Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal on Monday said India's approach to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) is focused on building stable and future-ready partnerships that enable domestic industries to integrate more effectively with global value chains. He was speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 in Mumbai, at a session titled 'FTAs as Catalysts for Growth in Global Trade'.

Key Message: Beyond Tariffs

Agrawal stressed that modern trade agreements have evolved well past tariff reductions. According to the Commerce Secretary, FTAs now play a broader role in strengthening supply chains, improving regulatory cooperation, boosting investment flows, and supporting sustainable economic growth.

"The goal of our FTAs is to create a predictable trade environment for investors and a right foundation for both domestic and international trade," Agrawal stated. He added that the government is "working beyond tariffs to ensure stability and sustainability, building a trade ecosystem that fosters long-term growth."

Why India Is Doubling Down on Trade Resilience

Agrawal's remarks come at a time when global trade and supply chains face mounting uncertainty, driven by geopolitical tensions and disruptions in key regions. "In an increasingly fragmented global landscape, trade resilience, long-term predictability, and trusted partnerships have become more important than ever," he said.

This is consistent with the broader posture India has adopted in recent months. Earlier, Agrawal had said the government was working closely with industry stakeholders to minimise supply chain disruptions and maintain resilience amid global uncertainties — a line that has become a recurring theme across senior commerce ministry briefings.

Sector Focus and Earlier Remarks

Addressing a 'Chintan Shivir' session in Hyderabad last month, Agrawal had stated that India remains focused on sustaining growth in sectors such as pharmaceuticals while strengthening both export and import supply chains against external shocks. The consistent messaging across forums signals a deliberate effort by the Commerce Ministry to align industry expectations with the government's FTA negotiation priorities.

What This Means for Industry

Agrawal said India's FTA framework is aimed at helping industries become more competitive globally and integrate seamlessly into evolving global supply chains. For domestic manufacturers, this signals that upcoming FTA negotiations will likely prioritise non-tariff measures, standards harmonisation, and supply chain integration over headline duty cuts alone.

With several FTA negotiations — including those with key partners in Europe and the Indo-Pacific — at various stages, the Commerce Secretary's articulation of India's strategic intent is likely to shape the next phase of trade diplomacy.