All Things Policy India’s Trade Strategy for the Emerging World
Mar 6, 2026
Anisree Suresh, research associate in geoeconomics at the Takshashila Institution, explains India's fast-moving trade diplomacy. She discusses new FTAs with the EU, UK, Oman and others. Short takes examine how deals reshape supply chains, the calculus behind concessions, and why market diversification and domestic reforms matter for trade strategy.
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India Rapidly Expanded FTAs To Manage Volatility
- India accelerated multiple FTAs in 2025 to secure market access amid global volatility.
- Deals with Oman, New Zealand, EU and UK show a strategic push to diversify supply chains and export destinations.
New Zealand FTA Balances Duty Free Trade And Dairy Protection
- The India–New Zealand FTA removed tariffs on many Indian exports while India phased in access for NZ dairy and other sensitive products.
- The deal allowed duty-free NZ inputs for Indian manufacturing and protected phased access on dairy over seven years.
Early FTA Results Show Measurable Trade Gains
- Early evidence shows FTAs can boost trade quickly, as India–Australia trade grew 8% after their 2022 deal.
- Growth concentrated in engineering, petroleum products, textiles, chemicals and jewellery exports.