8MARCH, 2026INDIA'S TRADE PACT TALKS GAIN PACE WITH PHILIPPINES AND MALDIVESHONDA STARTS 0 ALPHA ELECTRIC SUV ROAD TESTS IN INDIAIndia has formally launched India's trade pact talks with the Philippines and the Maldives after signing the Terms of Reference (ToR), marking the official start of negotiations for new trade agreements. This step sets the framework for discussions but does not finalize any deal yet.With the Philippines, India is exploring a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), which will focus on reducing tariffs on selected goods. Talks with the Maldives aim for a broader Free Trade Agreement (FTA), covering goods, services, and investments. These moves reflect India's effort to deepen economic ties across Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region.The ToR outlines how negotiations will proceed, including timelines, structure, and key areas of focus. It ensures both sides are aligned before detailed discussions begin. Officials see this as a practical way to move faster while keeping negotiations structured.The India trade pact talks come at a time when the country is actively expanding its global trade network. Exports to the Philippines have shown steady growth, making it a promising partner for a limited trade deal. Meanwhile, trade with the Maldives has seen imbalances, prompting the need for a more comprehensive agreement to stabilize and grow economic exchange.This development is part of India's broader strategy to boost exports, diversify trade partners, and secure stronger market access. The government is also reviewing existing agreements and negotiating new ones with regions such as Europe and the Gulf.By initiating these talks, India is signaling a clear push to strengthen its position in global trade while building closer economic relationships with emerging partners. Honda Cars India begins pan-India road tests of 0 Alpha electric SUV, ensuring power, reliability, and real-world performance for urban buyers ahead of the 2026 launch.The growth is soon after the company assured a 1,200 crore investment in its manufacturing facility in Tapukara in Rajasthan to help in the production of the electric SUV cars both locally and internationally.The eventual electric SUV model will have a wide range of real-world testing in India to ascertain its performance in diverse driving conditions. Its target is to test durability, ride comfort, handling, efficiency and reliability besides testing the charging performance of the programme in various charging networks. The engineers will also analyze the reaction of the vehicle to the road conditions and extreme climatic conditions in India.The initial unveiling of a prototype of the Honda 0 Alpha happened at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. The electric SUV will appeal more to the urban and lifestyle-oriented customers, and Japan was one of the main destinations to which the model was to be exported. Although a definite India launch date is yet to be determined, the vehicle will likely enter the world in the 2026-27 financial year.The entire national testing programme was initiated through the Tapukara plant in the presence of the top leadership, amongst them being Takashi Nakajima, President and CEO of Honda Cars India.Takashi Nakajima said, "The start of pan-India public road verification testing is a key milestone in our EV journey. India has unique driving and climate conditions, and it is important for us to test our electric vehicle thoroughly in real-world environments. This programme reflects Honda's global engineering strengths combined with a strong focus on local customer needs, as we prepare to introduce an electric SUV that offers reliability, comfort, and ease of use."It was announced just as Honda had recently reduced its global EV strategy, citing a shift in demand and varying policy support in multiple markets.TOP STORIES8MARCH, 2026
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