India in Talks With 9 More Countries to Expand FTA Reach

India is negotiating FTAs with 8-9 more countries or blocs that could add $15 trillion in economic coverage. Piyush Goyal says India’s trade pacts could eventually cover 75% of global trade, strengthening market access and global value-chain integration.

India is negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with at least eight to nine additional groups of countries and individual nations as it seeks to expand preferential market access and strengthen its position in global value chains. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal says the proposed agreements could add another $15 trillion to the economies covered by India’s trade pacts.

Speaking to business representatives from India and Japan in Tokyo, Goyal says India’s expanding network of trade agreements could eventually cover around 75% of global trade. He says the strategy is aimed at positioning India as a trusted and competitive partner in international value chains.

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India has signed nine FTAs over the past four years, covering economies with a combined GDP of around $60 trillion and 38 developed countries, according to Goyal. Earlier agreements with countries including Japan and South Korea, along with the ASEAN region, provide access to another $10 trillion of economic activity. This brings the total economy covered by India’s existing preferential trade arrangements to about $70 trillion.

The next phase of negotiations could expand this access by a further $15 trillion. Goyal says the broader FTA network will help Indian companies gain access to international markets while making the country more integrated with global production and supply chains.

The minister is leading a business delegation of more than 200 representatives in Japan as India seeks to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties. He highlights several sectors where Japanese companies can explore opportunities in India, including data centres, manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

The push to expand trade agreements comes as India seeks to diversify its export markets and strengthen its role in global commerce. FTAs can provide Indian exporters with preferential tariff access while creating opportunities for foreign companies to invest in India and integrate local businesses into international supply chains.

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Goyal also says stronger economic engagement between India and Japan should help create a more balanced bilateral trade relationship. Japan remains an important economic partner for India, with cooperation spanning manufacturing, infrastructure, technology and investment.

India’s expanding FTA strategy therefore represents a broader effort to combine market access with investment opportunities and supply chain integration. If the ongoing negotiations progress as planned, the agreements could significantly increase India’s exposure to global trade and support its ambition of becoming a trusted partner in international value chains.