India has been making significant strides in enhancing its global trade relations, recently signing major trade deals with both the European Union and the United States. These agreements are recognized as pivotal for India's trade policy, marking a distinct shift from its previously protectionist stance. Notably, the pact with the EU and the agreement with the US represent India's 10th free trade agreement since 2014. However, experts warn that while these agreements signal progress, they do not ensure immediate export growth without deeper necessary reforms. The negotiations have been characterized by concerns regarding their asymmetric nature, particularly regarding the interim agreement with the United States, which many critics claim favors the US position significantly. This configuration has led observers to highlight the need for improved utilization of these agreements, which has historically been low in India, hovering around 25%. In contrast, developed economies often see utilization rates between 70%-80%, revealing a glaring gap in effectiveness for Indian exporters, particularly small and medium enterprises. Furthermore, some challenges persist that hinder India's ability to capitalize on these trade agreements. Experts pinpoint logistical challenges, complex rules of origin, high documentation costs, and various non-tariff barriers as substantial obstacles that deter exporters from taking full advantage of the benefits these trade agreements should provide. For instance, the new arrangement with the EU requires exporters to self-certify their compliance with origin rules rather than receiving a government-issued origin certificate, introducing another layer of complexity. Despite these challenges, there have been signs of improved export performance in the recent trade deals with countries like Australia and the United Arab Emirates. Enhanced infrastructure and dispute resolution mechanisms have been credited with facilitating faster export growth under these newer agreements. Overall, while these trade deals provide a promising platform for India's integration into global trade networks, comprehensive reforms in operation, logistics, and customs processes are essential for India to effectively compete with Asian peers like Vietnam that have demonstrated superior supply chain integration and operational efficiency.