseam-india tag-india-gcc-corridor tag-india-uae-cepa tag-union-budget wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"> <strong>India<\/strong><strong> is preparing a comprehensive customs revamp in the upcoming budget for FY 2026-27 (begins in April)<\/strong>, a move Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has flagged as the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/economy\/policy\/sitharaman-flags-complete-customs-revamp-as-next-big-reform-drive\/articleshow\/125802810.cms?from=mdr\" style=\"\">government\u2019s next big reform<\/a>. While the headline goal is simplifying duties, for Gulf traders operational bottlenecks such as delayed customs clearances, certificate of origin, and tighter customs inspections remain a challenge. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>India\u2019s merchandise trade has crossed USD 1.16 tn in FY 2024-25, and nearly 29% of GDP moves through customs clearances<\/strong> \u2014 meaning even small frictions can translate into higher costs and delays across the economy, according to a Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/2026\/1\/1097.pdf\" style=\"\">report (pdf)<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Those frictions are most visible in Gulf-linked trade flows.<\/strong> \u201cFor Gulf exporters, the real friction today is time and predictability at Indian ports, not market access,\u201d Ajay Srivastava, trade expert and founder of GTRI told EnterpriseAM, adding that \u201conce tariffs are removed, the friction shifts from price to process.\u201d <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The implications of the customs processes are more visible along the <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/economy\/foreign-trade\/india-uae-trade-at-100-bn-since-signing-cepa\/articleshow\/122843588.cms\" style=\"\">USD 100 bn<\/a><\/strong><strong> India-UAE trade corridor.<\/strong> As trade volumes under India-UAE are projected to increase to USD 200 bn by 2032, customs processes increasingly determine landed costs, delivery timelines, and dispute risk. <\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">From tariff liberalization to execution risk<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Close to 90% of tariff lines have zero duty under the comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with Oman and the UAE<\/strong>, giving exporters from the region a clear pricing advantage over non-FTA countries. But that tariff differential has also increased scrutiny at the border. \u201cWhen most favored nation tariffs are still 15-20% but FTA rates drop to zero, customs officers understandably apply closer scrutiny which often translates into slower clearances,\u201d Srivastava said. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>These delays can affect delivery schedules<\/strong>, inventory cycles, and financing costs even when documentation is in order for traders, particularly those operating through UAE-based trading and re-export hubs. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Rules of origin under CEPA have become a key friction point<\/strong> as customs authorities tighten enforcement to prevent misuse of lower tariffs, \u201cRules of origin enforcement is a cat-and-mouse game globally,\u201d Srivastava told EnterpriseAM. \u201cThe problem arises when legitimate enforcement translates into delays.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>In India, origin verification can result in consignments being held for extended periods, even when documentation is in order.<\/strong> \u201cThe balance needs to shift toward risk-based, time-bound enforcement,\u201d he said, arguing for faster and predictable clearances. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Where it hits hardest: Gold, chemicals, and machinery<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The friction is most visible in high-value and high-volume flows in sectors where Gulf trading hubs play a central role.<\/strong> <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The UAE accounted for 18% of India\u2019s gold and silver imports in FY 2023-24.<\/strong> These high-value consignments are particularly exposed delays linked to origin certification. While energy imports are protected by long-term contracts, emerging non-oil goods such as chemicals and machinery also face daily disruptions in customs, despite lower tariff barriers. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Why predictable customs governance matters <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>\u201cFor Gulf traders, who tend to be well-capitalized and professionally organized, customs uncertainty matters more than duty rates,\u201d<\/strong> Srivastava told us. One underutilized tool is advance rulings on classification and valuation of goods. Wider use of such rulings could eliminate uncertainty upfront, reducing disputes and shipment delays once goods arrive at Indian ports.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>\u201cThe next signal of seriousness is faster clearance and procedural certainty,\u201d<\/strong> as tariff barriers are largely already resolved. Srivastava said. This would require wider use of risk-based inspections, clearer timelines for FTA shipments, and fewer discretionary interventions at the border. \u201cIf India can ensure that FTA shipments clear in hours rather than days, it would materially improve India\u2019s attractiveness as a trading partner for the Gulf,\u201d Srivastava said.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">(<strong>** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links<\/strong> to our background and outside sources.)