India’s Trade Strategy Accelerates with New FTAs

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India has taken decisive steps toward strengthening its global trade position, having signed five major Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in the past five years, Commerce and Industry Minister Jitin Prasada announced. The development reflects New Delhi’s commitment to expanding economic integration and fostering stronger ties with international partners.

According to the minister, these trade pacts aim to not only boost India’s export capabilities but also improve supply chain resilience, which is a priority in the post-pandemic global economy. The agreements are designed to reduce trade barriers, open new markets for Indian goods and services, and enhance the competitiveness of domestic industries in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, and technology.

Prasada emphasized that the government is also actively negotiating several other FTAs with strategic partners across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. These ongoing talks are expected to yield agreements that cover a broader range of sectors, ensuring diversified trade relationships and minimizing dependence on any single market.

The recent push for FTAs comes as India works to balance domestic economic needs with the demands of a rapidly shifting global trade environment. With major economies reevaluating supply chain dependencies, India sees an opportunity to position itself as a reliable manufacturing and services hub.

Experts note that the success of these FTAs will depend heavily on effective implementation, infrastructure readiness, and ensuring that Indian exporters can fully leverage the opportunities provided. In addition, the agreements are expected to encourage greater foreign direct investment (FDI) into India, as global companies seek to take advantage of reduced tariffs and improved market access.

The government’s trade strategy aligns with broader economic reforms aimed at enhancing productivity, improving the ease of doing business, and supporting domestic industries in scaling up for international markets. If successful, these trade pacts could significantly boost India’s export volumes, strengthen its geopolitical influence, and contribute to its long-term goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy.While the gains from FTAs may take time to materialize, the accelerated pace of negotiations and signings signals that India is determined to play a more prominent role in shaping the global trade order.