US EditionIndia Signs Deal with Oman as It Tries to Counter US Tariffs by Accelerating Free Trade Agreements
India aims to counter 50% U.S. tariffs by signing multiple free trade agreements, including with Oman, to boost exports in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods.
- On Thursday, India signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Oman in Muscat, witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
- Facing 50% U.S. import tariffs, Indian exporters have pressed New Delhi to accelerate FTAs in recent months to offset tariffs and widen export destinations.
- The agreement gives Indian goods zero‑duty access on 98.08% of Oman’s tariff lines, with tariff liberalization on 77.79% covering nearly 95% of imports, aiming to boost key sectors.
- By lowering tariffs and setting predictable rules, the pact would help Indian businesses remain competitive and expand access to newer markets, while India bets that FTAs cushion external shocks and anchor export ambitions.
- New Delhi has 15 FTAs covering 26 countries and six preferential trade agreements while negotiating with more than 50 other partners, including advanced talks with the European Union, New Zealand and Chile.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Why does the India-Oman trade deal matter amid Trump’s US tariffs?
The India-Oman trade pact grants zero-duty access on over 98 per cent of Omani tariff lines, covers more than $10 billion in bilateral trade, liberalises 77.79 per cent of India’s tariff lines, expands services access, and enhances mobility for Indian professionals, with the agreement expected to take effect in early 2026
Times of India
India arming itself with FTAs to blunt Trump’s tariff shocks
Facing U.S. import tariffs, India is accelerating free trade agreements to secure market access beyond America. New Delhi is finalizing deals with the EU, New Zealand, and Chile, and has signed a pact with Oman, diversifying export destinations amid global trade uncertainty.
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