Stronger manufacturing, services helped India negotiate FTAs from ‘position of strength’, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with the news agency PTI on Sunday, 15 February 2026, highlighted India's multiple free trade agreements (FTA) with 38 foreign nations. He said that with strong manufacturing, services, India was able to negotiate trade pacts from a ‘position of strength’ with foreign nations.

“Stronger manufacturing, services, MSMEs enable India to negotiate trade pacts from a position of strength,” Modi told PTI.

‘FTAs designed to expand market access’

Highlighting the intent behind the agreements, PM Narendra Modi also said that India has designed the FTAs to expand market access for MSMEs in the textile, leather, chemicals, handicrafts, gems and other sectors.

“Our FTAs designed to expand market access for MSMEs in textile, leather, chemicals, handicrafts, gems and other sectors,” said Modi.

Earlier this month, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India has finalised 'eight free trade agreements in the last few years under the Modi government.' He had also said that negotiations are underway, or are set to begin with more partners including Chile, Peru and Canada.

Among the latest additions in the list of India's trade agreements – is the FTA with the European Union – which has been described as the “mother of all deals” by both EU chief von der Layen and PM Modi.

India-EU FTA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the conclusion of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (India–EU FTA) at the 16th India–EU Summit on January 27, 2026.

The FTA is expected to significantly benefit the Indian agricultural and processed food sector. Preferential Market Access for products such as tea, coffee, spices, grapes, gherkins, cucumbers, dried onions, and fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as processed foods, will enhance their competitiveness in the EU, the Ministry of Commerce had said earlier.

Modi highlights India's budget strategy

During his interview, PM Modi also highlighted India's distinctive budget strategy and resilience in amid global challenges. He stressed the importance of innovation for growth, the ongoing infrastructure push, and the government's dedication to servicemen's welfare and modernisation of defence capabilities.

Besides highlighting the budget strategy, the PM took a swipe at the UPA regime. He alleged that “economic mismanagement” during those years “left India unable to negotiate from a position of confidence.”

Modi further claimed that during the UPA government’s tenure, trade negotiations “would begin and then breakdown”, yielding little concrete outcome despite prolonged discussions.