India is negotiating trade agreements with nearly a dozen nations, including the United States (US), European Union (EU), Australia, Sri Lanka, and others, as part of its strategy to expand trade and secure long-term growth opportunities
Union Minister Piyush Goyal interacts with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in New Delhi on September 12. PIC/X
India has accelerated discussions on free trade agreements (FTAs) with key partners across multiple regions, according to official updates from the commerce ministry.
India is negotiating trade agreements with nearly a dozen nations, including the United States (US), European Union (EU), Australia, Sri Lanka, and others, as part of its strategy to expand trade and secure long-term growth opportunities, reported news agency ANI.
With the US, five rounds of negotiations have already taken place.
Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, is expected to arrive in India on Monday to continue talks for a Bilateral Trade Agreement with India’s negotiating team, reported ANI.
The discussions will be held on Tuesday, led by India’s chief negotiator and Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Rajesh Agrawal. The previous round, scheduled between August 25-29, had been postponed.
“Bilateral trade talks with the US are ongoing at multiple levels, including diplomatic channels, trade ministers, and chief negotiators, covering both trade and non-trade issues,” a government official told ANI.
India is also in comprehensive negotiations with EU. The 13th round of India-EU FTA talks took place from September 8 to 12, involving 75 technical sessions across sectors such as agriculture, digital trade, market access, and intellectual property rights. EU Trade Commissioner and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food visited India on September 11-12 to hold detailed meetings with senior Indian officials. The 14th round is scheduled in Brussels from October 6-10.
With Australia, India is looking to expand the scope of the existing Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) into a full-fledged FTA. Eleven formal rounds and multiple inter-sessional discussions have been held, with the last round taking place in August.
India is also pursuing bilateral trade agreements with New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Oman, Chile, Korea, and Peru. Fourteen rounds of talks have been held with Sri Lanka, the latest in July. Negotiations with Oman have concluded after five rounds, with chapters finalised for the agreement. Discussions with Peru and Chile are planned for November and October respectively, while India-Korea talks to upgrade the CEPA have completed 11 rounds, the last in July.
Government sources said the coming months will be critical, as the outcomes of these negotiations could redefine India’s role in the global trade architecture and shape its economic trajectory over the next decade.
(With ANI inputs)
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