India Speeds Up FTA Push To Boost Exports
India is accelerating its free trade agreement (FTA) strategy, with negotiations concluded or agreements signed with several key global partners, including the United Kingdom, Oman, New Zealand and the European Union, according to the Union Commerce Ministry.
The ministry, while releasing April 2026 trade data, said India is also advancing trade negotiations with countries such as Canada, Israel, Australia, Peru, Chile and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as the government looks to expand export opportunities and strengthen global market access for Indian businesses.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said some of the recently concluded agreements are expected to become operational within the next two months, creating fresh momentum for exporters.
“We are looking forward to operationalisation of some of these FTAs in the coming months, and as these FTAs get operationalised, they will create more opportunities for exporters,” Agrawal said during a media briefing.
The ministry presentation showed that the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India-New Zealand FTA have already been signed, while negotiations for the India-European Union FTA have been concluded.
On the India-UK pact, Agrawal said both sides are close to implementing the agreement, although discussions are continuing over recent UK steel safeguard measures that were introduced after negotiations had concluded.
India is also continuing discussions with the United States on the proposed bilateral trade agreement. Agrawal said Indian officials visited the US last month for negotiations, while the next round of talks is expected to take place in India next month.
The Commerce Secretary further said India has engaged with the US on Section 232 and Section 301 investigations related to tariffs and trade practices. According to him, India has already submitted its responses and participated in consultations held in the US.
Highlighting the government’s export strategy, Agrawal said new FTAs and data-driven export promotion initiatives would play a critical role in helping India achieve its ambitious US$ 1 trillion export target. He added that shifting global supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties are also creating new opportunities for Indian exporters.
Commenting on the recent increase in import duties on gold and silver, Agrawal said the move is likely to reduce imports of the precious metals in the coming months.
