Indian, EU try to resolve differences over trade pact

India and the EU are making last ditch efforts to resolve differences and conclude negotiations on free trade agreement (FTA), in the runup  to their next month's summit in Brusselss that will be attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and EU trade commissioner Karl De Gucht will meet in Brussels (European Union Head Quarters) tomorrow to review the process of negotiations for a broad based pact  to further open up the bilateral trade of USD 75 Billion.

Indian and the 27-nation block have been engaged in negotiations since 2007 for a Bilateral Investment and Trade Agreement (BITA) for opening commerce in merchandise by reducing and eliminating duties. 

Enforcemant Directorate to summon key officials in 2G probe

The Enforcement Directorate is likely to issue summons to some government officials soon, including two who were considered to be close to former Telecom minister A Raja, in the 2G spectrum scam probe. 

According to sources, the ED, which has registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)

, may summon certain officials including R K Chandolia and A K Srivastava who worked with A Raja.

Chandolia who was personal secretary to Raja at the time of the controversial spectrum allocation in 2008, was sent back to his parent department- Indian Economic Services- within days of new Telecom minister Kapil Sibal taking charge.

The sources said they are likely to be quizzed on the allocation process,the alleged role played by corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and on their income tax returns and investments. The questioning would be based on information collected by various agencies including the CBI , Income Tax Department and the ED itself over the last over one year.

The questions will be about the allocation process, including the controversial first come first serve basis. They said, questions would also be asked about the alleged role played by Radia and her dealing with them if any.