India’s trade deals with US, UK, EU set to fast-track Viksit Bharat economic push
K N Mishra
13/Feb/2026
What's covered under the Article:
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India’s upcoming trade agreements with the US, UK, and EU are expected to expand export opportunities for farmers, MSMEs, artisans, and professionals in developed markets.
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Removal of the additional 25% US tariff on major Indian imports will boost labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems & jewellery, leather, and engineering goods.
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The government is expanding the Export Promotion Mission with interest subvention and collateral-free credit guarantees to strengthen India’s role in global supply chains.
The India trade deals US UK EU news has gained significant importance as the Government of India accelerates efforts to integrate the country more deeply into global trade networks. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Mr. Piyush Goyal Viksit Bharat trade agreement statement emphasised that ongoing and upcoming trade agreements with the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union are expected to play a transformative role in advancing the Viksit Bharat mission — India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed economy driven by exports, manufacturing, and innovation.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and industry associations, the minister highlighted that these agreements are strategically designed to open new markets for Indian goods and services while simultaneously ensuring the protection of sensitive domestic sectors such as agriculture and dairy. This balanced approach reflects India’s broader trade strategy, which aims to combine global integration with domestic economic stability.
Strategic Importance of Trade Agreements
The India US UK EU free trade agreement impact India exports is expected to be substantial, given the scale and purchasing power of these developed markets. Together, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union account for a significant share of global consumption, making them critical destinations for Indian exporters. Greater market access in these regions is expected to significantly increase export opportunities across sectors such as manufacturing, services, agriculture, and technology.
Trade agreements typically reduce tariffs, simplify customs procedures, and establish regulatory cooperation mechanisms that make it easier for exporters to enter foreign markets. By negotiating favourable trade terms, India aims to improve the competitiveness of its products and enable domestic industries to expand their international presence. The agreements are also expected to strengthen India’s position in global supply chains, particularly as multinational companies diversify sourcing away from concentrated manufacturing hubs.
Boost to Labour-Intensive Sectors
One of the most immediate positive developments in the India labour intensive sectors tariff removal US imports India news is the removal of the additional 25% tariff on major Indian imports by the United States through an executive order issued in February 2026. This move restores the competitive advantage of Indian exporters in labour-intensive sectors that rely heavily on international markets.
Industries such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather products, handicrafts, and engineering goods are expected to benefit significantly from this decision. These sectors collectively employ millions of workers across India, particularly in small and medium enterprises. Reduced tariff barriers will enable exporters to offer more competitive prices in the US market, potentially leading to increased demand and higher export volumes.
The tariff removal also strengthens India’s efforts to maintain its global market share in sectors where competition from other developing economies is intense. By improving cost competitiveness, Indian exporters can regain momentum in markets where tariff disadvantages had previously affected growth.
Opportunities for Farmers, MSMEs, and Artisans
The India export promotion mission latest news indicates that trade agreements are not limited to benefiting large exporters; they are also designed to support farmers, MSMEs, professionals, and artisans. Greater market access in developed economies creates new opportunities for agricultural products, processed foods, handicrafts, and specialised services.
Farmers can benefit through increased export demand for agricultural commodities and value-added products, which often command higher prices in international markets. MSMEs, which form the backbone of India’s manufacturing ecosystem, can leverage trade agreements to expand their global footprint and access new customer bases. Artisans and traditional craft industries, which depend heavily on exports, are also expected to see improved market opportunities as trade barriers are reduced.
The government’s emphasis on inclusive trade growth reflects the recognition that export expansion must benefit a broad spectrum of the economy rather than a limited number of sectors.
Expansion of Export Promotion Mission
To support exporters in taking advantage of these new opportunities, the government is expanding the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) as part of the broader India global supply chain partner export policy news initiative. The expanded mission will provide financial assistance and policy support aimed at strengthening export competitiveness and improving access to global markets.
Key support measures include Interest Subvention Support (ISS) and collateral-free credit guarantees, which will help exporters access affordable financing for expanding production, upgrading technology, and entering new markets. These financial incentives are particularly important for MSMEs, which often face challenges in obtaining credit due to limited collateral.
By strengthening financial support mechanisms, the government aims to ensure that exporters of all sizes can benefit from new trade agreements. Improved access to credit will also encourage investment in manufacturing capacity, innovation, and product development, enabling Indian companies to compete more effectively in global markets.
