India Strengthens Global Trade Ties: New Agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and Bahrain on the Horizon

India is taking major strides to expand its global trade footprint, with new trade and investment agreements currently being negotiated with Australia, New Zealand, and Bahrain, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met with Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell on Saturday to review progress on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), the second phase of the India–Australia trade pact.

Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working constructively toward finalizing a balanced and mutually beneficial CECA at the earliest opportunity.

The two nations already share strong trade ties under the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which came into effect in December 2022, marking a major milestone in bilateral relations. The CECA aims to build upon that framework by broadening the scope of cooperation, improving market access, and enhancing investment flows.

Expanding Cooperation with New Zealand

India is also pushing forward with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand, which officials say could significantly boost trade flows, strengthen supply chains, and improve investment opportunities between the two countries.

According to the Ministry, the fourth round of negotiations for the India–New Zealand FTA took place from November 3 to 7 in Auckland and Rotorua, with discussions covering goods, services, and investment frameworks. The agreement is expected to provide greater stability, market access, and policy predictability for businesses on both sides.

Advancing Trade Relations with Bahrain

In the Gulf region, India and Bahrain are also moving closer to a new trade and investment partnership. On November 3, both nations announced the launch of comprehensive trade pact talks, signalling a shared intent to strengthen economic collaboration.

During a meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the two sides discussed enhancing cooperation in defense, security, trade, investment, health, fintech, and culture.

A joint statement highlighted plans to expand trade in key sectors such as electronics, petroleum products, processed foods, base metals, and gems and jewelry. Both nations are also finalizing an investment agreement aimed at promoting bilateral investments and technological partnerships.

Strengthening India’s Global Trade Strategy

The flurry of trade negotiations underscores India’s growing role as a strategic global trade partner and its commitment to strengthening ties across the Indo-Pacific and Gulf regions. Officials say these agreements are designed to diversify markets, increase exports, and build resilient supply chains in line with India’s long-term economic vision.

By simultaneously deepening its economic partnerships with advanced economies like Australia and New Zealand and energy-rich nations like Bahrain, India is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of global trade and regional cooperation.