National News
India Pushes for Full Tariff Elimination in Interim Trade Deal with US: Report
India is seeking complete removal of the 26% retaliatory tariff and the existing 10% baseline US import duty in a proposed interim trade agreement with the United States, expected to be finalised before 8 July, according to The Hindu Business Line.
Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal recently visited Washington to accelerate negotiations. He held discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, focusing on key Indian exports such as textiles, leather, and gems & jewellery.
An official source cited in the report said talks are progressing positively, with both countries targeting a first-phase agreement before the 9 July deadline, when the 90-day suspension of the additional US tariffs expires. The deal may also include provisions on services, digital trade, and the reduction of non-tariff barriers.
The US imposed the 26% additional duty on Indian goods on 2 April as a retaliatory measure but delayed enforcement until 9 July. While this postponement offers a temporary breather, India is now pressing for the complete rollback of both the retaliatory and baseline tariffs.
In return, India may offer concessions such as minimum import prices or quotas for sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy. At the same time, it is pushing for greater access to the US market for products including gems and jewellery, garments, plastics, chemicals, shrimp, bananas, and grapes.
The US, in turn, is seeking tariff relief for its exports of industrial goods, electric vehicles, petrochemicals, wines, dairy, and genetically modified agricultural products.
Negotiators are working under a tight timeline to take advantage of the current tariff suspension and finalise the initial tranche of a broader bilateral trade agreement.
According to the report, both nations aim to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. The US has expressed ongoing concerns over India’s non-tariff barriers and its rising trade surplus, which reached $41.18 billion in FY2024–25. Total bilateral trade during the period stood at $131.84 billion, with the US remaining India’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year, accounting for around 18% of India’s total merchandise exports.
BrandBuzz
Verlas Introduces the ‘Alyssa’ Collection in India, Bringing Modern Luxe Floral-Inspired Design to Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Crafted in Fine Gold
The New York-born brand channels statement floral designs in modern silhouettes and larger carat diamond brilliance into a collection made for weddings, engagements, cocktail evenings, and wedding Trousseau Picks.
Verlas, the New York-based fine jewelry brand, has brought its luxurious Alyssa collection to India, a floral-inspired range of contemporary designs crafted with IGI-Certified lab-grown diamonds and BIS hallmarked gold in 14K and 9K Gold variants. Built around larger carat weights and romantic floral design, the collection pairs statement sparkle with Verlas’ commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. Since its founding in 2019, Verlas has focused on modern, considered jewelry designed to feel personal and meaningful, handcrafted by skilled artisans in VS clarity lab-grown diamonds set in fine gold.
Inspired by blooming florals, the Alyssa collection translates nature’s motifs into refined diamond jewelry designed for everyday moments in the form of elegant pendant necklaces and Studs designed with florets of round-cut and marquise-cut diamonds, and then there are these luxe styles that call for something more. For bigger celebrations to evening dressing, these luxe designs are crafted with marquise and round-cut diamonds in hoops and dangler earrings, unique tennis bracelets and tennis necklace designs that embrace the designer craftsmanship of Verlas. The Alyssa collection brings signature brilliance to a range of personal styles.
For the modern bride, Alyssa brings together jewelry for every part of her journey—from the engagement and big day to her trousseau, bridesmaids and the little moments beyond. Fashion-forward yet effortlessly elegant, each design is crafted to make a statement today and stay in her rotation long after the celebrations are over.

Among the highlights are the Alyssa Cuatro Floral Hoops, featuring five round lab-grown diamonds arranged in a delicate floret on a solid gold hoop. For a softer, more elegant look, these round-cut diamonds bring a classic appeal – perfect for those who prefer understated sparkle.

If bold and distinctive is more your style, the Alyssa Tres Marquise Diamond Huggies bring an elongated floral silhouette with marquise-cut diamond petals.

The Alyssa Radiant Bloom Ring offers another take on the floral motif, bringing together round-cut diamonds for a radiant, feminine look.

Meanwhile, the Alyssa Trio Marquise Bouquet Ring takes a bolder approach, featuring three diamond florets crafted with marquise diamond petals. Whether you lean towards the elegant simplicity of round cuts or the bolder character of marquise cuts, the Alyssa collection offers a floral style to match.

The Alyssa Marquise Studs bring a fresh take on florals, with marquise-cut diamonds forming an X-shaped motif around a round centre. Easy enough for everyday, yet special enough for evenings out, they’re the kind of pair you’ll keep reaching for.

For a little more sparkle, the Alyssa Marquise-Cut Floral Tennis Bracelet makes a statement without feeling reserved for just one occasion. Its floral diamond motifs bring a touch of drama to wedding celebrations, festive evenings and everything in between.

And when you’re ready to go all out, the Alyssa Marquise Radiant Tennis Necklace takes the floral story up a notch. With twenty-three diamond florets and a total weight of 13 carats, it brings together marquise-cut petals and round diamond centres for a look made to shine at the wedding, reception, or your next big celebration.
Available in white, yellow, and rose gold in 14K and 9K, the Alyssa collection reflects Verlas philosophy of creating jewelry that is beautiful, meaningful, and responsibly crafted. Perfect for elevating bridal looks and everyday romance alike.
With its growing presence in India, Verlas continues to bring its modern design and craftsmanship approach to fine jewelry to new audiences, combining considered design, conscious choice, and a more approachable jewelry experience.
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