<\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/budget-2026\/\">Budget 2026<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/customs\/\">customs<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/enterprise-explains\/\">ENTERPRISE EXPLAINS<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/india-gcc-corridor\/\">India-GCC Corridor<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/india-uae-cepa\/\">India-UAE CEPA<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/union-budget\/\">Union Budget<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"87211\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"87211\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">4<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">ENERGY<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/modi-targets-usd-500-bn-in-oil-and-gas-investment-by-2030-signaling-a-window-to-gulf-allocators\/\">\r\n                            India pitches USD 500 bn energy investment window                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    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             <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Modi+targets+USD+500+bn+in+oil+and+gas+investment+by+2030+signaling+a+window+to+Gulf+allocators+https%3A%2F%2Fenterpriseam.com%2Fmena-india%2F2026%2F01%2F28%2Fmodi-targets-usd-500-bn-in-oil-and-gas-investment-by-2030-signaling-a-window-to-gulf-allocators%2F\">\n                    WhatsApp                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/whatsapp-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\r\n                    \r\n                <\/div>\r\n\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/modi-targets-usd-500-bn-in-oil-and-gas-investment-by-2030-signaling-a-window-to-gulf-allocators\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/11\/1994.jpg?fit=1568%2C9999&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"87212\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/modi-targets-usd-500-bn-in-oil-and-gas-investment-by-2030-signaling-a-window-to-gulf-allocators\/1994-jpg-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/11\/1994.jpg?fit=%2C&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"[]\" data-image-title=\"1994.jpg\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/11\/1994.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/11\/1994.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" \/>                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-87211\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-87211 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-energy tag-energy tag-energy-watch tag-enterpriseam-india tag-india-focus tag-investment tag-oil-gas wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"> <strong>India<\/strong><strong> is positioning itself as a global investment destination in the oil and gas <\/strong><strong>sector, signaling a window for Gulf SWFs and national energy companies.<\/strong> The country is targeting USD 500 bn in total energy investment, with USD 100 bn specifically earmarked for the oil and gas sector by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during an <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pmindia.gov.in\/en\/news_updates\/pm-addresses-the-inaugural-ceremony-of-india-energy-week-2026-via-vc\/?comment=disable\" style=\"\">address<\/a> at India Energy Week. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Why it matters:<\/strong> As Western majors pivot toward green energy, India is aggressively expanding its fossil fuel infrastructure, aiming to increase refining capacity to 300 mtpa from 260 mtpa as it looks to secure a top position globally in terms of refining capacity. This reinforces the India-MENA corridor\u2019s significance as an important axis for global hydrocarbon demand. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>UAE Industry Minister Sultan Al Jaber confirmed the scale of the prospect<\/strong>, noting that India has become a \u201cdecisive driver\u201d of global energy demand during his speech at the event. He flagged three critical demand signals for Gulf suppliers: India\u2019s air travel will jump 150% in 15 years, data center capacity will increase 10-fold, and the number of air conditioners will explode, with 10 new units sold every second globally by 2050.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>India has set a firm target to meet 15% of its total energy demand through natural gas by 2030<\/strong>, up from the current 6.7%. To hit this, Modi stressed that India requires a vast pipeline network along with construction of LNG terminals and increased regasification capacity at ports. The government projects that natural gas consumption will grow nearly 60% by 2030, primarily driven by the expansion of City Gas Distribution networks \u2014 a sector Modi flagged as \u201chighly attractive\u201d for foreign investment. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Regulatory de-disking: <\/strong>The government has sweetened the offer by operationalizing the Oilfields Amendment Act 2025 \u2014 a reform which strips away complex mining leases in favor of a streamlined lease system in the oil and gas sector designed to de-risk foreign investments.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>India is also targeting to expand the scope of its oil and gas exploration to 1 mn sq km by 2030<\/strong> with more than 170 exploration blocks allocated in the Indian Ocean\u2019s Andaman and Nicobar basin. \u201cIf you invest in India\u2019s exploration sector, your company\u2019s profitability is bound to improve,\u201d Modi said. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">(<strong>** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links<\/strong> to our background and outside sources.)<\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/energy\/\">ENERGY<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/energy-watch\/\">ENERGY WATCH<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/india-focus\/\">India Focus<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/investment\/\">investment<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/oil-gas\/\">Oil &amp; Gas<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"87213\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"87213\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">5<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">ALSO ON OUR RADAR<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/adani-defence-links-up-with-embraer-to-localize-aircraft-manufacturing-in-india\/\">\r\n                            Adani ventures into aircraft manufacturing with Embraer                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a 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data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/11\/1234.