International Relations GS 2 In the news 11 times

India's Free Trade Agreement Strategy

India's FTA strategy has shifted from caution (withdrawal from RCEP in 2019) to selective bilateral engagement. By 2026, India has concluded or advanced FTAs with Australia, UAE, EFTA, UK, and the EU (Jan 2026), while also negotiating the US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The Delhi Declaration's USD 500 billion trade target reflects India's pivot toward structured trade frameworks rather than ad hoc commerce.

Key details

India exited RCEP citing concerns about Chinese goods flooding Indian markets via ASEAN countries.
The India-UAE CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) signed in 2022 was India's fastest negotiated FTA (concluded in 88 days).
India's overall merchandise trade exceeded USD 1.2 trillion in 2024–25.

In the news

● Tracked since February 03, 2026 · last seen July 04, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

04 Jul '26

India-UK Free Trade Agreement Enters Into Force: Rules of Origin Notified

Economics

27 Apr '26

India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement: A Landmark Bilateral Deal

Economics

10 Apr '26

ADB Upgrades India's Growth Forecast to 6.9% for FY27, Cites Domestic Demand and Trade Pacts

Economics

02 Apr '26