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India-UK FTA to Go Live in May, US Trade Talks Resume This Month

India's Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom is set to become operational in May, concluding long-standing negotiations. Simultaneously, negotiations for a pact with the European Union are advancing, with a signing expected before the end of the calendar year. Trade talks with the United States will resume this month, with an Indian delegation visiting from April 20-22. These developments come as India's cumulative exports for 2025-26 hit a record estimated $860.09 billion.

Key Points: India-UK FTA in May, US Talks Resume, EU Deal Advances

  • UK FTA operational in May
  • EU FTA signing expected this year
  • US trade talks resume April 20-22
  • New Zealand deal negotiations concluded
  • Record $860B exports in FY25-26
2 min read

India-UK FTA in May, US negotiations to resume this month, New Zealand, EU pact moves ahead: Commerce Secretary

India's UK FTA operational in May, US negotiations restart, EU pact expected by year-end. Key updates on New Zealand, Korea, and Australia trade deals.

"We expect the Free Trade Agreement related to the UK to come into operation in the month of May sometime - Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal"

New Delhi, April 15

The India Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom is set to become operational in May, marking a conclusion to the long-standing trade negotiations, said Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal.

"We expect the Free Trade Agreement related to the UK to come into operation in the month of May sometime," the Commerce Secretary said.

The negotiations for the India-EU FTA is also set to conclude with the signing expected before the end of the current calendar year. The ministry aims to bring the pact into force within the current financial year.

"FTA with the EU is likely to be signed before the end of this calendar year, and try to get it into operation before the end of this financial year," the Commerce Secretary stated.

He also shared that the negotiations for the India-United States Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) will also resume this month. An Indian delegation is set to visit the United States from April 20 to April 22 to take forward the discussions. This follows an interim trade deal announced on February 2, 2026, and a joint statement released on February 7.

India concluded negotiations for the India-New Zealand FTA, where domestic processes for signing and ratification now take place. Reviews for existing agreements continue, including the 11th round of negotiations for the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Negotiations continue with Australia for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and with Sri Lanka for an Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA).

The Commerce Secretary highlighted other active discussions involving Peru, Chile, Israel, Canada, and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Terms of Reference are finalized for negotiations with the Philippines, Maldives, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Agarwal noted that the United States removed 25 per cent additional ad valorem tariffs on February 7. However, a US Supreme Court judgment on February 20 invalidated reciprocal tariffs while Section 232 tariffs and exemptions continue.

The U.S. government subsequently issued executive orders imposing 10 per cent tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 on certain products, effective February 24.

"Meanwhile, two Investigations under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 initiated by US: Excess Capacity (Against 16 economies, including India), Forced labor (Against 60 economies, including India)," the Ministry said.

These trade developments occur as India's cumulative exports reach a record high for the 2025-26 financial year. Merchandise and services exports reached an estimated 860.09 billion dollars, representing a 4.22 per cent growth from the 825.26 billion dollars recorded in the previous year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in the export sector, the timing with the EU deal is crucial. If both UK and EU FTAs are operational this year, it could be a game-changer for market access. Fingers crossed the negotiations are fair for our farmers and MSMEs.
A
Arjun K
Good progress, but the US part worries me. They keep changing the rules – removing tariffs one day, imposing new ones the next, and starting investigations. We need a very strong and clear agreement that protects our interests, not just a quick deal.
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Priya S
The focus on agreements with New Zealand, Australia, and the GCC is very strategic. Diversifying our trade partners is the need of the hour. Hope our dairy and agriculture sectors are prepared for the competition from NZ and Aus though.
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Michael C
Record exports are a positive sign. These FTAs, if negotiated well, can sustain that growth. The key will be ensuring they benefit the wider economy and not just a few big corporations.
K
Kavya N
So many negotiations at once! UK, EU, US, NZ... it's impressive but also a huge task for our officials. Jai Hind to the commerce ministry team! Hope the benefits reach the common person soon with more affordable goods and opportunities. 🙏

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