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2025\/11\/1234.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" \/>                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-87213\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-87213 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-also-on-our-radar tag-adani-group tag-aerospace tag-also-on-our-radar tag-aviation tag-enterpriseam-india wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Adani Group makes early moves in aircraft manufacturing<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"> <strong>Indian<\/strong><strong> conglomerate Adani Group\u2019s defense arm, <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.adanidefence.com\/\" style=\"\">Adani Defence and Aerospace<\/a><\/strong><strong>, signed an agreement with Brazil-based aircraft manufacturer <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embraer.com\/en\/\" style=\"\">Embraer<\/a><\/strong> to explore building a regional transport aircraft manufacturing ecosystem in India \u2014 a move aimed at positioning India as a manufacturing base for aircrafts amid global delivery bottlenecks, according to a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/2026\/1\/1087.pdf\" style=\"\">company statement<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The details: <\/strong>The proposed collaboration follows a phased approach, beginning with aircraft assembly in India and moving toward localized manufacturing of components and systems.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Why it matters: <\/strong>This partnership is geared towards enhancing India\u2019s domestic supply chain. As Airbus and Boeing <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/business\/aerospace-defense\/airbus-warns-airlines-that-delays-will-last-three-years-sources-say-2025-05-28\/\" style=\"\">delivery slots<\/a> stretch years out, smaller aircraft manufacturers such as Embraer could emerge as faster options for airlines, including Gulf carriers feeding traffic into Middle East hubs. A local assembly base would strengthen India\u2019s leverage in a tight global aircraft market and deepen its role in the Asia-Middle East aircraft supply chain. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>IN CONTEXT- <\/strong>Adani Defence and Aerospace has been expanding across aviation infrastructure, defense manufacturing, and pilot training with the Embraer agreement marking its first move into commercial aircraft manufacturing. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">South Africa weighs higher tariffs on Indian vehicle imports<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>South<\/strong><strong> Africa is considering raising import duties on fully built passenger vehicles from India and China to 50%<\/strong> from the current 25% <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2026-01-27\/s-africa-mulls-steep-tariffs-on-china-india-cars-as-imports-surge\" style=\"\">Bloomberg<\/a> reports. The move could affect Indian automakers including Mahindra and Mahindra, Tata Motors, and Maruti Suzuki India, which export India-built vehicles across Africa and Middle East markets.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The proposal is part of an internal review by South Africa\u2019s Trade, Industry, and Competition Department <\/strong>aiming to protect the country\u2019s domestic auto industry. Vehicles manufactured in India accounted for <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fortuneindia.com\/business-news\/south-africa-may-impose-50-tariff-on-indian-auto-exports-mm-tata-motors-maruti-in-focus\/129794\" style=\"\">nearly 38% of passenger cars<\/a> sold in South Africa in the early months of 2025. <\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/adani-group\/\">Adani Group<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/aerospace\/\">Aerospace<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/also-on-our-radar\/\">ALSO ON OUR RADAR<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/aviation\/\">AVIATION<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"87215\" class=\"issue-section markets\">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"87215\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">6<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">PLANET FINANCE<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/goldman-sachs-ceo-sees-resurgence-in-global-capital-markets-in-2026\/\">\r\n                            Goldman Sachs CEO is optimistic about 2026                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/goldman-sachs-ceo-sees-resurgence-in-global-capital-markets-in-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); 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Despite lingering geopolitical \u201cnoise\u201d and a fragile US labor market, Solomon anticipates a potentially record-breaking year for M&As and a strong IPO pipeline.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">What to expect<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>M&A set to accelerate in 2026: <\/strong>This year\u2019s M&A activity could surpass the strong levels seen in 2025, Solomon said, calling 2026 potentially \u201cone of the best M&A years ever.\u201d Drawing on Goldman Sachs\u2019 transaction backlog and client engagement, he said corporate sentiment remains solid, with transaction flow likely to continue, barring major external surprises. The shift to a more permissive regulatory tone has also helped encourage dealmaking after years of rejections.