FTA: India negotiating deals with Australia, Sri Lanka, Peru, Chile, and others
Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: India is currently negotiating six major Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with countries and regional groups, including Australia, Sri Lanka, Peru, Chile, the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), and Israel, as part of its efforts to expand global trade partnerships.
New Delhi is also advancing other trade initiatives, including agreements with the United Kingdom (UK) and Oman awaiting ratification, concluded negotiations with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and New Zealand, and ongoing talks with the United States and several other partners, the media reported on Monday, quoting the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations began in February 2023. Since then, 11 rounds of negotiations have been held so far as both sides continue discussions on the proposed trade pact.
India is also negotiating the India-Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA). Talks for this agreement began in 2015 and a total of 14 rounds of negotiations have been held. The last round of discussions took place in July 2024.
Negotiations are also underway for the India-Peru FTA. The talks were launched in 2017 and nine rounds of negotiations have been conducted so far. The latest round of discussions was held in November 2025.
The ministry also shared that India has initiated negotiations with Chile for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The negotiations were launched on April 1, 2025 and four rounds of discussions have been held so far, the latest being in December 2025.
It said India has started negotiations for an FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The first round of negotiations for this agreement was held in November 2025.
In addition, India has begun discussions for an FTA with Israel. The first round of negotiations between the two countries was held in February 2026.
Broader Strategy
The ministry noted that these ongoing negotiations are part of India’s broader efforts to strengthen its trade relations with global partners and expand market access through comprehensive trade agreements.
Apart from the ongoing negotiations, the ministry also highlighted progress in other trade agreements. India has signed FTAs with the United Kingdom on July 24, 2025 and with Oman on December 18, 2025, which are currently under ratification. Negotiations for FTAs with New Zealand and the European Union have already been concluded.
The ministry added that India launched negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States in March 2025. On February 7, 2026, India and the United States announced that they had reached a framework for an interim agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade.
Reviews
The ministry noted that the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is currently under review for upgradation. The review process started in 2016 and a total of 11 rounds of negotiations have been held so far, the last one being held in Seoul in July 2024.
The ministry further stated that Terms of Reference (ToR) have been signed for several upcoming trade negotiations. These include a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with the Philippines, a FTA with the Maldives and with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Canada.
