India’s Department of Commerce held a “Leveraging FTAs” outreach programme in Jaipur to help exporters turn preferential market access under free trade agreements (FTAs) into actual export orders. The programme, reported on 17 October 2026, was addressed by Mohit Yadav, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce.
The event brought together exporters, state government representatives, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the Jaipur Special Economic Zone and the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The government’s stated aim is to combine information, capacity building and coordination between the Commerce Department, states and industry so that businesses use the tariff concessions India has negotiated.
Why Is the Government Pushing FTA Utilisation in Rajasthan?
The Commerce Ministry cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on FTA opportunities for producers, farmers and MSMEs, made at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum and in his Independence Day address, where he stressed meeting international quality standards. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said FTAs offer farmers, women entrepreneurs, youth, MSMEs and artisans reduced or zero-duty access to partner markets.
Rajasthan has its own export ambitions. Under the Rajasthan Export Promotion Policy (REPP) 2024, the state aims to build a $350 billion economy and reach ₹1.5 lakh crore in exports by 2029, in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Which Rajasthan Exporters Could Benefit From FTAs?
According to the ministry, farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in the state could reach new markets for millets, spices and processed foods. MSMEs and artisans could gain from tariff preferences and from participation in global supply chains. The presence of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and the Jaipur SEZ reflects the city’s weight in jewellery and gemstone exports.
What Do the Latest Export Numbers Show?
The government’s estimate puts India’s combined merchandise and services exports for April–September 2026-27 at $476.20 billion, up 13.84% from $418.31 billion in the same period a year earlier. Main merchandise growth drivers in September 2026 were electronics, petroleum products, chemicals, engineering goods, and cotton textiles and handloom products.
Market and Trade Reaction
No market reaction or trade-body comment on the Jaipur programme was found in the reports reviewed. The programme is an awareness and facilitation exercise rather than a new tariff or duty change, so no immediate impact on trade flows or currency is indicated.
What Happens Next?
The reports do not announce a schedule of further outreach events. Exporters can approach DGFT and the Department of Commerce for guidance on claiming preferential tariffs, and should watch for similar sessions in other export clusters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Leveraging FTAs outreach programme?
It is a Department of Commerce initiative that explains India’s trade agreements to exporters and helps them use the duty concessions available in partner markets. The latest session was held in Jaipur.
Who attended the Jaipur FTA programme?
Exporters, Rajasthan government representatives, DGFT, the Jaipur Special Economic Zone and the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council took part, with Joint Secretary Mohit Yadav addressing the gathering.
How much have India’s exports grown this year?
Combined merchandise and services exports for April–September 2026-27 are estimated at $476.20 billion, up 13.84% year on year.
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