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India-EU Trade Deal: 'Mother of All Deals' Nears
17 Jan
Summary
- India and EU are close to a landmark Free Trade Agreement after two decades.
- The deal aims to boost bilateral trade and investment amidst rising protectionism.
- Key sticking points include market access for automobiles and agriculture sectors.
India and the European Union are nearing a monumental Free Trade Agreement, described as the 'mother of all deals.' This pact, after two decades of negotiations, aims to foster greater bilateral trade and investment, providing a strategic diversification pathway amidst increasing global protectionism.
The negotiations, initially launched in 2007, experienced significant hurdles over market access, tariffs, intellectual property, and environmental standards, halting in 2013. A major revival occurred in June 2022, expanding the scope to include investment protection and geographical indications, with talks accelerating after a February 2025 visit.
The deal's urgency is driven by disrupted global trade flows and the desire to reduce overdependence on single markets. While agreements on automobiles and agriculture remain contentious, the pact promises substantial gains for Indian exports in sectors like textiles and services, while opening India's large consumer market to European goods and investments.
