Overview

• BVR Subrahmanyam called for stronger neighborhood trading arrangements, explicitly including China, during the launch of Trade Watch Quarterly.
• He said a Rajiv Gauba-led committee has submitted its first set of reform reports and indicated another reform tranche is expected before Diwali following GST 2.0.
• He argued India’s geography makes regional integration vital, citing the European Union’s high internal trade and the United States’ trade with Mexico and Canada.
• Asked about curbs on Chinese investment, he avoided a direct position but noted China’s role as a major supplier to India.
• He warned that India previously missed manufacturing shifts to Vietnam, underscoring the urgency to raise competitiveness and expand exports.