Speaking at global economic forums, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that persistent non-tariff barriers in China remain the single largest hurdle for Indian exports, exacerbating a trade deficit that crossed $112 billion in FY26. She stressed the need to rebalance trade agreements with ASEAN while defending India’s decision to stay out of RCEP to safeguard domestic agricultural and manufacturing interests. In maritime infrastructure developments, DP World Group CEO Yuvraj Narayan advocated for perpetual port concessions in joint ventures where the government acts as a landlord. He noted that while India remains a prime investment destination, high energy import bills put depreciation pressure on the rupee, affecting dollar-denominated investor returns.