India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and has a significant presence in the global trade arena. Given its strategic geographic location and diverse economic potential, India has been able to forge several free trade agreements (FTAs) with various countries and regions around the world.

FTAs are international agreements between two or more countries that aim to promote trade by reducing barriers to trade such as tariffs, quotas, and other trade restrictions. By negotiating and signing an FTA, countries can expand their trade opportunities and gain access to new markets, which can help boost their economic growth.

So, how many FTAs does India have? As of 2021, India has signed 17 FTAs with different countries and regions worldwide. These agreements cover a wide range of sectors such as goods, services, investment, and intellectual property rights, among others.

Some of the notable FTAs India has signed include the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with Singapore in 2005, the India-ASEAN FTA in 2010, the India-Korea CEPA in 2009, and the India-Japan CEPA in 2011. These FTAs have helped India to establish strong economic ties with these nations, leading to increased trade and investment flows.

India has also signed FTAs with several other countries, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chile, Mauritius, and Mercosur (a regional trade bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela). These FTAs have helped to create significant trade and investment opportunities for India in these regions.

However, it is worth noting that India`s FTAs have not been without their challenges. Some experts argue that these agreements have not been able to deliver the expected benefits to the Indian economy. For example, some Indian industries have been negatively affected by increased imports under the FTAs, which has led to job losses and other economic challenges.

Overall, there is no doubt that FTAs have played a crucial role in India`s economic growth and global integration. While there have been some challenges along the way, these agreements have helped to open up new markets for Indian goods and services, boost economic ties with other nations, and create new opportunities for investment and growth.