India accelerates FTA talks, eyes deals soon with Oman, New Zealand

India will see hectic parleys on over half-a-dozen free trade negotiations this month, including a bilateral trade talk with the US with “very high” probability of concluding at least two FTAs (free trade agreements) before the year end—one with Oman and the other with New Zealand, people in the know said.

- Rajeev Jayaswal [e-mail]

India may resolve the last remaining issue with Oman soon and is expected to announce the conclusion of the deal by mid-December at a high-level bilateral meeting. An FTA with New Zealand is expected to be concluded this month as officials from both sides are actively engaged in wrapping up the remaining six issues, they said requesting anonymity.