The Centre has intensified engagement with state governments to improve the use of India’s free trade agreements (FTAs) by domestic businesses. The initiative is aimed at farmers, workers, women, young entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other small businesses seeking access to overseas markets.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has stressed coordination between the Department of Commerce and state administrations to increase awareness of preferential trade provisions. Goa has participated in the initiative, with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant encouraging local businesses to examine international market opportunities.

Preferential tariffs under FTAs can improve the competitiveness of Indian products, but businesses must understand the provisions of individual agreements and meet eligibility requirements. Smaller exporters often face difficulties identifying suitable markets, securing certifications, meeting product standards and preparing customs documentation.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India has nine FTAs covering 38 countries. These include the India-Mauritius agreement signed in 2021, the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which took effect in May 2022, and the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, which came into force in December 2022.

India signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Free Trade Association on March 10, 2024, and it entered into force on October 1, 2025. The country signed trade agreements with the United Kingdom in July 2025 and Oman in December 2025, while agreements with New Zealand and the European Union were announced in December 2025 and January 2026 respectively. The New Zealand agreement entered into force on October 20, 2026, while India and the United States announced a framework for an interim trade agreement in February 2026.

The outreach programme is intended to extend export information beyond established trading centres. Greater coordination among state governments, export promotion councils and industry associations may help identify products and industrial clusters with export potential, while regional-language guidance and e-commerce access may assist smaller businesses despite continuing logistics, compliance and fulfilment challenges.