Free Trade Agreements

November 3, 2026 4:56 PM

India will not open dairy sector or allow GM imports, says Piyush Goyal

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said India would continue to protect its dairy sector and would not allow the import of genetically modified (GM) products, describing both as sensitive areas in the country's trade policy. Addressing students at Kirori Mal College in New Delhi, Goyal said India had never opened its dairy sector under any free trade agreement and would maintain its position in future trade negotiations. He said the government remained committed to sa...

October 30, 2026 1:30 AM

Piyush Goyal Calls on Telangana to Maximise FTA Benefits, Boost Exports

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday called on Telangana to make greater use of India’s free trade agreements (FTAs) to boost exports, expand market access and create opportunities for businesses, farmers and startups. Addressing the curtain-raiser of the Invest Telangana Global Summit in New Delhi, he highlighted India’s growing trade partnerships, policy stability and investment opportunities, and said Telangana’s ambition to become a $3 trillion economy by 2...

October 29, 2026 12:08 AM

Piyush Goyal Calls for Export Diversification, Greater Competitiveness at Meeting with Export Promotion Councils

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Wednesday called for greater export competitiveness, product and market diversification, and stronger engagement with international buyers during an interaction with representatives of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) in New Delhi. The interaction reviewed the prevailing export scenario, emerging opportunities and challenges in international trade, and measures to further strengthen India’s export competitiveness, according to a press re...

October 18, 2026 1:12 PM

Commerce Department holds Jaipur outreach to help exporters leverage FTAs

The Department of Commerce organised an outreach programme in Jaipur to help exporters use preferential market access under India’s free trade agreements (FTAs), with discussions covering tariff benefits, rules of origin, quality standards and overseas buyer connections. Joint Secretary Mohit Yadav addressed the “Leveraging FTAs” programme, attended by exporters from various sectors and representatives of the Rajasthan government, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Jaipur Special Econo...

September 3, 2026 3:33 PM

Piyush Goyal calls for nationwide FTA utilisation drive to boost India’s exports

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday called for a nationwide drive to maximise the utilisation of India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), urging states, industry bodies and exporters to ensure that preferential market access reaches businesses in every district. Addressing a national workshop on “Leveraging FTAs: An Outreach Programme” in New Delhi, Goyal said India’s network of nine FTAs currently spans economies accounting for around $60 trillion in GDP and prov...

July 28, 2026 8:01 PM

India’s exports hit record $863.1 billion in FY26 as FTAs boost trade with UAE, UK and Australia

India's total exports reached a record US$863.1 billion in the financial year 2025-26, driven by strong growth in both merchandise and services exports and supported by expanding market access under the country's free trade agreements (FTAs), the government informed Parliament on Tuesday. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, merchandise exports stood at US$441.8 billion, while services exports reached US$421.3 billion, reflecting the combined strength of both sectors in driving I...

July 21, 2026 7:03 PM

Government expands FTAs, export promotion measures to diversify export markets

The government has intensified efforts to diversify India's export markets by expanding its network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), pursuing trade negotiations with major economies, and introducing a series of export promotion and logistics reforms aimed at strengthening the country's global trade footprint. The initiatives are intended to help Indian exporters navigate evolving geopolitical and economic challenges while improving market access, boosting exports and enhancing the competitivene...

July 17, 2026 12:40 AM

CTIL, CII launch guidebook to help Indian MSMEs expand into global markets

The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), on Thursday launched a guidebook aimed at helping Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expand their presence in global markets. Titled 'Going Global: A Practical Guide for Indian MSMEs', the publication has been designed as a one-stop resource to help businesses identify export opportunities, understand market access requ...

June 4, 2026 1:47 PM

India emerging as trusted global investment destination, says Piyush Goyal at Citi India Conference 2026

India has emerged as one of the world's most trusted investment destinations and is poised to remain the fastest-growing major economy for decades, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said while addressing the Citi India Conference 2026 on Thursday. Delivering the keynote address virtually, Goyal highlighted India's economic resilience, expanding manufacturing base, infrastructure development and growing network of trade agreements as key drivers of investor confidence. He said hi...

March 10, 2026 2:59 PM

India’s annual food exports nearing Rs 5 lakh crore mark: Piyush Goyal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday called upon stakeholders from the food, agriculture and hospitality sectors to work collectively towards making India the world’s largest exporter of agricultural and processed foods, highlighting the vast opportunities created by India’s expanding trade agreements and the growing global demand for the Indian products. Addressing the gathering at the inauguration of the 40th edition of 'AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality...