India is stepping up its global trade diplomacy with a multi-pronged strategy to finalise free trade agreements (FTAs) with its key partners, as Commerce Secretary confirmed that the country is “fully engaged” with the United States on a trade deal. The announcement comes at a time when India is also looking to accelerate negotiations with the United Kingdom and the European Union, two of its most important trade partners.

Engagement with the United States

The Commerce Secretary’s statement underlines New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening economic and trade ties with Washington. Over the past year, India and the US have been holding a series of discussions to resolve longstanding market access issues, tariff barriers, and regulatory challenges.

A potential India-US trade deal is expected to address sectors such as IT services, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, defence, and digital trade. Analysts note that while negotiations remain complex, the fact that India is “fully engaged” signals momentum towards removing bottlenecks in bilateral trade, which currently stands at over $200 billion annually.

Push for UK Free Trade Agreement

In parallel, India is making strong efforts to fast-track its Free Trade Agreement with the UK. Official sources have indicated that both sides are working to implement the deal “as soon as possible.”

The India-UK FTA has been under discussion for years, but negotiations slowed down due to disagreements on tariff cuts, services access, and mobility of professionals. With the UK keen to expand its global trade footprint post-Brexit, and India aiming to increase market access for its exports, both governments are showing renewed urgency.

The FTA, once implemented, is expected to benefit industries such as gems and jewellery, textiles, IT services, and pharmaceuticals, while also paving the way for increased investment flows between the two countries.

Deadline for EU FTA

India is also targeting to conclude its FTA negotiations with the European Union by December 2025. This would mark a major milestone, as the India-EU trade talks had been stalled for nearly a decade before being revived recently.

The EU is one of India’s largest trading partners, accounting for nearly 11% of India’s total exports. A comprehensive trade deal could provide Indian exporters with preferential access to the large EU market, particularly in sectors like engineering goods, textiles, leather, and IT services.

However, challenges remain on intellectual property rights, climate commitments, and agricultural trade, which have historically been points of contention. Despite this, both sides have expressed determination to conclude the negotiations within the set timeline.

India’s Global Trade Strategy

These moves reflect a broader shift in India’s trade policy, where the government is actively pursuing bilateral and regional trade agreements to secure better market access for Indian products and services. The government has already signed agreements with Australia and the UAE, and progress with the US, UK, and EU would further enhance India’s position in the global supply chain.

Experts believe that the combination of domestic economic resilience, strong export performance, and a proactive diplomatic push is helping India negotiate from a position of strength.

Conclusion

India’s ongoing engagements with the US, UK, and EU on free trade agreements mark a decisive phase in its trade diplomacy. If successful, these agreements will not only strengthen India’s role in global commerce but also provide a strong foundation for export growth, foreign investment, and job creation.

The clear message from the Commerce Secretary is that India is leaving no stone unturned to secure beneficial trade deals with its most important partners.

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