India Launches EAEU Trade Talks and Afghan Air Corridors

The Government of India launched formal negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) on November 26, 2025, in New Delhi. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated the talks follow a Terms of Reference signed in August 2025, creating an 18-month roadmap to increase market access for Indian farmers, fishermen, and small businesses. This strategic shift aims to diversify export destinations in response to high U.S. tariffs. Russia currently serves as India's largest trading partner within the EAEU, with bilateral trade totaling $68.72 billion in 2024-25.

Simultaneously, India is pursuing trade pacts with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), the Mercosur bloc, and Israel. The government also reaffirmed its objective to conclude an FTA with the European Union by the end of 2025 following strategic consultations in Brussels on November 18 and 19.

To further expand regional connectivity, India and Afghanistan established two air freight corridors connecting Kabul with Delhi and Amritsar. The move follows a visit by Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi to reduce Afghanistan's reliance on Pakistani transit routes, which remain closed due to security concerns. Both nations agreed to create a Joint Chamber of Commerce and appoint Commercial Representatives to push bilateral trade toward one billion dollars, focusing on mining, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.