India–UK IP pact backs startups, MSMEs and grassroots innovation

Mumbai: The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) chapter of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is being positioned as a pragmatic framework that supports innovation while safeguarding public interest. At a seminar hosted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Department of Commerce in New Delhi, experts and industry representatives discussed the chapter’s implications for startups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and traditional producers.

According to officials, the IPR provisions in the agreement aim to modernise India’s IP regime without compromising its regulatory autonomy. The framework retains key flexibilities enshrined in the Doha Declaration, including those related to compulsory licensing and public health. Voluntary licensing remains the preferred industry practice, and concerns about harmonisation of patent processes were addressed as procedural rather than substantive changes.

One of the most tangible outcomes of the agreement is the enhanced protection for Indian Geographical Indications (GIs) in the UK market. This is expected to benefit producers of region-specific goods by boosting exports and strengthening India’s cultural branding abroad. Industry voices at the seminar noted that such recognition could be transformative for grassroots producers and small enterprises, many of whom rely on GI-linked products for their livelihoods.

The seminar, organised in collaboration with the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), also served to clarify misconceptions surrounding the agreement. Speakers emphasised that the IPR chapter does not curtail India’s policy space but rather reinforces its ability to legislate in line with domestic priorities. The provisions reflect India’s existing legal framework and send a signal to global partners about its commitment to a balanced and forward-looking IP regime.

While the broader contours of the India–UK CETA are still under negotiation, the IPR chapter is being seen as a potential model for future trade agreements. It attempts to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring access, a dual objective that resonates with India’s developmental goals.

The discussions concluded with a consensus that the chapter offers regulatory rigour without rigidity, and flexibility without dilution. For India’s startup ecosystem, MSMEs and traditional producers, this could mean greater opportunities to scale and compete globally, backed by a legal framework that recognises their unique contributions.

Air India Group plans 20 daily flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport in the initial phase

Mumbai: The Air India Group has announced its intention to begin commercial flight operations from the new Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) from the outset of its first phase. The group’s value carrier, Air India Express, will be a key partner in the airport’s initial operations, with plans to significantly expand its services in the coming years.

In the first phase of the airport’s launch, Air India Express is scheduled to operate 20 daily departures, equating to 40 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs), connecting 15 cities across India. This partnership is part of a broader strategy by the Air India Group to enhance both domestic and international connectivity and support India’s ambition to become the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030.

The airline group’s expansion plans extend beyond the initial launch. By mid-2026, it aims to scale up its operations to 55 daily departures – 110 ATMs – which will include up to five daily international flights from NMIA. The group further intends to increase this to 60 daily departures, or 120 ATMs, by Winter 2026, connecting passengers to a growing network of key domestic and global destinations.

Commenting on the development, Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India said, “We look forward to commencing operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport, as Mumbai joins the league of world cities with more than one airport. We are happy to work with Adani Airports to build NMIA not only as a point that connects to the rest of India, but also as one of the country’s key global transit hubs for both – passengers and cargo – given its strategic geographical location.” 

Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings, said that Air India Group’s ambitious expansion plans and global vision are perfectly aligned with Adani Airport’s aim of making NMIA a benchmark in global aviation. “The collaboration will redefine Mumbai’s connectivity landscape and strengthen India’s twin-airport strategy,” he said.

Air India Express’s planned presence at NMIA is expected to substantially boost connectivity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and facilitate seamless international transits through the new airport. 

The Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed in five phases. The initial launch phase is designed to accommodate 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and handle 0.5 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo. Once fully completed, the airport will have the capacity to serve 90 MPPA and handle 3.2 MMT of cargo annually.

Pharmaceutical industry in India shows resilience despite US market slowdown

Mumbai: India’s pharmaceutical industry is expected to post steady revenue growth in the current fiscal year, demonstrating resilience and strategic adaptability amid mounting global challenges. According to ratings agency ICRA, the sector is projected to grow by 7–9 per cent in FY2026, driven by robust performance in domestic and European markets, even as the outlook for the United States, its largest export destination, turns cautious.

