India Beyond the US: A new era of global partnerships

Volatility in global markets rarely comes from balance sheets alone; more often it flows from geopolitics, policy shifts and strategic uncertainty. One such overhang today is the ongoing suspense around the India–US trade negotiations. While both nations remain engaged to arrive at a mutually beneficial deal, the possibility of tariff-related disruptions has kept exporters and investors cautious.

The United States: India’s Largest Export Anchor

There is no denying the importance of the United States for India’s trade ecosystem. In FY24–25, the US accounted for nearly 20% of India’s total exports, amounting to USD 86.5 billion, making it our single largest export destination. Key sectors such as engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and textiles have built strong demand linkages with the US market over the years.

Strategic Export Diversification

However, what deserves equal attention and appreciation is how strategically India is positioning itself to reduce over-dependence on any one geography. Rather than waiting passively for the outcome of the US negotiations, India has been quietly but aggressively building alternative export corridors across Europe, the Middle East, Oceania regions like Australia, New Zealand and Latin America.

India–European Union FTA

ETMarkets.com

Source : MOC&I

The most significant step in this direction has been the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement with the European Union (EU), often described as the “mother of all trade deals.” The agreement envisages the removal of tariffs on over 99% of Indian exports to EU, currently valued at approximately USD 75.76 billion, while progressively opening key segments of the Indian market to European Union participants. Over the longer term, the objective is to almost double bilateral trade volumes between India and the EU, significantly strengthening economic integration between the two regions. For sectors like textiles, this is a game-changer. Historically, India faced higher tariffs in Europe compared to competitors such as Vietnam and Bangladesh, putting Indian exporters at a price disadvantage. With tariffs now coming down, Indian textile companies can compete on equal footing in what is the world’s second-largest export market after the US. Over time, this significantly reduces the sector’s heavy reliance on American demand.

The electronics sector stands to benefit just as strongly. Currently, nearly 38% of India’s electronics exports are directed towards the US. The EU, on the other hand, represents a massive USD 750 billion electronics market, where India’s current penetration is still under USD 100 billion. The FTA opens the door for Indian manufacturers to diversify revenue streams and scale meaningfully in Europe. Pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and engineering goods also gain access to a large, high-value consumer base, offering both volume growth and pricing stability.

Expanding the Trade Map

Complementing the EU deal is the recently signed trade agreement with the United Kingdom. The UK currently absorbs around 3.5% of India’s exports, but the new framework provides duty-free access on 99% of Indian goods and targets bilateral trade of USD 100 billion in the coming years. Once again, the biggest beneficiaries are the same export-heavy sectors that are most exposed to the US market. India has also inked FTAs with Oman and New Zealand, which are smaller in scale but strategically important for expanding market presence and building resilient trade networks.

Strengthening Middle East and Asia Corridors

Beyond signed agreements, negotiations are progressing rapidly with countries such as Australia, Chile, Peru, Korea and the Maldives. The urgency reflects a clear diplomatic and economic intent: India wants diversified trade partnerships before any global protectionist wave strengthens.

Even relationship repair efforts with nations like Canada and deeper engagement with the UAE, India’s second-largest trade partner, underline this broader strategy. India and the UAE aim to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, further strengthening India’s presence in the Middle East corridor.

Conclusion

From an investor’s lens, this is not just about trade numbers; it is about risk management at a national level. The US will continue to remain a critical partner for India. There is no realistic scenario where India disengages from the American market, nor should it. But what India is systematically ensuring is that no single country holds disproportionate influence over its export-driven sectors or broader economic trajectory. This diversification brings negotiating power, economic stability, and long-term growth resilience.

As markets remain sensitive to headlines around the India–US deal, investors should also recognise the bigger picture unfolding quietly in the background. India is not merely reacting to trade pressure; it is reshaping its global economic footprint.

(The author is Founder & CEO, SAMCO Group)