Overview
- India has sealed nine FTAs in roughly three to three-and-a-half years, including five in the past 12 months, which Goyal said now open nearly two-thirds of global trade to Indian businesses.
- The agreements cover 38 mostly developed markets, according to the minister, expanding potential buyers for Indian goods and services.
- Pacts with Mauritius, Australia, the UAE and the EFTA bloc are already in force, with the remaining agreements expected to take effect soon.
- Goyal highlighted lower duties and preferential access as key benefits and said opportunities extend from pharmaceuticals and medtech to farmers, fishermen, MSMEs and traders.
- He urged stronger export linkages in healthcare and called for training caregivers and nurses to meet rising demand, while noting FTA talks with the GCC and Eurasian partners are progressing well.