Achieving the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' requires sustaining a high rate of economic growth over the next two decades. India’s massive domestic market is a vital engine for this growth, but relying on it alone may not be sufficient. To achieve globally competitive scale and true technological transformation, India is integrating deeply with the global economy through a network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). While WTO agreements provide the foundation for a rules-based global trading system, FTAs enable willing partners to pursue deeper integration in additional areas of interest, building on the WTO baseline. The 384 notified FTAs in force underscore their utility as critical drivers of economic integration and rule-making customized to partner countries. They are the institutional blueprint for securing crucial market access while protecting Indian businesses from the unpredictable winds of global geopolitical storms.
Access to global economic opportunities is also essential for Indian businesses seeking the scale to emerge as global champions. But the gains are not limited to large businesses; FTAs open vital windows of opportunity for start-ups, MSMEs, farmers, fisherfolk, and Indian talent looking to monetize their skills on the world stage. The binding commitments cover tariffs, services market access, and transparent trade rules, delivering the certainty Indian businesses require to invest for the long term.
