Mumbai, May 11 (IANS) India’s approach towards 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, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday.

Speaking at a session on “FTAs as Catalysts for Growth in Global Trade” during the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 here, Agrawal said that in an increasingly fragmented global landscape, trade resilience, long-term predictability and trusted partnerships have become more important than ever.

“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.

“We are working beyond tariffs to ensure stability and sustainability, building a trade ecosystem that fosters long-term growth,” he added.

He said modern trade agreements are evolving beyond tariff reductions and are now playing a broader role in strengthening supply chains, improving regulatory cooperation, boosting investment flows and supporting sustainable economic growth.

According to the Commerce Secretary, the objective of India’s FTAs is to create a predictable trade environment for investors and establish a strong foundation for both domestic and international trade.

He said the government is working beyond tariffs to ensure greater stability and sustainability while creating a trade ecosystem that promotes long-term economic growth.

“In an increasingly fragmented global landscape, trade resilience, long-term predictability, and trusted partnerships have become more important than ever,” he stated.

Agrawal added that India’s FTA framework is aimed at helping industries become more competitive globally and integrate seamlessly into evolving global supply chains.

“India’s approach to FTAs is focused on creating stable and future-ready partnerships that enable industry to integrate more effectively with global value chains,” he added.

His remarks come at a time when global trade and supply chains continue to face uncertainty amid geopolitical tensions and disruptions in key regions.

Earlier, the Commerce Secretary had said the government was working closely with industry stakeholders to minimise disruptions to supply chains and maintain resilience amid global uncertainties.

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 export and import supply chains against external shocks.

–IANS

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