Turnbull pessimistic on India trade deal

India may not be able to overcome its tradition of protectionism in order to seal a free trade deal with Australia, Malcolm Turnbull says.

Malcolm Turnbull has conceded a free trade deal with India may not get off the ground. (AAP)

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has conceded a free trade deal with India may not get off the ground.

Mr Turnbull is en route to Australia following a four-day visit to New Dehli and Mumbai.

"It may be that the conclusion will be reached that the parties are too far apart to enable a deal to be reached at this time," Mr Turnbull told ABC Radio.

"The traditions of protectionism in India run very deep."

Mr Turnbull said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was trying to turn this around, however "changes tend to have a period of evolution".

"The fact is that the Indian offers have not been adequate to date," he said.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott had sought to finalise a trade deal with India by the end of 2015.

Mr Turnbull insists trade with India will grow with or without a formal agreement.