India has become one of the most active countries in global trade diplomacy in recent years. In just six years — from 2021 to 2026 — India has signed nine Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) covering 38 countries across the world. This is a big jump compared to the previous decade, when India signed very few trade deals.
These agreements are not just about reducing taxes on goods. They also cover services, investments, jobs for professionals, and digital trade. Together, they reflect India's growing confidence and strength as a global economic power on the path to becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Expanding India’s Global Trade Footprint!
— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 28, 2026
In just 6 years, India has signed 9 major Free Trade Agreements spanning Africa, Europe, and the US.
These landmark pacts are boosting bilateral trade, unlocking new markets, and attracting significant investments.
A powerful… pic.twitter.com/f6oLQKWjcU
Which Nine FTAs Has India Signed in the Last Six Years?
According to the Government of India's official data (April 2026), here are the nine FTAs signed in the last six years:
| ~ | Agreement | Partner | Date | Key Highlight |
| 1 | India–Mauritius CECPA | Mauritius (Africa) | 2021 | India's first trade agreement with an African nation |
| 2 | India–UAE CEPA | UAE (Middle East) | May 2022 | Bilateral trade crossed the $100 billion mark in FY25 |
| 3 | India–Australia ECTA | Australia | Dec 2022 | India's first agreement offering 100% tariff elimination |
| 4 | India–EFTA TEPA | Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein | Mar 2024 – Oct 2025 | A landmark deal with a $100 billion FDI commitment |
| 5 | India–UK CETA | United Kingdom | July 2025 | 99% of Indian exports receive duty-free access |
| 6 | India–Oman CEPA | Oman (Gulf) | Dec 2025 | Highest-ever tariff coverage with a GCC nation |
| 7 | India–EU FTA | 27 EU member states | Jan 2026 | India's largest-ever trade agreement |
| 8 | India–US Interim Trade Framework | United States | Feb 2026 | Step toward a comprehensive trade deal between India–US |
| 9 | India–New Zealand FTA | New Zealand | April 2026 | Fastest negotiated FTA, concluded in just 9 months |
Overview: Each of the Nine FTAs That India Signed in the Last Six Years
1. India–Mauritius CECPA (2021)
India's trade journey in this phase started with Mauritius in February 2021. This was India's first-ever trade agreement with an African nation. It covers goods, services, investment, and trade facilitation. Mauritius offers preferential access on 310 products, and Indian service providers get access to around 115 service sub-sectors.
2. India–UAE CEPA (2022)
Signed in May 2022, this was a landmark deal. The UAE gave duty-free access on 97.4% of its tariff lines, while India waived duties on over 80% of UAE goods. In just one year after the deal, bilateral trade jumped from $72.9 billion to $84.5 billion. It was also India's first FTA to cover digital trade and government procurement.
3. India–Australia ECTA (2022)
Implemented in December 2022, this agreement aimed to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. Australia offered immediate duty-free access to 96% of Indian exports, with a target of 100% by 2026. Key sectors include textiles, chemicals, engineering goods, and agriculture.
4. India–EFTA TEPA (2024)
Signed on 10 March 2024 with the European Free Trade Association — Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein — this deal entered into force on 1 October 2025. It commits $100 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) from EFTA countries into India over 15 years and aims to create 1 million direct jobs in India.
5. India–UK CETA (2025)
Signed in July 2025, this deal removed tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK. Indian farmers, fishermen, textile workers, and IT professionals all benefit. It also includes better mobility for Indian professionals and students in the UK.
6. India–Oman CEPA (2025)
Signed on 18 December 2025, this deal gives India 100% duty-free access on 98.08% of tariff lines in Oman. It covers 99.38% of India's export value and targets bilateral trade of over $10.61 billion. Key sectors include textiles, gems, leather, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods.
7. India–EU FTA (January 2026)
Called the "Mother of All Trade Deals", this historic agreement was concluded on 27 January 2026. It is India's largest-ever trade agreement, covering all 27 EU member states. It eliminates tariffs on 99.5% of Indian exports to the EU and gives duty concessions on 97.5% of EU imports into India. It covers goods, services, digital trade, and investment.
8. India–US Interim Trade Framework (February 2026)
Announced on 7 February 2026, this is a major step toward a full bilateral trade deal between India and the United States. It includes tariff relief on Indian exports, addressing steel and aluminium charges under Section 232, and reducing non-tariff barriers on both sides.
9. India–New Zealand FTA (April 2026)
This is the fastest negotiated FTA India has ever concluded — wrapped up in just 9 months. It opens doors to the wider Oceania and Pacific markets. Bilateral merchandise trade had already grown 49% in a single year — from $873 million (2023–24) to $1.3 billion (2024–25). It benefits Indian professionals in IT, healthcare, engineering, yoga instructors, and Indian chefs.
Key Facts About India's Nine FTAs
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38 countries are now covered under India's nine new FTAs.
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The UAE CEPA was negotiated in a record 88 days — the fastest FTA India has ever completed.
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The EFTA TEPA promises $100 billion FDI and 1 million jobs for India over 15 years.
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The India–EU FTA covers a combined GDP of over $25 trillion — one of the biggest trade deals in the world.
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Sensitive sectors like dairy, agriculture, and domestic industry have been protected in all agreements.
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Indian MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, IT professionals, AYUSH practitioners, and farmers all benefit from these deals.
Why Are These FTAs Important for India?
These nine agreements are important for several reasons:
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More exports: Indian products like textiles, gems, leather, medicines, and food now enter global markets at zero or very low duty.
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More jobs: Agreements like the EFTA TEPA and UK CETA create direct pathways for Indian professionals to work abroad.
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More investment: FDI commitments under deals like EFTA TEPA bring foreign capital into India.
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Strategic strength: These deals position India as a key player in global trade, reducing dependence on any one country or region.
In just six years, India has transformed its approach to global trade. The nine FTAs signed between 2021 and 2026 — from Mauritius to the European Union — show that India is now negotiating from a position of strength. Each deal has been carefully designed to protect Indian farmers, industries, and workers, while opening new doors for growth. As India marches towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, these trade agreements will play a central role in shaping its economic future.