• While the Covid-19 pandemic has made the world realise the importance of secure and reliable supply chains, there have been concerns regarding economic self-interest and slowdown in global trade.
• Recovering from the pandemic, India has undertaken a slew of measures to facilitate trade with the aim of manufacturing for export and positioning itself as a global supply chain hub (PLIs, Gati Shakti master plan, faceless and paperless cargo clearance, etc.).
• However, realigning its policies to seek global market access by partnering with like-minded countries through Free Trade Agreement (FTA)s is most crucial towards this aim.

Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

• Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)are agreements between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers on a wide range of goods and services.
• India has entered into a number of FTAswith other countries in order to expand its trade and boost its economic growth.

Benefits of Realignment Towards FTAs

• FTA aids integration with the global value chainas a reliable supply hub, which is important in the post-pandemic world where businesses look for safe and cost-efficient trading routes.
• They also provide deeper market access for Indian value-added exportsfor the consuming markets of the West.
• They ensure the removal of existing non-tariff barriers to goods and services exportswith fair and reciprocal trade terms.
• And finally, they are important toleverage better opportunities vis-à-vis regional competitors who already have preferential access.

Challenges w.r.t. India’s FTAs

• Market Access:One of the main challenges in India''s FTAs is the lack of market access for its products in other countries.
  • Many Indian products facehigh tariffs and other barriers to entry in other countries, which makes it difficult for Indian businesses to compete in those markets.
• Intellectual Property Rights:Another challenge is the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) in other countries.
  • India has a large number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)that rely on the protection of their IPR in order to compete in international markets. However, many countries have stronger protections for IPR, which can make it difficult for Indian businesses to sell their products in those markets.
• Trade Deficit:India has a trade deficit with many of its trading partners, which means it imports more goods and services from those countries than it exports. This can be a challenge for India''s economy, as it relies on exports to drive growth.
  • India has accounted for a trade deficit of USD 16 billion in 2020-21 with ASEAN countries. At the same time, the trade deficit with Japan remained USD 5 billion in 20-21.
• Impact on Agricultural Sector:The agricultural sector is a key part of India''s economy, and many farmers in India rely on exports to make a living.
  • However, India''s FTAs with other countries have often led to an increase in imports of agricultural products, which can be a challenge for Indian farmers.
• Lack of Transparency: Most FTAs are negotiated behind closed doorswithout much information on the objectives and processes involved.
  • Moreover, there are no institutional mechanisms to scrutinise the actionsof the executive during and after the FTA has been signed.

Looking ahead

• Scrutiny of FTAs: Legislative oversight of FTAsshould be handled by the Committee on Commerce, by discussing different aspects of agreements and negotiations, in a way maintaining executive accountability to the legislature.
• Boosting Domestic ProductionIndia needs to strengthen its domestic manufacturing base in value-added products like engineering goods, electronic products, drugs and pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agriculture machinery, that could be used to boost exports.
• Developing a Comprehensive FTA Strategy:India should develop a comprehensive strategy for its FTA negotiations, including clear goals and objectives, and a plan for how to achieve them.
  • This should involve consultation with key stakeholders, such as businesses, trade unions, and civil society groups.
• Reviewing and Updating Existing FTAs:India should regularly review its existing FTAs to ensure that they are still providing benefits to the country and its trading partners.
  • This may involve negotiating updates or amendments to the agreementsto address changing economic conditions or other factors.
• Linking FTAs with India’s Act East and Neighbourhood Policy:India should consider negotiating regional FTAs with countries in its immediate region, such as those in South Asia or Southeast Asia.
  • This could help to increase trade within the region, boost economic development in the area through increased connectivity and economic diplomacy.