The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released a summary of key developments and strategic initiatives undertaken over the past week, marking significant progress on multiple fronts including trade negotiations, industrial growth, and innovation policy.
India–New Zealand FTA Negotiations Advance
The second round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and New Zealand witnessed substantial headway across critical areas such as goods, services, investments, rules of origin, customs procedures, trade facilitation, technical barriers, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and broader economic cooperation. The third round of talks is scheduled to take place in New Zealand in September 2025, as both countries work toward deepening bilateral trade ties.
Industry Engagement to Boost Competitiveness and Inclusion
A series of high-level consultations were held with representatives from key sectors including steel, textiles, engineering, agriculture, food processing, and seafood. The discussions focused on fostering advanced technology adoption, enhancing global competitiveness, and integrating Indian businesses into international value chains. Special attention was placed on empowering MSMEs, farmers, and fisherfolk—furthering the objectives of the Make in India initiative and propelling India’s transformation into a resilient and self-reliant global manufacturing and export leader.
New Patent Guidelines for Emerging Technologies
In a major move to support innovation, the government unveiled the Revised Guidelines for Examination of Computer-Related Inventions (CRIs), 2025. These updated guidelines aim to bring clarity, consistency, and global alignment to India’s patent examination processes, especially in light of evolving technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Cloud Computing, Quantum Computing, and Blockchain. The changes are expected to enhance transparency and accelerate innovation in India’s IP ecosystem.
MoUs Signed to Support Startups and Innovation
The Ministry also announced the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in key future-facing sectors such as affordable housing, healthcare, and clean mobility. These partnerships will provide support to startups through mentorship, infrastructure development, strategic investments, joint innovation initiatives, and international linkages—bolstering India’s ambitions of building a robust, future-ready startup ecosystem.