The domestic market remains a key pillar of growth, with ICRA forecasting an 8–10% increase in revenues. This is supported by deeper rural penetration, expansion of sales forces, and continued momentum in chronic therapies. Companies have also benefited from new product launches and regular price revisions, which have helped offset subdued volume growth in branded generics. Government measures such as Goods and Services Tax (GST) exemptions and rate reductions on select medicines and medical supplies have further improved affordability and access, aligning with broader healthcare inclusion goals.

In Europe, Indian pharmaceutical firms are expected to record 10–12 per cent revenue growth, following an 18.9 per cent increase in FY2025. This performance is attributed to the launch of nicotine-replacement therapies and other specialty products, including injectables and respiratory drugs. The region continues to offer opportunities for Indian companies to diversify their portfolios and reduce dependence on the US market.

By contrast, growth in the United States is projected to slow to 3–5 per cent in FY2026, down from nearly 10% in the previous year. The decline is largely due to price erosion and falling sales of key drugs such as lenalidomide. Regulatory scrutiny from the US Food and Drug Administration remains a persistent challenge, with warning letters and import alerts delaying product launches and triggering penalties. These issues also increase compliance costs, putting pressure on margins.

Adding to the uncertainty is the recent imposition of 50 per cent tariffs by the US on Indian imports across multiple sectors, effective from August 27, 2025. While pharmaceuticals have not yet been included, the possibility of future inclusion remains a concern for exporters. The proposed ‘most favoured nation’ pricing policy by the US government, aimed at addressing global drug price disparities, could also impact Indian companies operating in that market.

Despite these headwinds, operating profit margins for Indian pharmaceutical firms are expected to remain stable at 24–25 per cent, supported by lower input costs, improved operating leverage, and a growing share of specialty products. Liquidity remains healthy, with companies maintaining sizeable cash reserves and liquid investments.

The sector’s strategic adaptability is evident in its investment plans. ICRA estimates total capital expenditure for its sample set of 25 leading companies, accounting for around 60 per cent of industry revenues, to reach ₹42,000–45,000 crore in FY2026. This includes ₹25,000 crore in acquisitions aimed at expanding geographic and therapeutic footprints. While leverage is expected to rise modestly, with Total Debt/OPBITDA increasing to 1.1–1.2x by March 2026 from 0.8x a year earlier, the overall financial position remains sound.

Research and development spending is projected to stay at 6–7 per cent of revenues, with a growing focus on complex molecules and specialty products. This shift reflects a broader industry trend towards innovation and differentiation, as companies seek to move beyond traditional generics and build more resilient business models.

ICRA’s outlook for the sector remains Stable, underpinned by sustained demand in both domestic and export markets, strong balance sheets, and robust earnings. However, the coming quarters will test the industry’s ability to navigate regulatory risks, tariff uncertainties, and evolving market dynamics.

Aluminium-based battery offers safer alternative to lithium-ion cells

Mumbai: A team of researchers in Bengaluru has developed a new battery technology that could offer a viable alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries used in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. The innovation, led by scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), uses aluminium and a water-based electrolyte to create a flexible, safe and environmentally friendly energy storage solution.

The research was carried out under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. The battery is composed of copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCFe) as the cathode and molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) as the anode. The cathode is pre-filled with aluminium ions, which enables efficient energy storage and release. The use of aluminium – a widely available and recyclable metal – addresses concerns around the cost, safety and environmental impact of lithium extraction and processing.

Flexible Aqueous Aluminum-Ion Battery Concept: A visual overview of the battery design,
showing what it's made of, how it works, and how it stays reliable even when bent or flexed.
(Picture Courtesy - PIB)

One of the key advantages of the new battery is its mechanical flexibility. In laboratory tests, the device remained operational even when bent or folded, retaining 96.77% of its capacity after 150 charge–discharge cycles. Researchers demonstrated its performance by powering an LCD display while the battery was bent at extreme angles. This feature could be particularly useful in wearable electronics and foldable devices, where traditional rigid batteries limit design possibilities.

