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India’s Emerging FTA Strategy: A Turning Point in Trade Policy India’s recent trade agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) , Switzerland , and most notably with the United Kingdom represent a significant strategic shift in the country’s approach towards Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). According to a detailed analysis by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) , India is now entering sensitive domains that were previously protected under domestic red lines — a move that could reshape the country’s future engagements with global trade partners. From Protectionism to Market Access: What Has Changed? The GTRI report notes that the nature of India’s FTAs is evolving rapidly . Historically cautious, especially in areas like government procurement, intellectual property rights (IPR), data sovereignty, automobiles , and services , India is now relaxing these barriers under bilateral agreements. Each new agreement — starting with UAE, then Switzerland, and now the UK — has d...

Strategic Trade Response to Political Developments in Bangladesh India’s recent move to restrict land port imports from Bangladesh marks a significant shift in regional trade dynamics. This decision follows emerging political and ideological concerns emanating from Bangladesh—particularly the rise of secessionist narratives such as 'Greater Bangla' and 'Sultanate Bangla' that allegedly incorporate parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Northeast India. Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev labelled the move a “strict response” to these ideological provocations and called it a necessary action in light of India’s current geopolitical tensions with both Pakistan and Bangladesh. “It is high time for India to be strict,” Sachdev remarked, highlighting that such movements inside Bangladesh cannot be ignored as mere fringe ideas. Key Trade Restriction Measures Enforced by India On May 17, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, under a directive from the Directorate Gen...