India's FTA Expansion Fuels Growth & Talent Opportunities

India Concludes 9 FTAs Covering 38 Nations, Expands Preferential Access to Global Trade: Piyush Goyal​

FTAs Provide Indian Businesses Access to Nearly Two Thirds of Global Trade​

India has concluded nine Free Trade Agreements covering 38 nations, providing Indian businesses preferential access to nearly two thirds of global trade, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on February 26 in Mumbai.

According to the minister, these agreements are designed to help Indian goods and services, along with agricultural and fisheries products and labour intensive sectors, expand into new markets. The FTAs are also expected to enable deeper integration into global value chains and enhance talent mobility.

Goyal said the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat focuses on building resilient, trusted, and diversified supply chains through active global engagement.

Call to MSMEs, Farmers and Exporters to Seize Global Opportunities​

Addressing entrepreneurs and industry leaders at the 27th edition of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards, Goyal urged MSMEs, farmers, exporters and fishermen across the country to capitalize on emerging global opportunities.

He expressed confidence that young India would steer the nation through Amrit Kaal and help achieve the goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047. He emphasized that India’s growth journey would continue to be driven by its entrepreneurs and youth, calling for collective efforts to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Youth and Innovation Central to India’s Growth Story​

Goyal underlined that India’s youth and human capital form the backbone of the country’s development trajectory. Reflecting on his interactions with founders and business leaders, he highlighted passion, innovation and skilled manpower as India’s strongest competitive advantages.

On concerns surrounding Artificial Intelligence and employment, the minister stated that AI would transform jobs rather than eliminate them. He noted that India produces approximately 2.3 million STEM graduates annually, creating a vast pool of young, adaptable and ambitious talent.

Drawing parallels with the Y2K era, he described AI as the next inflection point that could unlock higher value work, stronger exports and deeper global integration for Indian enterprises. He added that the shift would increase demand for skilled professionals in cybersecurity, data protection and system governance.

Goyal also presented awards at the event, which brought together leading entrepreneurs, industry captains and startup founders from across the country.