The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom is expected to come into operation in May, marking a key milestone in bilateral trade relations, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said on Wednesday.
Speaking on India’s ongoing trade engagements, Agarwal said negotiations for the India–EU FTA are also progressing, with the agreement likely to be signed before the end of the current calendar year and operationalised within the present financial year.
He further informed that negotiations for the proposed India–United States Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) will resume this month. An Indian delegation is scheduled to visit the United States from April 20 to 22 to take forward discussions, following an interim trade arrangement announced earlier this year.
The Commerce Secretary said India has also concluded negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand, with domestic processes for signing and ratification currently underway.
At the same time, talks are ongoing with several countries and regions. Negotiations are in progress with Australia for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and with Sri Lanka for an Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA). India is also reviewing existing agreements, including the ongoing discussions for upgrading the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with South Korea.
He added that trade discussions are underway with countries such as Peru, Chile, Israel, and Canada, as well as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Terms of Reference have also been finalised for negotiations with the Philippines, Maldives, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
On trade developments with the United States, Agarwal noted that the US had removed additional tariffs earlier this year, while certain tariff measures under US trade laws continue to remain in place.
The developments come as India’s cumulative exports reached a record high in the financial year 2025–26. Merchandise and services exports are estimated at USD 860.09 billion, registering a growth of 4.22 per cent over the previous year.
The government is actively pursuing multiple trade agreements as part of its strategy to expand global market access and strengthen India’s position in international trade.
-ANI
