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As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, India had been involved in various Free Trade

Agreements (FTAs) and was in talks with several countries to negotiate new agreements. However, there
might have been new developments since then, so I recommend checking for the most recent
information.

Historically, India has signed FTAs with countries like Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, and others. There are
also broader agreements such as the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) that encompasses multiple
South Asian countries.

India was initially part of the negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP),
which includes ASEAN countries along with China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
However, India decided to withdraw from RCEP in 2019 due to concerns about the impact on its
domestic industries, particularly agriculture and manufacturing, and the potential trade deficit that
might arise with China.

Reasons for Challenges and Failures of FTAs in India:

1. **Protection of Domestic Industries**: One of the primary reasons India has been cautious about
entering into FTAs is the fear that cheaper imports will flood the Indian market, harming local industries
and leading to job losses.

2. **Trade Deficits**: India has experienced trade deficits with several countries with which it has FTAs.
This is primarily because India's exports have not increased at the same rate as imports from these
countries.

3. **Non-Tariff Barriers**: Even though FTAs often lead to the reduction or elimination of tariffs, India
has faced non-tariff barriers in various countries, such as stringent standards and regulations, which limit
its ability to increase exports.

4. **Inadequate Utilization**: Many Indian exporters have not fully utilized the FTAs due to a lack of
awareness, complex rules of origin, or non-viable terms.

5. **Agriculture Concerns**: There is a strong concern among Indian farmers that FTAs might lead to an
influx of agricultural products from other countries, affecting the livelihoods of millions of small farmers.
6. **Geopolitical Considerations**: Sometimes, geopolitical considerations can play a role in the
hesitancy to enter into or continue with FTAs. For instance, India’s relations with China were a factor in
withdrawing from RCEP.

7. **Negotiation Capacity**: Some critics argue that India has not been able to negotiate favorable
terms in some of its FTAs, leading to asymmetrical benefits.

As of 2021, India was also re-evaluating its existing FTAs and negotiating new ones, including with the
United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia. The government seemed to be adopting a more
cautious approach, focusing on ensuring that FTAs align with India's economic interests and provide
balanced benefits.

Please note that the situation might have evolved since my last update, so it’s a good idea to consult
more recent sources for the latest information regarding India’s involvement in Free Trade Agreements.

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