India

Hindu Business Line | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Regulation

Mexico’s Senate has approved tariff increases of up to 50% on imports from China and several Asian countries, including India, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia, starting in 2026. This move aims to protect and promote domestic manufacturing amid opposition from business groups and foreign governments.

The tariff hikes will mainly range up to 35% and will affect a variety of goods such as automobiles, auto parts, textiles, clothing, plastics, and steel. These increases will apply to imports from countries that do not have existing trade agreements with Mexico. The legislation had already been passed by the lower house before receiving Senate approval.

The Economic Times | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

India raised objections at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the China-led proposal for an "investment facilitation for development agreement," which aims to establish a pre-investment review or appeal system via an independent body to screen all investments. India emphasized that trade and investment matters are outside the WTO's current framework, which is focused on trade agreements, and urged that plurilateral agreements remain exceptions rather than becoming the norm.

India’s concerns are particularly relevant ahead of the WTO's 14th ministerial conference in 2026, where over 120 members are pushing to have the proposal included under Annex 4 of the Marrakesh Agreement. This would make the agreement binding only on participating members, not on those opposed to it. India argued that expanding Annex 4 without explicit ministerial mandate risks undermining the WTO’s inclusive multilateral approach and that decisions should be made only by consensus.

India also criticized Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs), including this Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) proposal, for diverting negotiating resources towards issues without a multilateral mandate and which are not priorities for the entire membership. It raised concerns over the increasing fragmentation of the global trade system and cautioned against selective agenda-setting that neglects the interests of developing countries and least-developed countries (LDCs).

Furthermore, India questioned the role of the WTO Secretariat's involvement in JSIs that are not formally part of the WTO framework, stating that the Secretariat’s use of WTO resources for these initiatives lacks the consent of the full membership, thereby raising issues about institutional authority and governance within the organization.

Vivekananda International Foundation | English | AcademicThink | Dec. 12, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

India and Morocco are strengthening their defence cooperation, marked by a series of high-level visits in 2025. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Morocco in September, during which he and Morocco’s Defence Minister Abdel Loudiyi inaugurated India’s first overseas defence manufacturing facility built by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in Berrechid. They also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on intensifying defence industry collaboration and cooperation in counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber security, and peacekeeping. Subsequently, Indian and Moroccan officials engaged in visits underscoring growing political, economic, and defence ties, including the visit of Morocco's Rear Admiral Mohamad Tahin to India emphasizing maritime partnership.

The newly inaugurated TASL facility will produce the indigenously developed 8x8 Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) for the Royal Moroccan Army, with a contract to deliver 150 vehicles over three years. The WhAP, designed in collaboration with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has demonstrated performance in diverse terrains such as the Ladakh region in India and Moroccan deserts. This manufacturing partnership supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) initiative and contributes to Morocco’s ambitions to develop a domestic defence industrial hub. Previously, Morocco had relied on the U.S., Israel, and China for arms procurement but has increasingly turned to India as it modernizes its military.

Bilateral defence cooperation already includes training, arms procurement, joint exercises, and steady high-level exchanges. Indian defence delegations visited Morocco in 2024 and 2025 to explore further collaboration, while Moroccan military leaders attended defence forums in India. The opening of a dedicated defence wing at the Indian mission in Rabat will facilitate deeper ties. Both countries share maritime interests along the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, promoting enhanced naval security collaboration.

India’s defence industry’s presence in Morocco also serves as a strategic gateway for expanding defence cooperation with the broader African continent. India has been engaging African nations through initiatives like the India Africa Defence Dialogue, multilateral naval exercises, and field training exercises. Despite stiff competition in the African arms market dominated by Russia, China, the U.S., and Europe, there is growing demand for diversified suppliers. India’s expertise in maintaining Russian-origin equipment presents opportunities for establishing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Africa, exemplified by a recent Hindustan Aeronautics Limited contract with Uganda.

In summary, India-Morocco defence ties are entering a new phase highlighted by manufacturing collaboration, high-level agreements, and expanding strategic engagement. This partnership not only strengthens bilateral relations but also positions India to enhance its defence footprint across Africa, aligning with its broader South-South cooperation objectives.