India Forges Major Trade Deals: UK, EU, New Zealand, Oman FTAs Signal Global Intent

• India has recently concluded significant trade agreements with the UK, EU, New Zealand, and Oman, marking a pivotal moment in its economic history.
• The India-EU Free Trade Agreement, termed "the mother of all deals" by PM Modi, was finalized after nearly two decades of negotiations, covering 24 chapters and representing 25% of global GDP.
• India secured substantial concessions, including duty-free access for 99% of exports to the UK, zero-duty entry to New Zealand, and meaningful tariff cuts across the EU.
• These FTAs are seen as India's strategic hedging against American protectionism, diversifying market access across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.
• Key features include protection for India's sensitive agricultural sectors (dairy, onions, almonds) and ambitious services liberalization with New Zealand, including extended post-study visas.

Why It Matters: India's rapid succession of major FTAs signals a strategic shift towards global economic integration and diversification.