9NOVEMBER 2026India's trade agenda is gaining momentum as negotiations with Chile approach a potential conclusion and Canada trade talks continue to advance. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has described the India-Chile FTA negotiations as "quite ripe" for conclusion, signaling progress towards a potential agreement. These parallel negotiations highlight India's efforts to expand international market access and create new opportunities for exporters and manufacturers.However, the real test lies in translating negotiating progress into commercially meaningful agreements that strengthen Indian exports, attract investment and support manufacturing growth. The proposed India-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) could broaden trade and investment ties between the two countries. Goyal's latest assessment signals progress, although both sides must complete negotiations before the agreement can take effect. Solar manufacturing in India could gain an upstream boost as Jakson Group plans to invest Rs 6,863 crore in an integrated facility in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district. The proposed plant at Meedivemula village will produce 10 GW of silicon ingots and wafers and 5 GW of solar cells annually, with around 2,000 jobs expected. Planned across three phases, the first phase is targeted to begin commercial production in May 2028, with the remaining capacity scheduled by 2030.Beyond the investment, the project highlights Andhra Pradesh's ambitions to expand its solar manufacturing base and strengthen India's domestic solar supply chain. The proposed investment will extend Jakson Group's manufacturing operations beyond solar modules into the upstream stages of production. The company already operates a 1.2 GW module manufacturing facility in Greater Noida. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) expects its Russian crude oil purchases to decline in November. Higher shipping costs and less attractive offers are CHILE DEAL NEARS FINISH LINE AS INDIA PUSHES WIDER TRADE AGENDAJAKSON SOLAR MANUFACTURING: RS 6,863 CR AP WAFER AND CELL PLANTWHY BPCL IS TURNING TO MIDDLE EASTERN CRUDE OVER RUSSIAN OILBlue Dart has launched an international parcel service to help Indian e-commerce businesses and exporters reach overseas customers. The service, called International Parcel Connect, will initially support eligible shipments from India to the United States. The new offering targets direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, marketplace sellers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and other businesses looking to expand beyond India. Powered by DHL eCommerce, it combines Blue Dart's domestic delivery network and customer support with an established international parcel network. The service offers Standard and Expedited delivery options. Businesses can choose between the two based on their delivery needs. Shipment tracking and support from Blue Dart in India are also included. Balfour Manuel, Managing Director of Blue Dart, said customers had been asking the company to extend its services to international shipping. BLUE DART LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL PARCEL SERVICE FOR INDIAN EXPORTERSmaking Middle Eastern crude more economical for the Indian oil refiner. Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta, BPCL's Head of Finance, told analysts that Middle Eastern crude had become more commercially viable than Russian oil. He shared the update after the company's quarterly earnings announcement on Monday.Gupta said Russian cargoes for November had been "significantly reduced" because of higher freight costs. The shift comes as Indian refiners reassess their crude sourcing strategies based on prices, transportation expenses, and the availability of supplies. During the July-to-September quarter, Russian crude accounted for around 37% of BPCL's total crude sourcing mix. However, the company reported higher supplies from the Middle East compared with the first quarter. It also expects volumes from the region to increase in October and November.
< Page 8 | Page 10 >