Strengthening India’s Role in Global Supply Chains
A major objective of the government’s trade strategy is to transform India into a trusted global supply chain partner. As multinational corporations seek to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on a limited number of sourcing countries, India has an opportunity to position itself as a reliable manufacturing and export hub.
Trade agreements with major developed economies provide the regulatory and policy framework needed to facilitate this transformation. By aligning standards, improving logistics, and enhancing market access, these agreements make it easier for international companies to integrate Indian suppliers into their global value chains.
Increased participation in global supply chains also encourages technology transfer, skill development, and productivity improvements across domestic industries. Over time, this leads to higher manufacturing competitiveness and stronger export growth.
Balancing Export Growth with Domestic Sector Protection
While trade agreements create significant export opportunities, the government has emphasised the importance of protecting sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy. These sectors support millions of livelihoods and require careful policy management to ensure that increased imports do not adversely affect domestic producers.
By adopting a calibrated negotiation approach, India aims to achieve a balance between expanding export opportunities and safeguarding domestic economic interests. This approach ensures that trade liberalisation contributes to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Employment Generation and Economic Impact
The expansion of exports driven by new trade agreements is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, and service sectors. Labour-intensive industries, which employ large numbers of workers, are particularly likely to benefit from increased export demand. The restoration of tariff competitiveness in key sectors will help preserve existing jobs while also creating new employment opportunities.
Export-led growth also contributes to higher foreign exchange earnings, which strengthen the country’s external sector stability. As export revenues increase, India’s ability to finance imports, invest in infrastructure, and support economic development improves.
Encouraging Competitiveness and Quality Enhancement
Minister Goyal has emphasised the need for Indian exporters to move beyond traditional approaches and adopt a more aggressive global strategy focused on quality enhancement, innovation, and competitiveness. As international markets become increasingly competitive, exporters must meet stringent quality standards and continuously upgrade product offerings to maintain market relevance.
Investments in technology, research and development, and advanced manufacturing processes will play a crucial role in improving export competitiveness. Government initiatives supporting technology adoption and skill development are expected to complement trade agreements in strengthening India’s export ecosystem.
Role of Industry and Export Promotion Councils
Export Promotion Councils and industry associations are expected to play an important role in helping businesses adapt to the new opportunities created by trade agreements. These organisations provide market intelligence, training, and policy advocacy support to exporters, enabling them to navigate international trade requirements more effectively.
Collaboration between government agencies and industry bodies will be essential to ensure that exporters can fully utilise the benefits of trade agreements. Continuous dialogue between policymakers and industry stakeholders helps address implementation challenges and ensures that trade policies remain responsive to changing global conditions.
Long-Term Vision: Viksit Bharat Through Export-Led Growth
The broader objective of these initiatives is to accelerate the Viksit Bharat mission by transforming India into a major global export powerhouse. Export-led growth not only drives industrial expansion but also encourages productivity improvements, technological advancement, and innovation across the economy.
As India strengthens trade ties with major developed economies, the country’s integration into global trade networks is expected to deepen significantly. Increased exports, stronger manufacturing capabilities, and expanded participation in global value chains will collectively contribute to long-term economic development.
Conclusion
The India trade deals US UK EU news underscores a pivotal moment in India’s economic transformation. With strategic trade agreements, removal of tariff barriers, and expansion of export promotion initiatives, the country is positioning itself to capture new opportunities in global markets. The emphasis on supporting MSMEs, farmers, labour-intensive sectors, and artisans ensures that the benefits of export growth are widely distributed across the economy.
As the government continues to implement supportive policies and strengthen export infrastructure, India’s emergence as a trusted global supply chain partner is expected to accelerate. The India US UK EU free trade agreement impact India exports is therefore likely to play a central role in advancing the Viksit Bharat vision, driving economic growth, employment generation, and global competitiveness over the coming decade.
In the evolving global trade landscape, India’s proactive engagement with major economic partners and its focus on competitiveness, quality, and policy support together create a strong foundation for sustained export expansion. The India global supply chain partner export policy news reflects a long-term strategy that aligns trade policy with national development goals, ensuring that the country’s export growth contributes meaningfully to inclusive and sustainable economic progress.
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