BS EDIT: World Bank insights on India's trade deals merit attention

By Business StandardPublished On Sep 5, 2024

World Bank outlook

The World Bank’s latest report forecasts a 7% growth for India in 2024-25, amid challenging external conditions

Trade policy challenges

Despite domestic improvements, India's trade policy is hampered by uncertainty over the benefits of export growth and incomplete trade deals

Existing trade deals

Current pacts with Australia and the EFTA are limited; deeper agreements with major trading partners like the EU are still pending

Regional integration issues

The World Bank highlights the need for India to reconsider its stance on RCEP, which India withdrew from despite potential economic benefits

Global trade dynamics

India’s decision to stay outside RCEP may isolate it as others like Bangladesh integrate more deeply into the bloc

Future strategy

India must actively re-evaluate its trade agreements, including with the EU and the UK, to enhance integration into global trade networks