India news and archive

Rahul Mishra designs limited edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Johnnie Walker, a leading name in Scotch whisky, has unveiled a new limited-edition design for its Blue Label, created in collaboration with celebrated fashion designer Rahul Mishra. Known for his commitment to "slow fashion" and supporting local artisans, Mishra has infused his design philosophy into the new bottle and packaging. The design...

Retail

Off-White to launch in India through Brand Concepts partnership

Luxury Italian brand Off-White is set to launch in India in the first quarter of next year through an exclusive partnership with Brand Concepts. According to media reports, this move marks the fashion retailer's entry into both the luxury and mainstream apparel markets, a significant shift from its traditional focus on premium accessories....

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Denim Deal launches India Hub to boost circularity

The European initiative Denim Deal has launched its India Hub, a new partnership with the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability Council (GATS) and Dutch venture builder Enviu, to advance circularity in the denim industry. The collaboration will focus on promoting the large-scale use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) cotton in Indian denim...

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New US tariffs against India over Kremlin dealings in effect

New US tariffs on imports from India due to its oil trade with Russia have come into effect. As of Wednesday, the United States is imposing an additional tariff of 25 percent on products from the South Asian country, according to a document in the US Federal Register. Former US President Donald Trump ordered the move in early August. This...

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India suspends raw cotton import duties until September 2025

The Indian government has temporarily exempted all customs duties on raw cotton imports, effective from August 19 to September 30, 2025. The exemption removes an 11 percent import duty, which included a 5 percent basic customs duty, a 5 percent agriculture infrastructure and development cess, and a 10 percent social welfare surcharge. This...

Retail

The Body Shop launches Youth Collective Council 2.0 for sustainability and inclusion

On the occasion of National Youth Day, The Body Shop, an ethical beauty brand, has announced the launch of its Youth Collective Council 2.0 (YCC 2.0) advisory board. This initiative builds on the success of the inaugural council and reinforces the brand's commitment to integrating the perspectives of young people into its core business...

Retail

Asics plans 200 stores in India by 2026

Japanese sportswear firm Asics has opened its largest flagship store in Delhi's Connaught Place, a move that signals a significant push for the brand in the Indian market. The store is designed to be a visual landmark, featuring a custom graffiti mural that blends brand’ core philosophy of "Sound Mind, Sound Body" with Delhi's rich cultural...

Retail

A foot in the door: Birkenstock opens three more stores in Mumbai

German footwear brand Birkenstock appears to have taken a shine to Mumbai, home of Bollywood, and India in general. In April last year, it opened its first Indian flagship store on Mumbai's iconic Linking Road, a popular location for international and domestic brands alike. Puma, Levi’s, Benetton, Vero Moda, Raymond, Anita Dongre and others rub...

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India-UK FTA: Balancing trade dynamics amid US tariff concerns

The highly anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and India has been officially signed, promising to significantly reshape the trade landscape for both nations. The agreement, signed in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer, is expected to increase annual trade by 34.53...

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US imposes 25 percent tariffs on India: How will it affect the apparel industry?

The U.S. Donald Trump has announced 25 percent tariffs on goods starting today. The move, which singles out India for harsher trade conditions than its major peers, has drawn outrage from India's opposition and caused a slump in the rupee. India's government has vowed to protect its labor-intensive agriculture sector and remains committed to a...

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Asia holds the thread: Regional textile powers reinvent strategies amid global slowdown

While 2024-2025 financial results show a slowdown in consumption in several Asian countries – particularly for luxury groups like LVMH – the global textile sector continues to rely on the region. Several indicators from the first half of 2025 confirm Asia’s central role in global value chains. Between export growth, structural adjustments,...

Fashion

Prada criticised in India over sandal design seen as appropriation

Prada has come under criticism in India after unveiling a sandal design during Milan Fashion Week that closely resembles the traditional Kolhapuri chappal, a handcrafted leather slipper with origins in 12th-century Maharashtra. Images of the braided leather footwear sparked backlash from Indian artisans and lawmakers, who accused the brand of...