NEW DELHI, Feb 9 (Reuters) – India’s current account
deficit is on track to reach 3.5 percent of GDP in the fiscal
year ending in March, its worst in at least eight years, because
of a widening trade shortfall, a top government official said on
Thursday.

Exports are struggling to maintain the growth rate seen
between April and September, because of sluggish demand from the
United States and Europe and outlook remains difficult.

NEW DELHI/PARIS (Reuters) – The French-built Rafale emerged on Tuesday as preferred bidder in a $15 billion contest to supply India with 126 warplanes, lifting hopes for a sale that would boost France’s national pride and restore the luster of its aviation sector.

India’s decision to enter exclusive talks with supplier Dassault Aviation (AVMD.PA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) also provides a welcome boost for President Nicolas Sarkozy, whose chances of being re-elected this year hinge partly on his credibility as a champion of French industry.

NEW DELHI, Jan 31 (Reuters) – France’s Rafale emerged
on Tuesday as preferred bidder in a $15 billion contest to
supply India with 126 fighters, undercutting the rival
Eurofighter Typhoon and boosting French hopes of a long-awaited
first export contract for its premier combat jet.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy , who lags in
opinion polls ahead of April elections, welcomed India’s
decision to enter exclusive talks with supplier Dassault
Aviation and vowed to provide significant technology transfer as
India expands its arms industry.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Dassault Aviation’s (AVMD.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) Rafale combat jet has undercut the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the company is now in exclusive talks on the multibillion-dollar deal to supply India with 126 planes, government sources said on Tuesday.

“France’s Dassault has emerged as the lowest bidder, and further commercial negotiations will take place with the company before signing a formal deal,” one government source said.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India will not sign a multi-billion dollar contract to buy European fighter jets before the fiscal year ends in March, the defence minister said about a deal to revamp ageing weapons in line with the country’s rising global clout.

However, India will “soon” announce the lowest bidder for the tender for 126 jets worth up to $15 billion, two government sources with knowledge of the deal told Reuters.

NEW DELHI, Jan 31 (Reuters) – India will not sign a
multi-billion dollar contract to buy European fighter jets
before the fiscal year ends in March, the defence minister said
about a deal to revamp ageing weapons in line with the country’s
rising global clout.

However, India will “soon” announce the lowest bidder for
the tender for 126 jets worth up to $15 billion, two government
sources with knowledge of the deal told Reuters.

LUDHIANA, India (Reuters) – Punjab made Sunil Jain’s family rich, but now he wishes he could afford to leave.

Almost every day, the lights go out and machines shut down at the two factories of his $3-million-a-year packaging business in the northern India state. When the power goes out, the plants have to use generators, at up to three times the cost.

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI (Reuters) – India’s headline inflation slowed in December to a two-year low as food price pressure eased dramatically, but the central bank is expected to leave interest rates on hold next week as manufactured products inflation edged up from November.

The wholesale price index (WPI), the main inflation gauge, rose 7.47 percent from a year earlier, slowing from a 9.11 percent rise in November, roughly in line with the 7.50 percent increase forecast in a Reuters poll.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India’s headline inflation slowed sharply in December to a two-year low as food price pressure eased dramatically, but the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is still expected to leave interest rates on hold next week as manufacturing inflation remained elevated.

The wholesale price index (WPI), the main inflation gauge, rose 7.47 percent from a year earlier, slowing from a 9.11 percent rise in November, roughly in line with the 7.50 percent increase forecast in a Reuters poll.

NEW DELHI, Jan 16 (Reuters) – India’s headline
inflation slowed sharply in December to a two-year low as food
price pressure eased dramatically, but the central bank is still
expected to leave interest rates on hold next week as
manufacturing inflation remained elevated.

The wholesale price index (WPI), the main inflation gauge,
rose 7.47 percent from a year earlier, slowing from a 9.11
percent rise in November, roughly in line with the 7.50 percent
increase forecast in a Reuters poll.