Imports

India’s crude oil import landscape is undergoing a notable realignment as Reliance Industries Ltd., the country’s largest private refiner, reduces its intake of Russian oil, while state-owned refiners expand their purchases. The shift reflects a complex interplay of commercial strategy, geopolitical risk management, refining economics, and evolving global energy markets. While Russian crude had offered deep discounts amid Western sanctions, changing price dynamics, compliance considerations, and refining margins are reshaping buying decisions.

A comprehensive restructuring of India’s import tariff regime could significantly strengthen domestic manufacturing and enhance export competitiveness, according to a recent analysis by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The report argues that high and uneven import duties have inflated input costs, weakened supply chains and eroded India’s position in global value networks.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has appealed to the central government to impose restrictions on apple imports, citing mounting pressure on domestic growers and falling farmgate prices. The request comes amid concerns that cheaper imported apples are distorting the local market, undermining livelihoods in apple-growing states. Sukhu’s appeal underscores broader tensions between trade liberalization and agricultural sustainability, particularly for horticulture-dependent hill economies.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister has highlighted concerns regarding high import duties on Apple products, urging policymakers to consider measures that could make premium technology more accessible to Indian consumers. The CM emphasized that elevated tariffs may hinder adoption of advanced devices, slow digital transformation, and limit opportunities for education, startups, and innovation-driven sectors. Analysts note that revisiting import duties could support India’s ambition to expand technology access, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance competitiveness in the global tech ecosystem.

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has voiced serious concerns over a sharp rise in the inflow of goods from Bangladesh, warning that unchecked imports could disrupt domestic markets and undermine local manufacturers. Alongside trade-related issues, the industry body has also drawn attention to reports of violence against Hindu communities in Bangladesh, urging authorities to closely monitor developments that may carry economic and humanitarian implications.

India’s long-term economic growth will increasingly depend on its ability to reduce excessive import reliance while significantly expanding exports, according to policymakers and industry leaders. As global trade patterns shift and supply chains realign, strengthening domestic manufacturing and improving export competitiveness have emerged as strategic priorities. A balanced trade framework, supported by policy reforms and infrastructure investment, is seen as critical to improving foreign exchange stability and job creation.

India is increasingly focusing on recalibrating its trade strategy to foster sustainable economic growth. Policymakers emphasize the need to reduce dependence on imports while enhancing export capabilities across sectors such as manufacturing, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. A strategic reduction in imports, especially of non-essential and high-cost goods, aims to improve the trade balance, conserve foreign exchange reserves, and strengthen the rupee.

The Tea Board of India has announced a policy shift that will require 100 percent testing of imported tea consignments, marking a significant tightening of quality controls. The move aims to safeguard domestic consumers, protect the reputation of Indian tea and ensure that imports meet prescribed safety and quality benchmarks. By eliminating selective or sample-based testing, regulators intend to close gaps that have allowed substandard products to enter the market.

India is intensifying efforts to bolster domestic printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, aiming to reduce reliance on imports and enhance the country’s electronics supply chain resilience. Policymakers and industry stakeholders are promoting investments in advanced PCB fabrication, incentivizing local production, and supporting technology transfer initiatives.

The Indian government has imposed anti-dumping duties on a range of Chinese products to safeguard domestic manufacturers from unfairly priced imports. The move comes after investigations revealed that certain Chinese goods were being sold in India at prices below their normal value, potentially harming local industries. Analysts suggest that the tariffs, levied for a specified period, aim to create a level playing field, encourage domestic production, and promote import substitution.