New Delhi, Aug. 17 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to leverage India's expanding free trade agreement (FTA) network has received support from exporters, who said preferential market access could help smaller businesses expand their global footprint.

Industry representatives said the key challenge is turning FTA tariff concessions into actual export orders and deeper integration with global value chains.

Addressing the nation on Independence Day, Modi said India has concluded FTAs with around 40 countries since 2014 and urged MSMEs to tap overseas opportunities, particularly in textiles, machinery and pharmaceuticals.

India has also expanded trade ties with the UAE, Mauritius, Austr...