Ajay Srivastava

Ajay Srivastava, founder of Global Trade Research Initiative, is an ex-Indian Trade Service officer with expertise in WTO and FTA negotiations.

India–UK CETA: Mapping UK's Export Winners

For the UK, the largest commercial gains are likely to come not from mass-market consumer goods but from silver, aerospace equipment, premium vehicles and high-end spirits. in

Ajay Srivastava

July 13, 2026 at 9:24 AM IST

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India–UK CETA: Mapping India's Export Winners

The biggest CETA gains are likely in sectors where India is competitive, UK demand is strong and tariffs fall, including garments, textiles, leather and seafood.

Ajay Srivastava

July 11, 2026 at 5:20 AM IST

istock.com

Make DGFT Faster: Timely Decisions Will Eliminate the Crowds

DGFT, India's main export facilitation agency, has come under criticism from exporters over a circular that could limit their access to officers handling their cases.

Ajay Srivastava

July 3, 2026 at 10:54 AM IST

iStock.com

India-US BTA: Negotiating in the Shadow of a Collapsing Bargain

Opinion

Trade agreements should create durable commercial gains for both sides. They should not function as protection payments against future unilateral actions.

Ajay Srivastava

June 23, 2026 at 4:18 PM IST

X/@USAmbIndia

How Tariff Policies Are Undermining Value-Added Manufacturing

India’s aluminium tariffs protect primary producers but raise costs for downstream firms, weakening value-added manufacturing, jobs, exports and public infrastructure efficiency.

Ajay Srivastava

June 19, 2026 at 4:29 AM IST

istock.com

US-Iran Peace Deal Offers Relief, and Lessons for India

The deal could lower energy costs, ease inflationary pressures and support the rupee; but for India, it offers insight on negotiating with any major power from a position of confidence.

Ajay Srivastava

June 15, 2026 at 8:19 AM IST

istock.com

Why India Should Delay Deeper Trade Ties With US

Opinion

A slowdown in engagement would send a clear message that Indian lives and interests cannot be treated as collateral damage in America's geopolitical pursuits.

Ajay Srivastava

June 13, 2026 at 4:26 AM IST

istock.com

US Alleges India, Others of Forced Labour, Proposes New 12.5% Tariffs

The measure remains a proposal and has not yet been finalised. The proposal has now entered the consultation phase.

Ajay Srivastava

June 3, 2026 at 5:21 AM IST

India-Oman FTA: Securing a Gulf Gateway Outside Hormuz

The agreement strengthens a relationship that is as much about securing reliable supplies of energy and industrial inputs as it is about expanding bilateral trade.

Ajay Srivastava

June 1, 2026 at 3:35 AM IST

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Rubio’s $500 Billion India Claim Overlooks Collapse of BTA Logic

The $500 billion import pledge looks increasingly uncertain after the tariff bargain behind the proposed India–US trade deal collapsed.

Ajay Srivastava

May 24, 2026 at 8:57 AM IST

@SecRubio

India’s Silver Import Curbs Aim to Plug UAE Duty Arbitrage

Under the India-UAE CEPA, which came into force on May 1, 2022, India agreed to gradually reduce tariffs on silver imports from the UAE from 10% to zero over a ten-year period ending in 2031.

Ajay Srivastava

May 17, 2026 at 6:14 AM IST

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India's Precious Metals Duty Hike Widens Dubai Arbitrage

The concessional tariff on silver imports from the UAE currently stands at 7%. With India now raising the general tariff to 15%, the duty gap has widened to 8 percentage points, creating a major arbitrage opportunity for imports routed through Dubai.

Ajay Srivastava

May 13, 2026 at 5:38 AM IST

iStock.com

India Must Resist EU, US Pressure on Data Exclusivity in Farm-Chemicals

India built a $4.4 billion agrochemical export industry on the back of generic manufacturing. Now, TRIPS-plus pressure from the West threatens to redraw the rules — with serious consequences for farmers, MSMEs, and India's trade balance.

Ajay Srivastava

May 11, 2026 at 9:57 AM IST

istock.com

India Needs Market-Linked Formula for Petrol, Diesel Prices

Retail fuel prices should be directly linked to global crude oil prices, exchange rates, refining costs and taxes through a published formula.

Ajay Srivastava

May 9, 2026 at 5:48 AM IST

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US Court Blocks Section 122 Tariffs, Relief for Indian Firms Not Immediate

The decision currently applies only to the parties that filed the case — the state of Washington, spice importer Burlap & Barrel, and toy maker Basic Fun!

Ajay Srivastava

May 8, 2026 at 1:36 PM IST

Fastener QCOs Raise Costs, Choke Supplies, Hurt Industry

Separate BIS certification for numerous variants—based on size, grade, and coating—significantly raises compliance costs.

Ajay Srivastava

May 7, 2026 at 1:40 PM IST

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US Keeps India on IP Watch List, Presses for Dilution of Patent Rules

India should avoid diluting key patent law provisions such as Section 3(d) and compulsory licensing under external pressure, and must also ensure that its IPR framework is not weakened through commitments in future free trade agreements.

Ajay Srivastava

May 1, 2026 at 9:27 AM IST

iStock.com

India’s China Trade Tilt Raises Supply Chain Risks

India’s China deficit widens as imports double, driven by industrial dependence across key sectors, exposing supply chains to concentrated risks.

Ajay Srivastava

April 29, 2026 at 1:21 PM IST

iStock.com

India–New Zealand FTA: Services & Mobility May Outweigh Goods Bargain

The agreement focuses on reducing tariffs on goods, improving market access in services and easing trade procedures, while protecting India’s policy space in sensitive areas, especially basic dairy products.

Ajay Srivastava

April 27, 2026 at 3:56 PM IST

@PiyushGoyal

India’s Textile and Garment Exports Slip in Real Terms

Data Shows India may be losing market share or failing to expand in key global markets, particularly in labour-intensive sectors where it should be gaining ground.

Ajay Srivastava

April 25, 2026 at 9:54 AM IST

iStock.com/wsfurlan

The Bureau

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India–UK CETA: Mapping UK's Export Winners

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