TRADE MINISTRY PLANS TO PREVENT RESOURCE STRAIN IN FTAS NEGOTIATIONS

Why in the news?

  • The Commerce Ministry led by Secretary Sunil Barthwal strategized on negotiating FTAs with the UK, EU, and widening the deal with Australia.
  • The focus was on preventing resource strain and overtraining while effectively managing negotiations.
  • Experts emphasized the need for a dedicated chapter on Critical Minerals and interdisciplinary expertise in negotiations.
source:slideserve

About Free Trade agreements( FTAs ):

  • FTAs are agreements between countries to reduce or eliminate trade barriers.
  • These barriers can include tariffs (taxes) and non-tariff barriers like regulatory laws.
  • FTAs cover trade in goods and services, investor protections, and intellectual property right
What are Critical Minerals?

  • Critical Minerals are vital for economic development and national security.
  • Shortages could lead to supply chain vulnerabilities.
  • Essential for various sectors including electronics, telecommunications, transport, and defense.
  • Key components in clean technologies, information technology, and advanced manufacturing.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/the-india-efta-trade-deal/

https://universalinstitutions.com/indias-critical-minerals-benefits-delayed-auctions-begin-amid-import-reliance/

https://universalinstitutions.com/india-now-eyes-africa-for-critical-minerals/