Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal
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India will conclude at least two to three more substantive free trade agreements (FTAs), which will come into effect in the coming six months, to support exports, according to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.This observation comes in the backdrop of the US continuing to flex its muscles on the tariff front and India accelerating its trade diversification efforts with new trade alliances.“Over the next year, you will see us executing at least another three or four significant free trade agreements, all the FTAs will come into effect over the next nine to ten months,” Goyal said in his address at the Citi Investors Conference.Some of the trade alliances signed by India over the last nine months or so include a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the United Kingdom on July 24, 2025, Comprehensive Economic and Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman on December 18, 2025, India-New Zealand FTA on April 27, 2026, and India-European Union on January 27, 2026.Long-term capitalGoyal emphasised that India is not slowing down, it is growing more aggressive. The country is not merely a market, it is a growing large market.Having India as their base will help global companies grow from assembly to innovation and design, he added.“I invite all of you to invest patient capital, long-term capital, in this journey as we grow towards newer technologies and a green future. Our goals are open,” the minister said.Goyal underscored that the world’s long-term capital is looking at India and the opportunities that India presents.“I am not debating whether (or not) to bet on India. But I think how quickly one recognises our growth story will be the proportion of returns that India can offer,” he said.Published on June 4, 2026
