India to Launch Three Major Free Trade Agreements Within Six Weeks
Agreements with UK, New Zealand, and Oman near implementation as India accelerates global trade push
New Delhi: India is preparing to operationalise three major free trade agreements (FTAs) with the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Oman within the next six weeks, signalling a strong push to expand its global trade footprint.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India and New Zealand are expected to sign their FTA by the fourth week of April. Meanwhile, discussions with Oman are progressing rapidly, with the agreement likely to come into force from May 1. He also indicated that the pact with the UK could be implemented within the next four to six weeks.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal noted that India is simultaneously fast tracking negotiations with Chile for a proposed trade deal. Additionally, talks for a preferential trade agreement with the South African Customs Union are expected to advance, with a possible conclusion in 2026. Efforts are also underway to resolve differences with Peru through a structured negotiation package.
During his recent visit to Cameroon for a ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization, Goyal held discussions with China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. The talks focused on expanding bilateral trade, particularly boosting Indian exports in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food products, and fisheries. This marked the first high-level trade dialogue between the two countries since India opted out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
At the global forum, India also supported extending the moratorium on customs duties for cross-border electronic transmissions. A group of 23 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea, have agreed to continue the existing practice of not imposing such duties among themselves until the next WTO General Council meeting in Geneva.
