New Delhi: India’s role and share in global trade are poised for a major leap in line with the country’s ambition and journey towards Viksit Bharat. Over the past decades, India has significantly deepened its integration with global markets, supported by strong export performance, resilient services trade, and an expanding network of trade partnerships, reflecting growing competitiveness and adaptability to changing global demand dynamics.
The country has not only increased its share in global trade but has also diversified its trading partnerships. According to UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Report 2025, India ranks third among Global South economies in terms of the diversity index of trade partnerships. With an index score higher than that of all countries in the Global North, India’s trade ecosystem underscores resilience in the face of tariff uncertainties and emerging global challenges.
An expanding network of FTAs strengthens India’s trade strategy by ensuring reliable market access. These agreements help reinforce the country’s trajectory towards a stronger global trade presence by supporting export-oriented firms expand production and integrate more deeply into global value chains.
Bilateral and multilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) constitute a key pillar of India’s trade strategy, designed to expand trade and investment through enhanced market access, greater trade in services, reduction of non-tariff barriers, promotion of investment, and strengthened economic and technical cooperation. By leveraging trade complementarities, these agreements boost export potential, create new opportunities for industry and farmers, and generate employment across sectors.
In the fiscal year 2025-26, India advanced its trade engagement by concluding FTAs with the United Kingdom (UK), Oman and New Zealand marking a significant expansion of India’s economic partnerships across key global markets. Alongside these new agreements, India has, over the past few years, operationalised several major trade pacts that continue to support export growth and investment flows.
India’s trade partnerships in 2026 signal a decisive shift toward deeper global economic integration, supported by a broad network of modern and outcome-oriented trade agreements. Landmark agreement with the European Union, alongside other strengthened partnerships, are expanding market access, boosting exports, attracting investment, and creating new employment opportunities across sectors. Complemented by domestic policy, financial, and regulatory measures to strengthen exporter competitiveness, India’s trade ecosystem is becoming more resilient and globally integrated. Together, these efforts position India as a trusted and dynamic partner in global trade, driving sustainable growth and shared prosperity in the years ahead.