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The outlook for IPOs is also improving<\/strong>, fueled by stronger private equity activity and portfolio valuations that are aligning more closely with the market, Solomon said. He noted that some large private companies that previously delayed listings are now reconsidering going public. While issuance is unlikely to reach the 2021 peak, he expects IPO activity to continue the steady recovery seen in 2025.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Behind the scenes<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Policy support and AI investment underpin growth: <\/strong>The global macro environment remains supportive for markets and risk assets heading into 2026, particularly in the US, Solomon argues. He pointed to a combination of sustained fiscal stimulus, monetary easing following 100 basis points of rate cuts in 2025, a more business-friendly regulatory environment, and a major capital investment boom driven by AI infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Risks on the horizon: <\/strong>Solomon cautioned that policy uncertainty from Washington and global geopolitical tensions remain the main risks, citing a \u201cshotgun approach\u201d that unsettles business leaders. He pointed to recent headlines on Greenland and European tariffs as potential triggers for market pullbacks. Still, the outlook remains positive barring a major exogenous shock (like a pandemic or a major cyber incident), highlighting technology-driven productivity gains as a key support for investors.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Zooming out<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The gap is widening between the US, Europe, and China.<\/strong> The US benefits from a strong \u201cinnovation economy\u201d and efficient capital markets, Solomon argued, with a USD 30 tn economy and 2% trend growth. Europe, by contrast, is a USD 20 tn economy of 450 mn people with sub-1% growth and slow progress on reforms, with only 11% of the Draghi plan for economic reform implemented. In China, equity markets rose 60-80% over the past year, but the underlying economy remains sluggish despite eased US tensions.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">MARKETS THIS MORNING- <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">The mood hasn\u2019t shifted all week long \u2014 the anticipation of a wave of Big Tech earnings and the Fed\u2019s rate decision are giving investors reason to stay optimistic. Asia-Pacific markets were mostly in the green in early trading this morning, with the Kospi leading gains. <\/p>\n<div class='stock-ticker-panel'>\n<table class='table stock-ticker-table markets-table'>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Sensex<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">81,914<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+0.07% (YTD: -3.4%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>NIFTY 50<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">25,251<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+0.30% (YTD: -3.4%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>ADX<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">10,383<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+0.2% (YTD: +3.6%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>DFM<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">6,502<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+0.5% (YTD: +7%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Tadawul<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">11,425<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+0.38% (YTD: +8.9%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>EGX30 <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">48,028<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+0.4% (YTD: +15%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-down'>\n<td class='td-list-down'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets1'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets1'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Boursa Kuwait<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">8,131<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">-0.6% (YTD: -1.7%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>QSE<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">11,354<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+0.6% (YTD: +4.8%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>S&P 500<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">6,978<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+0.4% (YTD: +1.9%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-down'>\n<td class='td-list-down'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets1'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets1'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>FTSE 100<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">10,193<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">-0.14% (YTD: +2.7%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-down'>\n<td class='td-list-down'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets1'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets1'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Euro Stoxx 50<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">5,987<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">-0.1% (YTD: +3.5%)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Brent crude<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">USD 67.73<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+0.2% <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-down'>\n<td class='td-list-down'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets1'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets1'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Natural gas <\/strong>(Nymex)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">USD 3.66<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">-5% <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>Gold<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">USD 5,270<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+1.7% <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class='tr-row-up'>\n<td class='td-list-up'>\n<p><svg class='e-icon e-TypeMarkets11'><use xlink:href='#e-TypeMarkets11'><\/use><\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\"><strong>BTC<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">USD 88,857<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" style=\"border-right-style:solid;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;border-bottom-border-top-width:1pt;border-right-width:1pt;border-left-border-right-border-left-width:1pt;border-top-style:solid;border-left-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1pt;width:139.2pt;border-top-border-bottom-style:solid\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;text-align:left\">+1.1% <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">The values in the table above are listed according to the market position as of 3:30pm IST \/ 2pm GST.<\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/financial-markets\/\">Financial markets<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/tag\/planet-finance\/\">PLANET FINANCE<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"87217\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"calendar\">\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/mena-india\/2026\/01\/28\/87217\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-87217\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-87217 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-calendar wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\t\t<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-primary-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-primary-background-color has-background is-style-wide\">\n\n\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading mt-0 has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px\">\n\t\t\t<strong> CALENDAR<\/strong>\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700\">JANUARY <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>27-30 January (Tuesday-Friday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/indiaenergyweek.com\/event\/2026\/_home\" style=\"\">India Energy Week<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, ONGC Advanced Training Institute, Goa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>30-31 January (Friday-Saturday): India-Arab Foreign Ministers\u2019 <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newindianexpress.com\/thesundaystandard\/2026\/Jan\/18\/india-will-host-22-arab-foreign-ministers-meet\" style=\"\">Meeting<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, New Delhi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>30 January-1 February (Friday-Sunday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/indiaagriexpo.com\/\" style=\"\">India Agri Expo<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Ludhiana Exhibition Centre, Punjab.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">31 January (Saturday): Commencement of Budget Session 2026, Parliament of India, New Delhi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">FEBRUARY<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>1 February (Sunday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dea.gov.in\/files\/announcements_documents\/Budget_Circular202627.pdf\" style=\"\">Union Budget 2026-27<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Parliament of India, New Delhi. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>2-8 February (Monday-Sunday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.muscatdaily.com\/2026\/01\/12\/film-festival-to-celebrate-70-years-of-oman-india-ties\/\" style=\"\">IndOman International Film Festival<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Muscat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>3-6 February (Tuesday-Friday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indembassydili.gov.in\/section\/upcoming-events\/52nd-year-of-chemtech-world-expo-2026-3rd-6th-february-2026-bombay-exhibition-centre-goregaon-mumbai-india\/\" style=\"\">ChemTECH World Expo<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>9-10 February (Monday-Tuesday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcciapune.com\/initiatives\/pibs\/\" style=\"\">Pune International Business Summit (PIBS)<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, SL Kirloskar Convention Center, JW Marriott, Pune.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>14-18 February (Saturday-Wednesday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/mail.mgovcloud.in\/zm\/reUrlCheck.do?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ihgfdelhifair.in&uvd=080112bc01b0ca97b3b9c382fe8695f75900007551b3edcfcc2ddb715e6c6aafa782978c518a566cb3f6f21a7ffe245f0866d9739a2e499cb927e87a01a88796ae6f12bc9f57b01a3453a8582efd9c34348988c22f6b91180b551b1f376e9f25031cfc37c4ea8c2dd794586260eb4f7ab8d4b819af61d02b8c79bca5ed6019798dfd57476ad58a6ae69453df1092abdeb0411daa73a5e4730634ee6589ce7c65e0c0d835fceb01d9978da96482e3f4d3f54cb2fbe191fc12a2a26b6fc98eaaec21\" style=\"\">IHGF Delhi Fair<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\"> (Spring), New Delhi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>16-20 February (Thursday-Friday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/impact.indiaai.gov.in\/\" style=\"\">India-AI Impact Summit<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>25 February (Wednesday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wsds.teriin.org\/\" style=\"\">World Sustainable Development Summit<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Taj Palace, New Delhi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">MARCH<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">4 March (Wednesday): Holi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>12 March (Thursday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/b2b.economictimes.indiatimes.com\/entrepreneur-summit?ag=events_listing&utm_source=events_listing&utm_medium=eventListing\" style=\"\">ET Entrepreneur Summit & Awards<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Bengaluru.