India negotiating trade deals with 50 countries: Piyush Goyal
What's the story
India is actively pursuing trade agreements with 50 countries, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. The discussions are being held through 14 groups, he added while addressing the 98th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). The minister also revealed that India has already signed agreements with Australia, UAE, Mauritius, UK and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) group.
Upcoming negotiations
Canada-India CEPA talks to begin next week
Goyal also announced that India and Canada are set to begin talks for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) next week. He emphasized the importance of having trusted global partners who believe in fair trade and equal opportunity. The minister said India is working on several free trade agreements with developed countries, including a recently concluded visit to Israel aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
Trade benefits
India-UK CETA offers duty-free access to exports
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) provides duty-free access to 99% of India's exports to the UK. On March 10, 2024, India and EFTA signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which came into effect on October 1, 2025. This was India's first FTA with four developed European countries.
Gulf cooperation
India engages with Gulf nations for trade agreements
Goyal revealed that India is in talks with Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar for trade agreements. He said the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is also interested in engaging as a whole. The minister also announced simultaneous talks with New Zealand and Australia for a second-stage agreement. He informed that FTAs with ASEAN and South Korea are under review while active discussions are ongoing with the United States for a trade deal.
Past delays
Goyal emphasizes importance of timely trade agreements
Goyal stressed that these agreements should have been signed much earlier, citing the protection of the auto industry and wine and spirits as reasons for past delays. He said India is actively pursuing FTAs with a host of countries including the US, European Union, Israel, Canada, South African Customs Union (SACU, and Mercosur. The minister also revealed that several other blocs such as SACU and Mercosur are keen on entering negotiations with India.