Archive · 3 Sep 2026
India Seeks 75% Global Trade Access Through Upcoming FTAs
India already has nine trade agreements with other economies.
These agreements can make it cheaper for Indian businesses to sell products in other countries.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said new agreements could give India access to nearly 75% of global trade.
Possible new agreements involve Canada, Mexico, Chile, Israel and several regional groups.
India may also review arrangements with ASEAN, Korea and Japan.
The government wants small businesses, startups and women entrepreneurs in all 780 districts to use these opportunities.
Goyal said exporters should compare their costs with competitors such as Vietnam and Bangladesh.
He also cited India’s first-quarter GDP growth of 7.8%.
India is aiming to export $1 trillion worth of goods and services this year.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said upcoming FTAs could give India preferential access to nearly 75% of global trade at lower tariffs than competitors.
India’s nine existing FTAs cover economies with a combined GDP of about $60 trillion and nearly two-thirds of global trade.
Potential agreements include Canada, Mexico, Chile, Mercosur, SACU, GCC and Israel.
India is considering reviewing agreements with ASEAN, Korea and Japan or taking other steps to expand market access.
India has set a $1 trillion export target for the current year, requiring about 16% growth.
- Who
- Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Indian exporters, businesses, traders, entrepreneurs and startups.
- What
- India is expanding and reviewing free trade agreements to obtain broader and more competitive access to global markets.
- When
- Goyal made the remarks on Thursday; additional agreements are expected over the next few months and couple of years.
- Where
- At the National Workshop on “Leveraging FTAs: An Outreach Programme” in New Delhi, with the intended benefits applying across India and international markets.
- Why
- To increase export opportunities, improve tariff access for Indian businesses and support the $1 trillion export target.
- Existing FTAs
- India has nine FTAs covering economies with a combined GDP of about $60 trillion.
- Current coverage
- The existing agreements provide preferential access to nearly two-thirds of global trade.
- Potential coverage
- Upcoming FTAs and other market-access efforts could raise preferential access to nearly 75% of global trade.
- Potential agreements
- Prospective partners include Canada, Mexico, Chile, Mercosur, the Southern African Customs Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council and Israel.
- Possible reviews
- India may review agreements with ASEAN, Korea and Japan or take other steps to secure greater access.
- GDP growth
- Goyal cited first-quarter GDP growth of 7.8% at constant prices.
- Export target
- India’s target for the current year is $1 trillion in exports, requiring about 16% growth.
- Outreach scope
- The government wants the initiative to reach businesses across all 780 districts, including small traders, startups and women entrepreneurs.
