New Delhi, Jan. 21 -- Even as we are engaged in protracted negotiations with the US to sew up a trade deal, India has gone ahead with much agility to sign several others. In recent months, New Delhi has concluded deals with Australia and the UAE, apart from a long-awaited pact with the UK, and announced progress on trade agreements with New Zealand and the EU.

This momentum reflects its intent of deeper integration with global markets and trusted partners. It makes eminent economic sense. India needs export opportunities, technology inflows, supply-chain openings and strategic diversification.

Nevertheless, as our trade pacts multiply, it is worth pausing to examine if the terms of our agreements are resilient in a world that is witness...