As global trade tensions reshape the economic landscape, Monika unpacks what India’s recent wave of trade agreements really means. Triggered in part by sharp tariff actions and the growing use of trade as a geopolitical weapon, India has moved quickly to diversify its export markets and reduce dependence on any single partner. This episode explains, in simple terms, how tariffs, free trade agreements, and shifting supply chains affect growth, jobs, and markets — and why these deals matter far beyond headline diplomacy.

Monika walks through the major agreements signed with the UK, EU, EFTA nations, Oman, New Zealand, and the United States, and explains how they could boost exports, attract investment, and create jobs in sectors such as textiles, manufacturing, technology, and services. She also discusses the broader macro impact — from strengthening India’s negotiating position globally to supporting long-term GDP growth and market sentiment — while reminding investors that short-term market reactions often miss the bigger structural story.

In listener questions, Avinash Mundhra asks about moving beyond basic index investing into strategy-based indices and whether ULIPs linked to such indices make sense; Venkatesh Kumaran from Spain seeks guidance on balancing loan repayment with saving for future goals and on investing in Indian mutual funds as an NRI planning to return; and Gaurav Madan writes about whether model-driven advisory approaches to mutual fund selection are superior to simple, transparent investing methods.

Chapters:

(00:00 – 00:00) Why India Is Signing Trade Deals After the Tariff Shock

(00:00 – 00:00) How New FTAs Could Boost Exports, Jobs and GDP

(00:00 – 00:00) Mid- and Small-Cap Index Funds, Multicap Funds and the ULIP Debate

(00:00 – 00:00) Paying Off Loans vs Investing and NRI Mutual Fund Considerations

(00:00 – 00:00) Choosing Equity Mutual Funds and the Risks of Model-Based Advisory

If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠

Monika’s book on basic money management

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-money-english/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Monika’s book on mutual funds

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-mutual-funds/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Calculators

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://investor.sebi.gov.in/calculators/index.html⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You can find Monika on her social media @monikahalan. 

Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Production House: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.inoutcreatives.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Production Assistant:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Anshika Gogoi⁠⁠⁠⁠