The battery’s aqueous electrolyte also contributes to its safety profile. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which are prone to overheating and can pose fire hazards, the aluminium-based system is stable and non-flammable. This makes it suitable for applications where thermal management and user safety are critical.

The team employed advanced characterisation techniques, including electron microscopy and spectroscopy, to optimise the battery’s internal structure and validate its performance. The materials were engineered at the microscopic level to overcome longstanding challenges in aluminium battery chemistry, such as ion mobility and electrode compatibility.

While the technology is still in the research phase, the results suggest that aluminium-ion batteries could be scaled for broader use in portable electronics, electric mobility and other energy storage applications. The work represents a significant step forward in multivalent ion battery research, which seeks to develop alternatives to lithium-based systems by using ions with higher charge densities.

The development aligns with India’s broader goals of promoting sustainable technologies and reducing dependence on imported raw materials. By leveraging abundant domestic resources and focusing on safety and recyclability, the research contributes to the country’s efforts to build a resilient and environmentally responsible energy infrastructure.

Manufacturing and farming sectors to benefit from lower GST on renewable energy devices

Mumbai: The reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on renewable energy devices from 12% to 5% is expected to deliver substantial benefits to both the manufacturing and farming sectors. The reform, approved by the GST Council and effective from September 22, 2025, is part of a broader effort to lower clean energy costs and accelerate deployment across the country.

For manufacturers of renewable energy equipment, the GST cut will reduce module and component costs by an estimated 3–4%. This cost reduction is likely to enhance the competitiveness of Indian-made products, supporting the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. With India targeting 100 gigawatt (GW) of solar manufacturing capacity by 2030, the reform is expected to encourage new investment in domestic production facilities. Based on current employment multipliers, this expansion could generate between five and seven lakh direct and indirect jobs over the next decade, strengthening the industrial base of India’s clean energy economy.

The manufacturing sector also stands to benefit from improved margins and shorter payback periods, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in component fabrication and system integration. Lower input costs may enable manufacturers to offer more competitive pricing to developers and end-users, potentially increasing demand and production volumes. This could help stabilise supply chains and reduce reliance on imported components, especially in the context of global market volatility.

Farmers, meanwhile, will see direct financial relief under the PM-KUSUM scheme. A 5 HP solar pump, which currently costs around ₹2.5 lakh, will now be cheaper by approximately ₹17,500. At the scale of 10 lakh solar pumps, the cumulative savings for farmers could reach ₹1,750 crore. These savings are expected to make solar-powered irrigation more affordable, particularly in regions with limited access to grid electricity. By lowering upfront costs, the reform may also improve the viability of decentralised energy solutions such as mini-grids and solar water pumps, which are critical for rural livelihoods.

In addition to cost savings, the GST reduction could shorten payback periods for solar pump investments, improving returns for farmers and encouraging wider adoption. This is particularly relevant for smallholder farmers who often face liquidity constraints and depend on seasonal income. Cheaper solar pumps may also reduce dependence on diesel-based irrigation, lowering operational costs and contributing to cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions.

Together, the manufacturing and farming sectors represent key pillars of India’s renewable energy transition. By lowering costs and improving economic viability, the GST reform supports both industrial growth and rural empowerment. It also aligns with India’s broader climate and energy goals, including the target of 500 gigawatt (GW) of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Lower Goods and Services Tax on drones boosts industry clarity and adoption

Mumbai: Indian Government's decision to slash Goods and Services Tax (GST) on drones to a flat 5% marks a decisive correction in tax policy for a sector gaining strategic and commercial relevance. Until now, drones with integrated cameras were taxed at 18%, while personal-use models faced a steep 28% rate – a fragmented structure that created confusion and compliance burdens. The new uniform rate eliminates these disparities, offering clarity to manufacturers and users while signalling the government’s intent to streamline regulation around emerging technologies.

The most immediate benefit is reduced cost. With lower tax liability, manufacturers can offer drones at more competitive prices, making them more accessible to businesses and consumers. This is particularly relevant in sectors where drones are becoming essential – agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, mining and public safety. For instance, farmers using drones for crop monitoring or pesticide spraying will now face lower upfront costs, potentially accelerating adoption in rural areas where margins are tight and technology uptake has been slow.

