What happened: India’s FTA utilisation phase shows higher preferential CoO use, diversification, and services opportunities
India’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) strategy is shifting from building the agreement network to converting market access into actual export participation. Government communication links improved export outcomes with increased preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO) issuance, broader product coverage in exports to FTA partners, and expanded services opportunities in partner markets.
What changed now: from early export gains to deeper operational use of FTAs
The government background note describes an observable transition. Early export gains under newer FTAs are being followed by rising preferential CoO issuance and a wider range of exported products going to FTA markets. The government also highlights initiatives aimed at making it easier for exporters to claim preferential tariff benefits and to enter new markets.
Background and earlier position: expanding the FTA network over the past decade
Over the past decade, India pursued a more confident and forward-looking trade strategy by expanding its network of FTAs. Each agreement is described as reflecting the scale of the Indian market, the partner country’s economic potential, and growing international confidence in India’s capabilities. In the recent phase, India focuses on “effective utilisation” of FTAs—turning market access into wider export participation, investment and employment, while safeguarding domestic priorities.