India's Aggressive Trade Agenda: Aiming for Key Deals by Year-End
By Rajeev Jayaswal, New Delhi
Published on: Dec 08, 2025 04:58 am IST
India is gearing up for a flurry of trade negotiations this month, with a focus on sealing key free trade agreements (FTAs) by the end of the year. According to sources, India is in advanced talks with multiple partners, including the United States, Oman, and New Zealand, with a high likelihood of concluding at least two FTAs before the year's end.
The country is close to resolving the last remaining issue with Oman and is expected to announce the deal's conclusion by mid-December. Simultaneously, negotiations with New Zealand are progressing smoothly, with officials from both sides actively working to finalize the remaining six issues. These FTAs are part of India's broader strategy to foster economic partnerships and promote fair, equitable, and mutually beneficial agreements.
The EU is also a key focus, with a team of negotiators set to meet their Indian counterparts in New Delhi from Monday. While several issues pertaining to the proposed India-EU FTA are already finalized, some pending matters are expected to be resolved this week. The goal is to conclude talks for a "balanced and mutually beneficial" agreement by the end of the calendar year, but a final conclusion may extend into early 2026, coinciding with the India-EU Leadership Summit.
Additionally, India is intensifying its trade talks with the United States, with a team of American trade negotiators visiting India from December 10. Senior members of the US Trade Representative (USTR) office will hold face-to-face discussions with their Indian counterparts. India's team is expected to be led by a new chief negotiator following the promotion of Rajesh Agrawal as the commerce secretary.
India is also engaged in finalizing the terms of reference for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Canada, with a potential visit from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney next year to strengthen economic ties. The proposed CEPA aims to double bilateral trade to $70 billion by 2030.
Furthermore, India is actively negotiating an FTA with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), which includes Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. Despite previous negotiations stalling, fresh rounds of talks are expected to commence soon. India is also in the early stages of an FTA with Israel, aiming to boost trade, investment, and technology cooperation.
Negotiations are also underway for FTAs with Chile, Peru, and the Maldives. India and Chile have made substantial progress in their FTA talks, and the India-Peru discussions will follow a similar model, leading to a swift conclusion once the Chile talks are finalized. Talks with the Maldives are also anticipated to commence soon.
India's aggressive trade agenda reflects its commitment to expanding economic partnerships and diversifying its trade relationships, with a focus on achieving mutually beneficial agreements that promote economic growth and development.
