India FTA Tracker 2026: All Free Trade Agreements Status

India's trade deal agenda has never been busier. As of mid-2026, India is simultaneously finalising multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) that could reshape its economic relationships across the globe.

This tracker covers the status of every major India FTA and trade deal — active, under negotiation, and proposed.

What is an FTA?

A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a deal between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers. A CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) is a broader version that also covers services, investment, intellectual property, and other trade-related areas.

India's Active FTAs and CEPAs

India-UAE CEPA

Status: IN FORCE (since May 2022)

Covers: Goods, services, investment

Impact: India's exports to UAE grew 15% in the first year. Key sectors: gems & jewellery, textiles, engineering goods.

India-Australia ECTA (Interim FTA)

Status: IN FORCE (since December 2022)

Covers: Goods (tariff cuts on 96% of Australian exports; India gets duty-free access for textiles, leather, jewellery)

Next steps: Negotiations for the full CECA ongoing.

India-ASEAN FTA (AIFTA)

Status: IN FORCE (since 2010, under review)

India reviewing terms; concerns about trade deficit with ASEAN driving push for renegotiation.

India-Japan CEPA: IN FORCE (since 2011)

India-South Korea CEPA: IN FORCE (since 2010)

India-Sri Lanka FTA: IN FORCE (since 2001)

India-Mauritius CECPA: IN FORCE (since April 2021)

Major Negotiations Underway in 2026

India-UK FTA

Status: UNDER NEGOTIATION — final stages

Target: Comprehensive deal covering goods, services (IT, financial services), mobility

Key issues: UK wants access for Scotch whisky and autos; India wants more work visas for professionals.

Timeline: Deal expected H2 2026.

India-EU Broad-Based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)

Status: RESUMED — active negotiations since 2022

Key issues: EU wants stronger IPR protections; India wants GI protections for agricultural products.

Timeline: 2027 target.

India-GCC FTA

Status: UNDER NEGOTIATION

Partners: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain (UAE already has CEPA)

Timeline: Target conclusion 2026.

India-Canada CEPA

Status: PAUSED (talks stalled 2023; tentative resumption 2025)

Timeline: Uncertain.

India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA)

Status: FRAMEWORK UNDER DISCUSSION

Background: Emerging from USTR Greer's India visits 2025-26

Key sectors: Pharmaceuticals, IT, agriculture, defence

Timeline: Exploratory phase; formal negotiations not yet launched.

Proposed / Early Stage

India-Israel FTA: Under negotiation

India-EFTA (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein): SIGNED March 2024 — includes landmark $100 billion investment commitment over 15 years

India-Peru FTA: Under discussion

India's FTA Strategy in 2026

India has been historically cautious about FTAs — it pulled out of RCEP in 2019 over concerns about Chinese goods flooding the market. Today India's approach is more selective:

1. Services-first: India pushes for IT, legal, and financial services market access in every deal

2. 2. Mobility provisions: India negotiates for easier movement of skilled professionals

3. 3. Asymmetric reciprocity: India accepts tariff cuts where it has surpluses while protecting sensitive sectors like dairy and agriculture

4. 4. Strict rules of origin: India insists on rules to prevent trade deflection through FTA partners

Key Takeaways

• The India-UK FTA is the most anticipated deal, with major implications for IT services exports

• The India-EU BTIA would be India's largest FTA by GDP covered

• The EFTA deal's $100 billion investment commitment is a landmark

• The India-US BTA is the wildcard — a deal here would reshape global trade architecture