UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, is set to lead a major Great North trade delegation to India to tap into new economic avenues following the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). UK government estimates indicate that CETA could boost northern England’s economy by 450 million pounds annually in the long run. Simultaneously, Indian customs authorities at Nhava Sheva (JNPT) have withheld clearance for approximately 1,500 tonnes (60 containers) of soybean imports declared as originating from Niger due to lack of proof of origin. The action follows a dramatic rise in imports declared from Niger, reaching 404,429 tonnes in eight months from zero, amid suspicions that non-qualifying cargoes are mis-declared to illegally enjoy duty-free entry reserved for least-developed countries. On the domestic logistics front, Subhash Chandra Karol from DPIIT announced at PRISM 2026 that India’s logistics sector is projected to double from $300 billion to $600 billion by 2031-32, supported by PM Gati Shakti, as logistics costs dropped to 8-9% of GDP. Meanwhile, India and Bangladesh resumed Joint Working Group trade talks in New Delhi after three years to address land-route restrictions, non-tariff barriers, and duty-free access concerns as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from its LDC status.