Context :

• India and China have signed the protocol for exports of Indian tobacco leaves to China.
• Quality tobacco on par with international standards is available in India at competitive prices and there is a good potential for export of Indian tobacco to China.
• The revival of the phytosanitory protocol with China will pave the way for revival of Indian tobacco exports to China and prove economically beneficial to Indian farmers.
• The development comes after China allowed imports of non-Basmati rice and sugar from India. It is also keen to import pomegranate, grapes, soymeal, fish oil and fish meal from India.
• This recent period has seen significant progress in market access for six agriculture and allied products from India as it seeks to curb its staggering $63 billion trade deficit with China.
• India has also sought faster market access for other products like okra, soya bean, bovine meat and dairy products.