India Today Conclave Next 2017: Industry leaders share their views on the maturing of Internet of things

This news report examines the evolving economic and strategic partnership between India and the European Union (EU) through the lens of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The speaker highlights that this collaboration is a 'win-win combination between India and European Union' occurring amidst global geopolitical turbulence. Key focus areas include investment protection, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), and geographical indications (GI) tagging. The transcript details how the EU seeks to reduce its over-reliance on China by leveraging India's 'Make in India' programme, skilled manpower, and production capabilities. The partnership extends to the defence sector, driven by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the need for diversified supply chains. Furthermore, the report discusses market access for Indian labor-intensive sectors like textiles and gems, while the EU eyes India's rapidly growing automobile market for high-end brands. Despite sensitivities in agriculture and dairy, both sides are fast-tracking negotiations to ensure economic and geopolitical security.

On this special report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights the transformative impact of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. Prime Minister Modi stated, 'This will strengthen trade and global supply chains,' while congratulating the youth and citizens on the milestone. The agreement aims to reduce tariffs, boost bilateral trade flows, and encourage higher trade volumes over the next 20 years. Key sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, pharma, and footwear are expected to benefit significantly from lower import duties. The deal also includes a strategic defence partnership focusing on maritime security, cyber security, and counter-terrorism. Correspondent Pranay Upadhyay explains that the 'China plus one' strategy is driving the EU to diversify its markets toward India, a 'human resource rich' nation. The partnership is projected to double service trade and create millions of jobs in both regions while shielding India's sensitive agricultural sectors from foreign competition.

On this Special Report, India Today reporter Aishwarya Paliwal provides live updates from Hyderabad House on the landmark India-European Union (EU) summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to announce the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), described by Paliwal as the 'mother of all deals'. The agreement, which has been in negotiation since 2007, aims to elevate the strategic alliance and security partnership between the two powers. Paliwal highlights that the deal addresses sectors like textiles, gems, jewelry, and leather, while resolving long-standing discussions on dairy and agriculture. The full implementation of the pact is expected by early 2027. The broadcast emphasizes that this deal, representing 25% of global GDP, serves as a strategic move to open new markets and establish powerful trading blocs amidst shifting global trade dynamics and rising US tariffs.

On this Special Report, the focus is on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at India Energy Week, where he highlighted India's rapid transition from energy security to energy independence. Highlighting the nation's economic potential, Modi stated, 'It has an investment opportunity of $500 billion.' The Prime Minister detailed plans to increase oil and gas investment to $100 billion by the end of the decade and expand exploration to one million square kilometres. He emphasized India's position as the world's second-largest refiner, with goals to reach a capacity of 300 MMTPA. The speech also covered the strategic importance of the Free Trade Agreement with the EFTA, the expansion of the LNG value chain, and a Rs 70,000 crore shipbuilding initiative. Modi invited global stakeholders to 'make in India' and 'innovate in India,' citing a transparent, investor-friendly environment and significant reforms in the hydrocarbon sector.