Expressing optimism over India’s progress in global trade pacts, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has said that India and the UK Free Trade agreement (FTA), signed in July 2025, is likely to come into force from May 2026. India and the UK signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), under which 99 per cent of Indian exports will enter the British market at zero duty, while tariffs on British products, such as cars and whisky, will be reduced in India.

He also expressed hope that FTA with Oman would come into force by June 1. India and Oman signed an FTA in December 2025. It will provide duty- free access to 98 per cent of India's exports including textiles, agri and leather goods in Oman. On the other hand, India will reduce tariffs on Omanese products such as dates, marbles and petrochemical items.

He further said that the country’s FTA with New Zealand to be signed on April 27, 2026. The two countries had announced the conclusion of negotiations for the trade deal on December 2, 2025, with the goal of doubling bilateral trade to $5 billion over the next five years. The pact would provide tariff-free access for Indian goods in the New Zealand market and attract up to $20 billion in investment over the next 15 years.

He highlighted that the ‘mother of all trade deals’ - the India-EU FTA - is expected to be signed within this calendar year. He noted ‘We will try to get it into operation before the end of this financial year. That is the ambition with which we are working’. He said once all these pacts come into operation, Indian businesses will see an increased opportunity for exports. On the proposed trade pact with Canada, he said the next round of negotiations will be held in May 2026.