New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- Free trade agreements are no longer optional for India's manufacturing sector but essential to its growth strategy, according to India's Chief FTA negotiator Darpan Jain who cited sharp gains in market access, investment flows, and regulatory cooperation with partner nations.

Addressing the 3rd CII Manufacturing Conclave here on Thursday, Jain who is an Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce told industry leaders that despite falling global tariffs, several developed economies continue to impose steep duties ranging from 10 to 26 per cent on labour-intensive sectors such as apparel, textiles, leather, marine products and agriculture.

India's expanding FTA network, he said, directly addresses this disadv...