India is actively pursuing six Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key global partners as part of its broader strategy to deepen international trade ties and expand market access, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
Negotiations are currently underway with Australia, Sri Lanka, Peru, Chile, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and Israel.
Progress on Key Bilateral Agreements
Among the most advanced discussions is the proposed India–Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), for which negotiations began in February 2023. So far, 11 rounds of talks have been held as both sides work toward finalizing the pact.
India is also continuing discussions with Sri Lanka on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA). Talks for this deal began in 2015, with 14 rounds completed. The latest round took place in July 2024.
Negotiations with Peru for a bilateral FTA, launched in 2017, have reached nine rounds, with the most recent discussions held in November 2025.
Talks with Chile for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), initiated in April 2025, have completed four rounds, with the latest in December 2025.
Meanwhile, India has begun FTA negotiations with the Eurasian Economic Union, holding its first round in November 2025, and has also initiated discussions with Israel, with the first round conducted in February 2026.
Broader Trade Strategy
These negotiations are part of India’s wider push to strengthen economic partnerships and diversify trade relationships globally.
In addition to ongoing talks, India has already signed FTAs with the United Kingdom (July 2025) and Oman (December 2025), both of which are currently awaiting ratification.
Negotiations with New Zealand and the European Union have been concluded, while discussions for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States began in March 2025. In February 2026, India and the U.S. agreed on a framework for an interim trade arrangement.
Reviews and Upcoming Deals
India is also reviewing its existing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with South Korea, with 11 rounds of upgrade negotiations completed since 2016.
Looking ahead, India has signed Terms of Reference for several new trade negotiations, including a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with the Philippines, FTAs with Maldives and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and a CEPA with Canada.
These developments underscore India’s growing emphasis on forging comprehensive trade agreements to boost exports, attract investment, and strengthen its position in the global economy.