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>19-22 March (Thursday-Sunday): Bharat Urja Manthan - <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.globalenergyconclave.com\/\" style=\"\">Global Energy Conclave<\/a><\/span><span>, New Delhi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">20 March (Friday): Eid Ul-Fitr.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>23-25 March (Monday-Wednesday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/indiasoft.org\/delegates-registration\/\" style=\"\">Indiasoft: International IT Exhibition & Conference<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, New Delhi<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>23-25 March (Monday-Wednesday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartcitiesindia.com\/\" style=\"\">Smart Cities Expo<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>23-25 March (Monday-Wednesday):<\/span> <span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;font-size:11.5pt;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plastiworld.org\/\" style=\"\">Plastiworld India<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-size:11.5pt\">, Jio World <\/span><span>Convention<\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;font-size:11.5pt;\"> Centre, Mumbai.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">31 March (Tuesday): Mahavir Jayanti.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">Signposted to happen sometime in March 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">Election Commission of India is expected to announce polling dates for elections in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, and the union territory, Puducherry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney\u2019s visit to India.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">APRIL<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">3 April (Friday): Good Friday.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>23-25 April (Thursday-Saturday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/conclave.railanalysis.com\/\" style=\"\">Rail & Metro Technology Conclave<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>29 April-2 May (Wednesday-Saturday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bharatbuildcon.com\/\" style=\"\">Bharat Buildcon<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, Delhi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>7-10 April (Tuesday-Friday), <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiarubberexpo.in\/\" style=\"\">India Rubber Expo<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, ITPO, Pragati Maidan, Delhi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">MAY<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">1 May (Friday): Buddha Purnima.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">26 May (Tuesday): Eid Ul-Adha.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">JUNE<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>24-25 June (Wednesday-Thursday): <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homelandsecurityexpo.in\/datesvenue.php#\" style=\"\">India Homeland Security Expo<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">26 June (Friday): Muharram.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700\">Signposted to happen sometime in 1H 2026:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span>Signing of <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/business\/india-business\/india-qatar-trade-deal-by-q3-next-year-piyush-goyal\/articleshow\/124350957.cms\" style=\"\">India-Qatar FreeTrade Agreement<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\"> (Details yet to be announced).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>India-EU Trade and Technology Council <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mea.gov.in\/press-releases.htm?dtl\/40336\/Joint_Press_Release_on_the_11th_India__EU_Foreign_Policy_and_Security_Consultations_and_the_6th_IndiaEU_Strategic_Partnership_Review_Meeting_in_Brusse\" style=\"\">Ministerial Meeting<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Brussels, Belgium.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">AUGUST <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">15 August (Saturday): Independence Day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">26 August (Wednesday): Prophet Mohammad\u2019s Birthday.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">OCTOBER <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">2 October (Friday): Gandhi Jayanti (Mahatma Gandhi\u2019s Birthday).<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">20 October (Tuesday): Dussehra.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">NOVEMBER <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">24 November (Tuesday): Guru Nanak Jayanti.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span style=\"font-weight:700;\">DECEMBER<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>8-11 December (Tuesday-Thursday), <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration-skip-ink:none;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/expandnorthstar.com\/\" style=\"\">Expand North Star<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight:400;\">, Dubai. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><span>25 December (Friday): Christmas Day.<\/span><\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Modi outlines USD 500 bn investment window | L&#038;T will build part of Riyadh metro | Trump\u2019s tariff tantrum persists<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":87204,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-87203","issue","type-issue","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","wpautop","entry"],"acf":{"mongo_id":"f9ffbb39-e8f9-4156-bf27-a90a6b3733a2","teaser":"Modi outlines USD 500 bn investment window | L&T will build part of Riyadh metro | Trump\u2019s tariff tantrum persists","photo_url":"https:\/\/ent.news\/2026\/1\/1183.jpg"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - 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