Discuss how bilateral FTAs like India–Oman CEPA can advance labour-intensive exports and 'Viksit Bharat @2047'.

Q. Discuss how bilateral FTAs like India–Oman CEPA can advance labour-intensive exports and 'Viksit Bharat @2047'. (15 marks, 250 words)

Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) grant deep, secure market access beyond WTO's Most-Favoured-Nation terms. The India–Oman CEPA (in force 1 June 2026) — India's second Gulf CEPA after UAE (2022) — secures zero-duty entry for 99.38% of India's export value on Day One [1], directly serving both employment generation and the developed-India vision.

Advancing labour-intensive exports - Tariff elimination on gems & jewellery, textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods and marine products — high labour-to-capital sectors — expands order books for MSMEs [1][2]. - Immediate duty-free access on all 945 textile-apparel tariff lines (removing 5% MFN duty) boosts price competitiveness against Bangladesh/Vietnam [2]. - Mode-4 services liberalisation eases movement of professionals (accountancy, architecture, medical), aiding skilled service exports [2]. - Marine and agri gains complement PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and PLI (textiles), deepening value addition.

Advancing 'Viksit Bharat @2047' - Export-led jobs support the goal of a high-income economy by 2047; labour-intensive growth ensures inclusive development. - CEPA anchors India's Link West policy, complementing IMEEC and Gulf energy-security ties via Duqm port [1]. - A template deal strengthens negotiating leverage for the India–GCC FTA, EU and UK pacts, widening market diversification. - Rules of origin and retained sensitive lines (22.21% excluded) shield domestic industry from re-export dumping [2].

Thus, well-designed bilateral CEPAs convert trade openness into jobs, scale and strategic depth. If paired with logistics upgrades and skilling, the Oman model advances India's march toward an inclusive, export-competitive Viksit Bharat @2047.

(~250 words)

Sources: 1. India and Oman energize a new Trade Gateway through a landmark CEPA — PIB (2025) — zero-duty on 99.38% of India's export value; Gulf/IMEEC strategic linkage 2. India and Oman sign Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) — PIB — 945 textile lines duty-free, Mode-4 services, India's 77.79% liberalisation with sensitive lines retained