The reform also resolves long-standing classification disputes. By eliminating the distinction between personal and commercial use, it provides policy certainty and reduces administrative overhead. This clarity benefits domestic manufacturers and importers, who previously had to navigate complex tax codes and risk penalties for misclassification. It also supports broader efforts to improve ease of doing business.

Strategically, the reduced GST aligns with national initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. By lowering barriers to entry, the reform encourages domestic production and innovation in drone technology – not only in hardware but also in software development, data analytics and operational services. As demand grows, so too will employment opportunities across the value chain, from assembly lines to field operations.

Training and skill development stand to benefit as well. The exemption of GST on flight simulators and motion simulators, essential for pilot training, reduces costs for academies and airlines. This could lead to expanded training programmes and a more robust talent pipeline, addressing a key bottleneck in the sector’s growth.

Public services may also see gains. Government departments involved in surveying, disaster response and law enforcement increasingly rely on drones for efficiency and reach. Lower procurement costs could enable broader deployment, especially in remote or underserved regions, enhancing the state’s capacity to deliver services and respond to emergencies.

While the GST reduction is not a cure-all, it is a pragmatic step that addresses several structural challenges facing the drone industry. It simplifies taxation, lowers costs and aligns fiscal policy with technological priorities. As India positions itself as a global player in drone innovation, such measures will be critical in building a competitive and resilient ecosystem.

Rising credit stress slows retail and micro, small and medium enterprise loans

Mumbai: Despite supportive policy measures aimed at boosting credit growth, asset quality stress in retail and micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) segments continues to constrain lending appetite among private banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), according to ICRA’s latest credit outlook.

The report notes that loans to MSMEs and unsecured personal loans now account for 17% of the overall non-food credit of ₹184 trillion for banks as of July 2025. For NBFCs, these segments comprise approximately 34% of their total credit book of ₹35 trillion as of March 2025. This concentration has heightened lenders’ exposure to income shocks and demand-side vulnerabilities, particularly in sectors linked to exports and discretionary consumption.

Anil Gupta, senior vice president and co-group head at ICRA, said the stress in these segments has led to slower growth for private sector banks and NBFCs. “With improvement in economic activity post the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts, the growth appetite shall improve, which will support the credit growth,” Gupta added. However, ICRA remains cautious about the underlying asset quality risks, especially given the evolving geopolitical conditions and their second-order effects on borrower income and repayment capacity.

The report highlights that transport operators serving export-dependent industries such as apparel are facing lower capacity utilisation, which in turn affects their ability to service loans. Employees in these sectors are also vulnerable to liquidity pressures, impacting repayments on microfinance, personal and home loans. These dynamics are expected to manifest more visibly from the third quarter of FY2026, should growth remain subdued and tariff-related pressures persist.

Credit costs are projected to rise modestly in FY2026 – by up to 13 basis points for banks and 30 basis points for NBFCs compared to the previous fiscal. AM Karthik, senior vice president and co-group head at ICRA, noted that the impact would be more pronounced in non-housing segments. While lenders’ earnings may be cushioned by lower funding costs and adequate capital buffers, the outlook for microfinance institutions remains negative due to their heightened sensitivity to borrower income volatility.

The implications for the retail and MSME sectors are significant. Tighter credit conditions and cautious lending practices could limit access to working capital and personal finance, particularly for borrowers with limited formal income documentation. This may slow recovery in consumption and small business activity, even as broader economic indicators show signs of stabilisation.

Some mid-sized NBFCs are especially vulnerable, according to ICRA, due to low capital buffers and high borrower overdues. Their limited financial flexibility in raising equity or refinancing debt could amplify credit risk if stress persists. While larger institutions may absorb these pressures, smaller players could face earnings volatility and funding constraints.

While headline credit growth figures remain broadly positive, the underlying asset quality challenges in retail and MSME segments present a more nuanced picture. Policymakers and lenders alike will need to monitor these trends closely to ensure that credit expansion does not come at the cost of financial stability.

