VISAKHAPATNAM— The expanding network of India Trade Pacts reflects the nation’s trust-based, outward-looking diplomacy. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced India’s aggressive pursuit of global economic partnerships. Speaking at the CII Partnership Summit 2025, the Minister confirmed active negotiations. India is currently working on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with multiple crucial partners. These partners include the United States (US), the European Union (EU), and others. Goyal stressed the importance of lowering global trade barriers. He believes this step will fundamentally promote the free flow of goods, services, and capital globally.
India Trade Pacts negotiations are rapidly accelerating across the globe. The country is already enjoying the benefits of recently implemented FTAs. These include major deals with the UAE, Australia, and the four-nation European bloc, EFTA. Now, the focus shifts to even larger economies. Goyal specifically listed several countries currently at the negotiation table. These include the European Union, the United States, Oman, New Zealand, Chile, and Peru. Consequently, many more countries are actively seeking to start negotiations with India. This broad global interest signals India’s rising geopolitical and economic importance.
India Trade Pacts: Promoting Open Market Access
Minister Goyal suggested concrete steps for expanding global cooperation. He emphasised the fundamental importance of two-way investments. Therefore, nations must lower trade barriers. They must also cultivate an open, transparent environment for commerce. This environment enables the free flow of goods, services, and capital across borders. He also suggested enhancing technology cooperation. Furthermore, he emphasised building a predictable policy framework. These moves promote long-term partnerships and directly counter the recent rise in global protectionism. The Minister also tweeted: “Stronger cooperation between Governments and industry is critical for building a future that is stable, inclusive, and filled with opportunities for all. Nations worldwide are seeking deeper engagement with India across trade, investment, and development. We are committed to advancing resilient supply chains, accelerating clean energy adoption, forging stronger manufacturing ties, and investing in skill development.”
Domestic Reforms Support Global Trade Expansion
India is not merely negotiating abroad. The government is simultaneously making significant domestic reforms. These efforts promote the ease of doing business. The Centre has proactively removed as many as 42,000 compliance requirements. This action dramatically reduces the burden on domestic enterprises. Additionally, the government abolished 1,500 outdated laws. This massive cleanup operation streamlines the regulatory landscape. This clear, predictable domestic environment makes India a more reliable global trade partner. This internal strength boosts the leverage of external India Trade Pacts.
Infrastructure Focus: The Andhra Mandapam Initiative
On the sidelines of the Summit, the Minister also addressed infrastructure. He laid the foundation stone for the upcoming Drone City and Space City in Andhra Pradesh via virtual mode. He confirmed India’s ambition for self-reliance in high-quality drone production. Furthermore, Goyal announced ITPO’s willingness to partner with the Andhra Pradesh government. They aim to develop a world-class convention centre, the Andhra Mandapam, modeled after New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu confirmed the government will provide land for this construction.
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