Former Commerce Secretary Rajeev Kher in an interview with ET said FTA negotiations prioritize preferential agreements over multilateralism due to the lack of commonality in issues among countries and the evolving role of non-trade issues. Kher added that friendshoring has emerged as a response to supply chain uncertainties caused by geopolitical tensions.
India is actively engaged in ongoing FTA negotiations with multiple countries and blocs, including Oman, the UK, the EU, Canada, and various Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) partner countries. The negotiations focus on market access, compliance with environmental and labour standards, and the reduction of high import duties. India currently has 13 functional FTAs and aims to tap into the large and rapidly growing market of 1.4 billion people. The apparel sector expects game-changing opportunities with FTAs with the UK and the EU, while the gem and jewellery sector anticipates a significant boost in exports through an FTA with the EU. FTAs have become the mainstay of India s trade policy, offering both economic gains and geostrategic dividends.
Of the entire population in the world that defecates in the open, 60 percent reside in India. This article lists out some of the initiatives trying to work out this problem.Sanitation is a massive pro.