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November 01, 2025 India's Economy and Business: Key Updates on Fiscal Health, Trade, and Regulatory Changes

India's economic landscape saw several significant developments in the last 24-48 hours, including a widening fiscal deficit in the first half of FY26, a decline in foreign exchange reserves, and strategic export diversification efforts to counter impending US tariffs. Major regulatory changes also came into effect, with a new simplified GST registration system and revised RBI rules for bank account nominations. Additionally, India imposed a 30% import duty on yellow peas, and the US granted a crucial sanctions waiver for the Chabahar Port, signaling potential shifts in bilateral trade relations.

India's fiscal deficit for the first half (April-September) of the current financial year (FY26) reached 36.5% of the full-year target, driven by a robust 40% growth in capital expenditure. This occurred despite a muted 2.8% rise in gross tax revenue during the period.

In other macroeconomic news, India's foreign exchange reserves saw a decrease of $6.93 billion, bringing the total to $695.36 billion for the week ending October 24. This reduction was primarily due to a decline in foreign currency assets and gold reserves.

On the trade front, Indian exporters have proactively diversified their markets in the first half of 2025 to mitigate the impact of anticipated 50% US tariffs. This strategic shift has led to significant gains in non-US destinations for goods like textiles, gems and jewellery, and marine products, with increased exports to countries such as UAE, Vietnam, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia.

Effective November 1, 2025, India has imposed a 30% import duty on yellow peas. This measure aims to support domestic prices and curb the influx of cheap imports, particularly from Canada and Russia, which had been impacting local farmers. Shipments with a bill of lading dated on or before October 31, 2025, are exempt from this new duty.

Significant regulatory updates also came into force. A new simplified Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration framework, part of the GST 2.0 initiative, became effective on November 1, 2025. This reform allows for automatic approval of new GST registrations within three working days, streamlining the process for businesses.

Furthermore, new Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations regarding nominations for deposit accounts, safe deposit lockers, and articles in safe custody also took effect on November 1, 2025. These rules mandate banks to explicitly offer customers the choice to nominate or opt out, and to obtain a written declaration if a customer chooses not to register a nominee.

In a notable international development, the United States has granted India a six-month sanctions waiver for its operations at Iran's Chabahar Port. This move is seen as a strategic concession that supports India's regional connectivity plans and signals a potential positive shift in trade deal negotiations between Washington and New Delhi.

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