Why is India striking so many trade deals?

Why is India striking so many trade deals?

Author: BBC World Service February 19, 2026 Duration: 17:28

In just a few months, the country has signed or advanced several major trade deals with other nations.

Is it a reflection of the growing size of the Indian economy - it is on course to become the third largest in the world - or it is because of a global economic realignment due to US President Donald Trump's tariff policies?

And is India ready to open its markets to foreign competition, or is there a danger that it will lead to job losses in some sectors?

If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is businessdaily@bbc.co.uk

Presenter: Rahul Tandon Producer: David Cann

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(Picture: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen in Hyderabad House, New Delhi, India on the 27th of January 2026. Credit: Getty Images)


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