India is negotiating some of its most ambitious trade agreements in recent history. With negotiations underway or deals concluded with the US, UK, the European Union (EU), and New Zealand, preferential trade arrangements could soon cover more than 60% of the country’s exports. The key question, however, is whether these agreements will strengthen India’s long-term economic competitiveness or expose its underlying structural weaknesses.
Ajay Srivastava, Founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), argues that while free trade agreements (FTAs) can enable market access, they are no substitute for a strong manufacturing base. He says India must shift its focus from tariff negotiations to improving domestic competitiveness if the country wants to fully benefit from these trade deals.
