India Negotiates New FTAs with 8–9 Partners, Eyes Wider Global Trade Coverage

India is in talks with eight to nine groups of countries and individual nations for new free trade agreements, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday (August 24, 2026). 

As per The Economic times report, the countries and blocs involved in these discussions together account for around $15 trillion in GDP. The agreements are still under negotiation. 

Nine Agreements Signed in Four Years 

Goyal said India has signed nine free trade agreements over the last four years. These agreements cover 38 developed countries with a combined GDP of about $60 trillion. 

India also has older trade agreements with Japan, South Korea and countries in the ASEAN region. These earlier arrangements cover economies worth another $10 trillion. 

Preferential Access to $70 Trillion Economy 

Together, India’s existing trade agreements provide preferential market access to economies accounting for around $70 trillion in GDP, according to the minister. 

If the agreements currently under discussion are added, the total value of economies covered would increase by another $15 trillion. 

Goyal said India expects its free trade agreements to eventually cover about 75% of global trade. He made the remarks while addressing business representatives from India and Japan. 

Delegation Visits Japan 

Goyal is currently leading a business delegation of more than 200 representatives to Japan as part of efforts to discuss trade and investment between the two countries. 

During the interaction, he pointed to data centres, manufacturing and artificial intelligence as areas where investment opportunities are available in India. 

India-Japan Trade 

The minister also spoke about the trade relationship between India and Japan. He said that growing economic ties between the two countries should result in more balanced trade. 

India has a large domestic market and has signed several trade agreements in recent years to widen access to overseas markets. 

Read More: Startup Funding in India Rises 31% to $198.33 Million Across 21 Deals This Week! 

Conclusion 

India’s existing free trade agreements cover economies worth around $70 trillion, based on figures shared by Goyal. Talks with eight to nine additional country groups and nations could add another $15 trillion and take the coverage to about 75% of global trade. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.   
 
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.