Business
EU sanctions on Russia: New opportunities for Indian businesses; bilateral trade up, says IBA – The Times of India
The European Union’s latest package of sanctions on Russia has opened new avenues for Indian businesses to expand trade with Moscow, according to the Moscow-based Indian Business Alliance (IBA).On October 23, the Council of the European Union adopted its 19th round of restrictive measures targeting key Russian sectors—including energy, finance, and defense — in response to what it called “Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”In a statement, the IBA said, “The EU sanctions against Russia have had an unexpected effect — instead of weakening the Russian economy, they have spurred local production and innovation. Russian industries have responded dynamically, filling the gaps left by the withdrawal of Western companies,” as cited by PTI.The alliance added that the measures have deepened Russia’s partnerships with “friendly nations, particularly India.” As Western firms exited Russia, Indian businesses stepped in to meet growing demand. “Bilateral trade between India and Russia has now reached a record $68.7 billion, reflecting the growing momentum in bilateral relationship,” the statement, signed by IBA president Sammy Manoj Kotwani, said.The 19th sanctions package also bans exports of several goods — including sanitaryware, electric motor toys, and tricycles — to Russia. The IBA said Indian companies have been quick to capitalize on these gaps. “Indian generic drug manufacturers, who in the past have been targets of western rivals’ smear campaigns, are today ensuring stable supplies for Russian hospitals and pharmacies,” it said.Indian exporters of engineering goods and machinery have expanded shipments of equipment, components, and spare parts, while Indian consumer products have reappeared on Russian shelves. The IBA noted that Indian tea, rice, spices, and garments are increasingly replacing European brands.“This cooperation benefits both nations — Russian consumers enjoy stable access to quality products, while Indian exporters gain new and growing markets,” Kotwani said, as quoted by PTI. He added that the IBA is actively helping businesses from both countries connect, facilitating logistics, partnerships, and guidance to build mutual trust. “Together, Russia and India are transforming global challenges into new opportunities — and emerging more resilient, united, and forward-looking than ever,” he said.The EU sanctions came a day after the United States announced its own measures against Russia. On October 22, Washington imposed sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia’s two largest crude oil producers, prohibiting all American entities and individuals from doing business with them.At the same time, the US levied a 25% tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil, in addition to existing reciprocal duties on Indian exports. Indian goods are currently subject to nearly 50% additional import tariffs in the US. New Delhi has called these duties “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”Meanwhile, India on Monday reviewed progress in negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic in Brussels to discuss the ongoing talks.
Interest rates are widely expected to remain at 3.75% as Bank of England policymakers prioritise curbing above-target inflation while also monitoring economic growth, according to expert analysis.
The Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is anticipated to leave borrowing costs unchanged when it announces its latest decision on Thursday, marking its first interest rate setting meeting of the year.
This follows a rate cut delivered before Christmas, which was the fourth such reduction.
At the time, Governor Andrew Bailey noted that the UK had “passed the recent peak in inflation and it has continued to fall”, enabling the MPC to ease borrowing costs. However, he cautioned that any further cuts would be a “closer call”.
Since that decision, official data has revealed that inflation unexpectedly rebounded in December, rising for the first time in five months.
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate reached 3.4% for the month, an increase from 3.2% in November, with factors such as tobacco duties and airfares contributing to the upward pressure on prices.
Economists suggest this inflation uptick is likely to reinforce the MPC’s inclination to keep rates steady this month.
Philip Shaw, an analyst for Investec, stated: “The principal reason to hold off from easing again is that at 3.4% in December, inflation remains well above the 2% target.”
He added: “But with the stance of policy less restrictive than previously, there are greater risks that further easing is unwarranted.”
Shaw also highlighted other data points the MPC would consider, including gross domestic product (GDP), which saw a return to growth of 0.3% in November – a potentially encouraging sign for policymakers.
Matt Swannell, chief economic advisor to the EY ITEM Club, affirmed: “Keeping bank rate unchanged at 3.75% at next week’s meeting looks a near-certainty.”
He noted that while some MPC members who favoured a cut in December still have concerns about persistent wage growth and inflation, recent data has not been compelling enough to prompt back-to-back reductions.
Edward Allenby, senior economic advisor at Oxford Economics, forecasts the next rate cut to occur in April.
He explained: “The MPC will continue to face a delicate balancing act between supporting growth and preventing inflation from becoming entrenched, with forthcoming data on pay settlements likely to play a decisive role in shaping the next policy move.”
The Bank’s policymakers have consistently voiced concerns regarding the pace of wage increases in the UK, which can fuel overall inflation.
India’s budget focuses on infrastructure and defence spending and tax breaks for data-centre investments.
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Business
New Income Tax Act 2025 to come into effect from April 1, key reliefs announced in Budget 2026
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the Income Tax Act 2025 will come into effect from April 1, 2026, and the I-T forms have been redesigned such that ordinary citizens can comply without difficulty for ease of living.
The new measures include exemption on insurance interest awards, nil deduction certificates for small taxpayers, and extension of the ITR filing deadline for non-audit cases to August 31.
Individuals with ITR 1 and ITR 2 will continue to file I-T returns till July 31.
“In July 2024, I announced a comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act 1961. This was completed in record time, and the Income Tax Act 2025 will come into effect from April 1, 2026. The forms have been redesigned such that ordinary citizens can comply without difficulty, for) ease of living,” she said while presenting the Budget 2026-27
In a move that directly eases cash-flow pressure on individuals making overseas payments, the Union Budget announced lower tax collection at source across key categories.
“I propose to reduce the TCS rate on the sale of overseas tour programme packages from the current 5 per cent and 20 per cent to 2 per cent without any stipulation of amount. I propose to reduce the TCS rate for pursuing education and for medical purposes from 5 per cent to 2 per cent,” said Sitharaman.
She clarified withholding on services, adding that “supply of manpower services is proposed to be specifically brought within the ambit of payment contractors for the purpose of TDS to avoid ambiguity”.
“Thus, TDS on these services will be at the rate of either 1 per cent or 2 per cent only,” she mentioned during her Budget speech.
The Budget also proposes a tax holiday for foreign cloud companies using data centres in India till 2047.
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