India Expands Global Trade Footprint Through Strategic Free Trade Agreements

Free Trade Agreements are arrangements between two or more countries aimed at facilitating trade in goods and services by reducing or eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers. FTAs also cover investment protection, intellectual property rights, standards, government procurement, and dispute resolution, creating a predictable and rules-based trading environment.

Why FTAs Matter for India
India’s FTAs are designed to open new opportunities for Indian businesses, farmers, students, and professionals while strengthening the country’s integration into global value chains. These agreements enhance competitiveness by improving market access, ensuring fair treatment for investors, strengthening intellectual property protection, and enabling participation in international standards-setting.

• India–Oman CEPA: Strengthening West Asia Ties: The India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed on December 18, 2025, is India’s second trade pact with a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member after the UAE (2022). It gives Indian industry and service providers a competitive edge in the Omani market. For Oman, it is only the second broad FTA signed individually, after its agreement with the United States in 2006.

• India–UK CETA: Major Market Access Boost: India concluded a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the United Kingdom in 2025. The agreement provides unprecedented duty-free access to about 99% of India’s exports to the UK, covering nearly the entire trade value. Key beneficiary sectors include textiles, leather, marine products, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, chemicals, and auto components.

• India–New Zealand FTA: Fast-Tracked Partnership: The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement was concluded in December 2025, making it one of India’s fastest-negotiated FTAs. The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade and cooperation in goods, services, and investment.

• India–EFTA TEPA (2024): Signed with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, enhancing access to advanced European markets.
• India–UAE CEPA (2022): Reduced tariffs on over 90% of Indian exports, particularly in gems and jewellery, textiles, leather, and engineering goods, supporting the goal of over $100 billion in bilateral trade.
• India–Australia ECTA (2022): Eliminated or reduced tariffs on most traded goods, opening the Australian market to Indian textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agricultural products.
• India–Mauritius CECPA (2021): India’s first trade pact with Africa, improving market access for Indian exporters and positioning Mauritius as a gateway to African markets.

Source: PIB