India's Trade Diplomacy: Multiple FTAs Poised for Implementation Soon

India is strategically advancing its trade engagements by finalizing several major free trade agreements (FTAs), which include pacts with the United Kingdom, Oman, New Zealand, and the European Union, according to the Union Commerce Ministry. Current negotiations also involve nations such as Canada, Israel, and Australia.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal highlighted that operationalizing these FTAs in the upcoming months could create new avenues for export growth. "Operationalizing some of these agreements within two months will open fresh export opportunities," Agrawal remarked during a briefing about the country's trade data released for April 2026.

Agrawal further noted progress with specific countries. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is nearing completion, though certain challenges, such as recent UK steel measures, remain unresolved. Additionally, there are ongoing dialogues with the United States, focusing on Section 232 and Section 301 investigations, which could impact future trade relationships.

(With inputs from agencies.)