Trade: India asked to oppose "disproportionate" concessions to US in BTA (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
Several former Indian trade officials, including trade envoys to the World Trade Organization, have seemingly cautioned the Indian government to ensure "a fair and balanced trade outcome with the United States, which serves India's national interest in the longer term," as the two governments plan to conclude an interim Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by end-June, according to media reports.

Climate: Disagreement over starting point of negotiations on "UAE dialogue" (PRIV)
(Radhika Chatterjee, Bonn)
Discussions on the modalities of the "UAE dialogue" being held under the UNFCCC's Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) saw a significant lack of agreement over what should form the starting point of the negotiations at the climate talks being held in Bonn, Germany, since informal consultations began on 18 and 19 June.

UN: FDI falls for second year in a row amid rising tensions, trade barriers (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Penang)
Global foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 11 per cent in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of decline, amid rising geopolitical tensions, trade barriers and "screening measures" on foreign investment, especially in the developed world, according to UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).