Securing a free-trade deal with India has become the top priority for the federal government.

Moves are underway to diversify the nation’s export markets to counteract China’s ban on Australian products.

Many have asked why more hasn’t been done in the past.

But economics Professor Richard Holden, from the University of NSW Business School, says it may not be that easy.

“India have historically perused heavily protectionist policies. They’ve really had a big tariff wall to try and shut out the rest of the world.”

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