India must rethink its approach to free trade agreements (FTAs) and seriously consider joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), said Pravin Krishna, Professor of International Economics at Johns Hopkins University. In a wide-ranging interview published on October 6, 2025, Krishna urged New Delhi to shed its defensive posture in trade negotiations and embrace bold, meaningful agreements that deliver real economic benefits.
“India’s current FTA strategy is overly cautious. We need to stop negotiating from a place of fear and start thinking about how to integrate more deeply into global value chains,” Krishna said. He added that CPTPP offers India a unique opportunity to expand market access across Asia-Pacific and the Americas, especially as global trade dynamics shift in response to rising protectionism and tariff wars.
Why CPTPP matters – Strategic and Economic Rationale
| CPTPP Feature | Relevance to India | Strategic Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| 12-member bloc | Includes Japan, Australia, Canada | Access to high-income markets |
| Tariff elimination | Covers 95% of traded goods | Boosts exports in textiles, pharma |
| Non-tariff barrier reduction | Streamlines customs, SPS, TBT rules | Eases compliance for Indian exporters |
| Services liberalisation | Covers IT, education, finance | Expands India’s service footprint |
| China not a member | Reduces geopolitical friction | Strategic counterbalance |
Krishna noted that India already has FTAs with several CPTPP members, including Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia, which could ease the accession process. “We’ve done the groundwork. Now we need to build on it and join a bloc that’s shaping the future of trade,” he said.
He contrasted CPTPP with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which India opted out of in 2019 due to concerns over China’s dominance. “CPTPP is a better fit for India. It’s rules-based, transparent, and doesn’t include China. That makes it geopolitically and economically more viable,” Krishna explained.
India’s Existing FTAs with CPTPP Members – Status Overview
| Country | FTA Status | Trade Volume (2024–25 est.) | Key Export Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | CEPA in force | $21.3 billion | Auto components, pharma, textiles |
| Singapore | CECA in force | $30.5 billion | IT services, chemicals, machinery |
| Malaysia | CECA in force | $17.8 billion | Electronics, palm oil, garments |
| Australia | ECTA in force | $25.1 billion | Coal, education, agri exports |
| Vietnam | No FTA yet | $14.2 billion | Mobile phones, seafood, garments |
Krishna also criticized India’s past FTAs for being “symbolic rather than substantive.” He cited the 2007–2017 period when India signed over a dozen FTAs, including with Japan, Korea, and Malaysia, but saw little impact on trade volumes or competitiveness. “Many of these agreements excluded key sectors or offered tariff cuts on goods that weren’t even traded. That’s not how you negotiate an FTA,” he said.
India’s FTA Outcomes (2007–2017) – Performance Review
| FTA Partner | Agreement Type | Trade Impact (Post-FTA) | Krishna’s Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | CEPA | Marginal increase | Not meaningful enough |
| Korea | CEPA | Trade deficit widened | Poorly structured |
| Malaysia | CECA | Limited export gains | Missed opportunity |
| ASEAN | AITIGA | Imports surged, exports flat | Non-reciprocal concessions |
He urged policymakers to adopt a more assertive stance in ongoing FTA talks, including with the UK, EU, and EFTA. “India must stop focusing only on protecting domestic sectors. We need to allow imports where necessary and push aggressively for export access,” Krishna said.
The economist’s remarks come amid a flurry of trade activity. India’s FTA with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) came into effect on October 1, 2025, promising $100 billion in investment and 1 million jobs over 15 years. Negotiations with the UK and EU are also in advanced stages, while the ASEAN FTA review is expected to conclude by year-end.
India’s Current FTA Landscape – Status Update October 2025
| FTA Partner | Status | Key Features | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFTA | Implemented Oct 2025 | Investment-linked, services mobility | Model agreement |
| UK | Final round underway | Tariff cuts, services liberalisation | Post-Brexit access |
| EU | Nearing conclusion | IPR, digital trade, sustainability | Largest trading bloc |
| ASEAN | Review in progress | Market access, customs cooperation | Trade deficit correction |
Krishna also warned that India’s defensive stance could isolate it from emerging trade blocs and digital trade frameworks. “The world is moving toward plurilateral and regional deals. If India doesn’t engage boldly, we risk being left out of supply chains and innovation networks,” he said.
Social media platforms have seen growing interest in Krishna’s comments, with hashtags like #IndiaCPTPP, #FTAReform, and #TradeBoldly trending across Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Trade experts and economists have echoed his views, calling for a strategic reset in India’s trade policy.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Krishna’s CPTPP Call
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.2M mentions | 80% supportive | #IndiaCPTPP #TradeBoldly |
| 1.1M interactions | 85% analytical | #FTAReform #GlobalTradeIndia | |
| 950K views | 78% curious | #CPTPPIndiaDebate #KrishnaOnTrade | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 82% informative | #IndiaTradeExplained #FTAInsights |
Experts say joining CPTPP could help India diversify its export markets, attract FDI, and strengthen its geopolitical positioning. “CPTPP is not just a trade deal—it’s a strategic platform. India should seize the moment,” said Dr. Renu Kohli, trade economist and former advisor to the Finance Ministry.
In conclusion, Pravin Krishna’s call for India to join CPTPP and abandon its defensive FTA stance reflects a growing consensus among economists and trade strategists. As global commerce undergoes rapid transformation, India’s ability to negotiate bold, meaningful trade agreements will determine its place in the next wave of economic integration.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available expert commentary, verified trade data, and media reports. It does not constitute diplomatic advice or political endorsement. Readers are advised to follow updates from the Ministry of Commerce and official trade portals for accurate information.
