8INDIAREVIEWAPRIL, 2026JAISHANKAR, PORTUGAL FM REVIEW BILATERAL TIESIndia and Russia have explored avenues to deepen cooperation in the steel sector during a high-level round table meeting held at the Ministry of Steel, reflecting a renewed push to strengthen industrial collaboration amid global supply chain uncertainties.The discussions were co-chaired by senior officials from both countries, including India's Steel Secretary and Russia's Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade. The meeting brought together representatives from industry and allied sectors, cre-ating a platform for structured dialogue on enhancing bilateral engagement across the steel value chain.A key focus of the talks was collaboration in raw material sourcing, technology exchange, and equipment manufactur-ing, areas critical to improving efficiency and competitiveness in steel production. Both sides also explored opportunities for joint research and development, highlighting the importance of innovation and knowledge sharing in strengthening long-term industrial capabilities.The meeting also served as a review of existing cooperation, with participants assessing current engagements and identify-ing gaps that could be addressed through deeper collaboration. Emphasis was placed on expanding partnerships across the broader steel ecosystem, including upstream resource access and downstream manufacturing capabilities.From a strategic standpoint, the dialogue comes at a time when global steel supply chains are facing disruptions due to geopolitical tensions and resource constraints. Strengthening India­Russia cooperation in areas such as raw materials and technology could help both countries enhance supply security and reduce vulnerabilities. It also aligns with India's broader objective of expanding domestic steel capacity while improving technological capabilities.The talks revealed that persistent involvement and a con-versation at the institutional level are essential to discover fresh possibilities in the field. Both parties voiced their will-ingness to keep working together, using their respective strong points India's expanding market and production capability, and Russia's resource endowment and technical know-how. In general, the round table highlights a future-oriented stance towards the two countries' industrial partnership, where steel is poised to be one of the main components of the growing economic relationship between India and Russia. IMRIndia and the United States will restart their high-level trade talks in Washington on April 20 to continue working on their planned bilateral trade deal.The upcoming discussions will target two main objectives which involve assessing the deal's initial stage framework and adapting it according to new developments in the U.S. tariff system.The two sides need to review their main contract components because the reciprocal tariff changes from the past require them to establish common ground for successful outcomes.The Indian delegation includes senior trade officials who will participate in their first in-person talks with the other country after several months of no contact. The negotiations will solve outstanding trade disputes, complete legal agreements, and create specific implementation dates.The two parties will discuss three main topics which include tariff cuts, market access, and the non-tariff trade obstacles that have historically impacted their business relationship.The conversation occurs during a period when trade re-lationships between both countries experience fast changes because international economic developments and national policy reforms are affecting their trade patterns.The previous agreements specified which tariffs would be decreased and which parties would undertake obligations to increase trade in essential areas including industrial products, agricultural products, energy resources and technological items.The United States has implemented new legal and policy changes which require a complete review of tariff systems through the upcoming negotiations because they will determine the future of current trade agreements.The negotiations from April 20 demonstrate that both India and the United States wish to strengthen their economic ties while they work to settle their trade disputes. IMRTOP STORIESINDIA-US TRADE TALKS BEGIN APRIL 20 AMID TARIFF RESET REVIEW
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