Global wars delaying FTA negotiations
War-related disruptions are delaying India’s free trade agreement negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, Israel, and the Eurasian Economic Union.
- Regional wars and escalations have delayed planned negotiation rounds, travel, and coordination across the three trade tracks.
- The India-Israel negotiation track advanced after Terms of Reference were signed in Tel Aviv and the first round of talks took place in February 2026.
- The India-Eurasian Economic Union track had completed two rounds by June 2026, but further visits became harder as the Ukraine conflict intensified.
What happened
Background and earlier position
India has been pursuing trade agreements with several regional blocs and partners to widen market access and diversify external economic linkages. The GCC track moved ahead after Terms of Reference (ToR) were signed, the India-Israel track advanced after ToR was signed in Tel Aviv in November 2025, and the EAEU track had already completed two rounds before the latest slowdown.
UPSC can frame the issue as a test of how India balances strategic autonomy, market access, and resilience in external economic engagement when wars and regional escalations disrupt negotiation calendars and reduce diplomatic space.
