Commerce Ministry: India now has nine FTAs spanning 38 countries
The Commerce Ministry said on 6 March 2026 that India's network of free trade agreements has reached nine FTAs spanning 38 countries, listing the deals concluded since 2021.
Summary
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on 6 March 2026 that India's network of free trade agreements has grown to nine FTAs spanning 38 countries. The list starts with India–Mauritius in 2021, followed by the India–UAE CEPA in May 2022 and the India–Australia ECTA, implemented in December 2022. The India–EFTA TEPA was signed on 10 March 2024 and entered into force on 1 October 2025. The India–UK CETA was signed in July 2025 and the India–Oman CEPA in December 2025. The India–New Zealand FTA was announced on 22 December 2025 and the India–EU FTA on 27 January 2026, and a framework for an interim agreement with the United States was delivered on 7 February 2026.
Key facts
- Date
- 6 March 2026
- Network
- 9 FTAs, 38 countries
- Early deals
- Mauritius (2021); UAE CEPA (May 2022); Australia ECTA (in force Dec 2022)
- EFTA TEPA
- Signed 10 March 2024; in force 1 October 2025
- 2025
- UK CETA signed July; Oman CEPA December; NZ FTA announced 22 Dec
- 2026
- India–EU FTA 27 Jan; US interim framework 7 Feb
Practice MCQs 2 questions
According to the Commerce Ministry on 6 March 2026, India's FTA network now consists of how many FTAs spanning how many countries?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 9 FTAs, 38 countries
The ministry said India's network has reached nine FTAs spanning 38 countries.
Consider the following statements about the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA): 1. It was signed on 10 March 2024. 2. It entered into force on 1 October 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Commerce Ministry said the EFTA TEPA was signed on 10 March 2024 and entered into force on 1 October 2025.