GST rate cuts to ease cash flow and sharpen MSME competitiveness

Mumbai: The recent rationalisation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates by the Government of India marks a targeted intervention to reduce input costs, improve working capital efficiency, and enhance the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the broader manufacturing sector. The measures, approved by the GST Council, address long-standing structural issues such as inverted duty structures and refund bottlenecks, particularly for small exporters and e-commerce consignments.

Among the most consequential changes is the removal of the value threshold for GST refunds on low-value exports. This amendment to Section 54(14) of the CGST Act, 2017 enables refunds for all exports made with payment of tax, regardless of consignment value. The reform is expected to significantly ease compliance for small exporters, especially those using courier or postal channels, and improve cash flow by unlocking refunds that were previously inaccessible due to value limits. By simplifying procedures and reducing working capital constraints, the move allows MSMEs and small sellers to participate more effectively in international trade.

The rate cuts themselves are broad-based, spanning sectors such as paper, leather, wood, textiles, food processing, toys, packaging materials, and commercial vehicles. For instance, GST on paper packaging, textiles, and leather has been reduced from 12–18% to 5%, directly lowering production costs and enabling more competitive pricing for exporters. Similarly, the reduction in GST on trucks and delivery vans from 28% to 18% is expected to reduce freight and logistics expenses, strengthening supply chains and improving margins across manufacturing and distribution networks.

The rationalisation also corrects inverted duty structures in key sectors like textiles and food processing, where input taxes previously exceeded output taxes, leading to refund delays and working capital blockages. By aligning rates more logically across the value chain, the reforms ensure smoother refund flows and reduce the financial strain on producers. This is particularly relevant for MSMEs, which often operate with limited liquidity and are disproportionately affected by refund delays.

Industry groups have broadly welcomed the changes, noting that faster refunds and rate adjustments will ease liquidity pressures and support domestic production. The reduction in GST on toys and sports goods from 12% to 5% is expected to incentivise local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports, while also tapping into growing global demand. Eco-friendly products such as bamboo, bagasse and jute boards have also seen rate reductions, aligning fiscal policy with sustainability goals and global standards.

The cumulative effect of these reforms is a more predictable and efficient tax environment for manufacturers and exporters. By lowering input costs and streamlining refund mechanisms, the government has taken steps to reduce inflationary pressures and improve the viability of domestic production. These changes also support India’s ambition to become a global hub in sectors such as textiles, auto components, food processing and handicrafts.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal described the rationalisation as a decisive step in strengthening India’s manufacturing base and empowering MSMEs. He emphasised that the reforms deliver tangible benefits to producers, traders and exporters, reinforcing the broader vision of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Affordable aquaculture inputs bring relief to grassroots producers

Mumbai: The GST Council’s decision to reduce tax rates across the fisheries value chain is set to ease financial pressure on a wide range of rural stakeholders. From fish farmers and aquaculturists to small-scale fishers, women’s self-help groups and cooperatives, the reforms offer tangible relief by lowering the cost of essential inputs and equipment. With the revised rates taking effect from September 22, 2025, producers are expected to benefit from reduced operational costs and improved viability. These changes come at a time when fisheries and aquaculture continue to expand rapidly, playing a vital role in rural employment and income generation across India.

Among the most consequential adjustments is the reduction of GST on essential aquaculture equipment and inputs. Diesel engines, pumps, aerators and sprinklers, all critical for pond management and hatchery operations, will now attract 5 per cent GST, down from the earlier 12 to 18 per cent. This change alone is likely to ease capital expenditure for fish farmers and cooperatives, many of whom operate on tight margins and limited access to formal credit.

Similarly, the GST rate on pond conditioning chemicals such as ammonia and micronutrients has been cut to 5 per cent. These inputs are vital for maintaining water quality and ensuring healthy fish growth. Lower taxation on such items reduces the cost of feed and farm-level practices, making aquaculture more accessible to small and marginal producers, including women-led self-help groups that have increasingly entered the sector through government-supported livelihood schemes.

