Economy
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Updated on 11 Nov 2025, 06:18 pm
Reviewed By
Simar Singh | Whalesbook News Team
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India is strategically engaging in multiple trade deal negotiations to diversify its economic partnerships and mitigate risks arising from global uncertainties. The country is nearing completion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand, with the Trade Minister of New Zealand expected to visit India this week. India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently met with his New Zealand counterpart to strengthen bilateral ties across various sectors.
Beyond New Zealand, India is also making progress on FTAs with other key economic blocs and nations. Discussions with the European Union are advancing, with a team of EU negotiators visiting New Delhi for talks and the EU's Trade Commissioner slated for a visit in December. Additionally, India is exploring FTAs with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including members like Bahrain and Qatar, and is also considering a trade pact with Israel, a significant partner in defence, agriculture, and innovation.
These comprehensive negotiations cover critical areas such as trade in goods and services, investment, rules of origin, and technical barriers to trade. The primary aim is to create a more favourable environment for Indian exporters and attract foreign investment.
Impact: These trade deals have the potential to significantly boost India's export volumes, open new markets for domestic products and services, and enhance economic cooperation, leading to job creation and economic growth. A 7/10 impact is expected on Indian businesses involved in international trade and on overall economic sentiment.
Difficult terms: FTA (Free Trade Agreement): An agreement between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate barriers to trade, such as tariffs and quotas, to promote economic exchange. GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council): A regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of six Arab states of the Persian Gulf: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations): A regional organization that promotes political and economic cooperation among its ten member states in Southeast Asia.