Indian Economy and Business: Trade Pacts Advance, Growth Outlook Strong, and Key Sectoral Developments on November 8, 2025
India's economic and business environment witnessed a dynamic day on November 8, 2025, with progress on international trade agreements, optimistic growth projections, and significant domestic policy and corporate news.
International Trade Relations Strengthen
- India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA): India and the European Union concluded their latest round of meetings, narrowing differences in FTA negotiations with an aim to finalize the agreement by year-end. Discussions covered a wide range of chapters, including goods, services, investments, trade and sustainable development, rules of origin, and technical barriers to trade. Key regulatory measures like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) were also addressed.
- India-New Zealand Trade Pact: The fourth round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand concluded, with both nations expressing commitment to enhance trade flows, deepen investment linkages, and strengthen supply-chain resilience. The pact is expected to unlock potential in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, education, and services.
- India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA): Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal visited Melbourne to hold bilateral discussions regarding the CECA with Australian counterparts. The constructive talks focused on reviewing progress and elevating the bilateral trade and economic partnership.
Economic Growth and Policy
- Optimistic Growth Projections: Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran expressed confidence that India's economic growth for the current financial year would be "north of 6.8%," driven by a boost in consumption resulting from GST rate cuts and income tax relief. India continues to be recognized as the fastest-growing major economy.
- RBI Banking Reforms: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced calibrated reforms aimed at strengthening financial stability. These reforms include removing various restrictions, allowing banks greater exposure to capital market risks, and enabling them to fund new activities such as acquisitions, citing the increased strength and resilience of Indian banks and the economy.
Sectoral Developments and Corporate News
- Housing Market Outlook: A report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Colliers predicts an annual price rise of 5-10% in India's housing market over the next few years. This surge is attributed to robust demand driven by a growing working-age population, urbanization, rising incomes, and supportive housing policies.
- Tesla's India Leadership: Tesla has appointed Sharad Agarwal, the former head of Lamborghini India, to lead its India business. This strategic move indicates Tesla's focus on the premium segment of the Indian electric vehicle market, despite challenges such as high import tariffs and a relatively slow rate of EV adoption.
- SEBI Cautions on Digital Gold: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a warning to investors against unregulated digital gold schemes offered by online platforms, clarifying that such schemes operate outside its regulatory purview.
- Khadim India Q2 FY26 Results: Footwear company Khadim India Limited announced its financial results for the second quarter and first half of fiscal year 2026. Following the demerger of its Distribution Business, the company reported a decrease in revenue from operations but maintained a profit from continuing operations.
- Indian Railways Adopts AI: Indian Railways is implementing artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance the security and monitoring of freight trains. This initiative aims to improve operational efficiency and prevent theft or accidents.