The reforms also extend to seafood processing and value-added products. Prepared or preserved fish and shrimp, including exports, will now be taxed at 5 per cent instead of 12 per cent. This not only makes hygienically processed seafood more affordable for domestic consumers but also improves the competitiveness of Indian seafood in global markets. India’s seafood exports crossed ₹60,000 crore in 2023–24, with shrimp accounting for a significant share. Lower GST on these products supports processing units and job work services, which are often run by cooperatives and small enterprises in coastal and inland regions.

Fishing gear has also seen a rate reduction. Items such as rods, tackle, landing nets and butterfly nets – previously taxed at 12 percent – will now attract 5 per cent GST. This benefits small-scale fishers engaged in capture fisheries and recreational fishing, many of whom rely on affordable gear to sustain their livelihoods. The change is particularly relevant in states with large inland water bodies and coastal communities, where fishing remains a primary source of income.

Composting machines, used for producing organic manure and managing pond waste, are now taxed at 5 per cent. This supports sustainable aquaculture practices and aligns with broader environmental goals, while also reducing input costs for farmers who integrate fish farming with agriculture.

Taken together, these reforms represent a shift toward more inclusive taxation in the fisheries sector. By lowering the cost of inputs and equipment, the government has addressed a key barrier to entry and expansion for small producers. The impact is likely to be most visible in rural areas, where over 3 crore people depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods. Many of these are informal workers, women entrepreneurs, and cooperative members who stand to benefit from reduced financial pressure and improved viability.

India produced nearly 195 lakh tonnes of fish in 2024–25, making it the second-largest fish producer globally. Yet the sector’s growth has often been constrained by fragmented supply chains and high input costs. The GST rationalisation helps correct these imbalances, offering a more predictable and affordable framework for producers and processors alike.

While the reforms do not address every structural challenge in the sector, they mark a clear step toward improving rural incomes and supporting the Blue Economy. By easing the financial burden on those at the base of the value chain, the changes reinforce the role of fisheries as a driver of employment, nutrition and export growth.

India’s seafood exports get EU boost with 102 listings, offset US setback

Mumbai: India’s seafood export sector has received a substantial boost with the European Union (EU) approving 102 new fishery establishments for export to its member countries. The move is expected to significantly increase export volumes, generate employment across coastal regions, and strengthen foreign exchange earnings at a time when Indian exporters are grappling with a steep 50% tariff imposed by the United States (US).

The EU’s decision follows a series of bilateral meetings held in Brussels and New Delhi, where senior officials from the Department of Commerce and Union Minister Piyush Goyal engaged with their European counterparts. The outcome reflects renewed confidence in India’s food safety and quality assurance systems, particularly the official control mechanisms implemented by the Export Inspection Council (EIC). These controls have been instrumental in ensuring compliance with the EU’s stringent regulatory standards, especially for aquaculture shrimps and cephalopods such as squid, cuttlefish and octopus.

The inclusion of these 102 establishments in the EU-approved list marks a notable expansion in India’s seafood export capacity. Exporters across coastal states and union territories now have greater access to one of the world’s most quality-sensitive markets, enabling them to diversify product offerings and deepen trade relationships. The timing is critical. With the US tariff hike dampening competitiveness in a key market, the EU’s endorsement offers a counterweight and a viable growth channel for Indian seafood producers.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the development is expected to translate into tangible economic gains. Increased export volumes will likely spur job creation in processing, logistics and aquaculture, while higher foreign exchange inflows could help offset trade imbalances exacerbated by protectionist measures elsewhere. The Department of Commerce has reiterated its support for exporters through policy facilitation, infrastructure upgrades and capacity building initiatives.

The EIC and its affiliated agencies continue to play a central role in maintaining India’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality seafood. Their efforts in traceability, hygiene compliance and certification have been key to securing international market access. The EU’s decision also signals a broader environment of mutual trust in product standards between the two regions – a foundation that could support future trade negotiations and sectoral cooperation.

While the US tariff remains a concern for Indian exporters, the EU’s approval of additional establishments offers a timely and strategic opportunity to rebalance trade flows. For India’s seafood industry, this development is more than a regulatory milestone – it is a gateway to sustained growth in a challenging global trade environment.