NewKerala.com

India-EU FTA Concluded, PM Modi Hails "Significant Milestone" in Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as a significant milestone in bilateral relations. Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated the agreement will undergo fast-track legal scrubbing with the aim of bringing it into force within 2026. The announcement followed a State Visit to India by European Union leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, who were Chief Guests for Republic Day. The visit symbolised the growing closeness and shared commitment to a resilient global order between India and the EU.

Key Points: India-EU Free Trade Agreement Concluded, Aims for 2026 Start

  • FTA to deepen India-EU economic ties
  • Agreement targeted to enter force in 2026
  • EU leaders were Republic Day chief guests
  • Deal follows years of constructive negotiations
2 min read

FTA conclusion "significant milestone" in India-EU relations: PM Modi

PM Modi hails India-EU FTA as a milestone. Union Minister Piyush Goyal says the agreement aims to enter into force in 2026 after legal processes.

"Conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement today marks a significant milestone in our relations. - Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, January 27

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday hailed the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as a significant milestone.

The PM said that the agreement will deepen economic ties between the two parties.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement today marks a significant milestone in our relations. I thank all the leaders of Europe over the years for their constructive spirit and commitment in making this possible. This agreement will deepen economic ties, create opportunities for our people and strengthen the India-Europe partnership for a prosperous future."

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, while speaking on the India-EU FTA, said that both parties hope to bring the agreement into force in 2026.

Addressing a briefing in the national capital on Tuesday, Goyal was flanked by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal.

He said, "Every agreement stands on its own legs, and this is a wonderful agreement. It will be taken up on legal scrubbing on a fast-track basis, as we discussed today, and translated into 24 languages simultaneously. We do hope that we should be able to celebrate the entry into force of this agreement within calendar 2026."

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, paid a State Visit to India on 25-27 January as the Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day of India.

President Costa and President von der Leyen were accompanied by a high-level delegation, including High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.

This is the first visit by the leaders of the European Union as Guests of Honour for the Republic Day. It symbolises the growing closeness, depth and dynamism in India-EU relations, and their joint commitment and shared interest in shaping a resilient multipolar global order that underpins peace and stability, economic growth and sustainable development.

The visit follows the historic visit of the European Union College of Commissioners led by President von der Leyen to India on 27-28 February 2025.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great news for 'Make in India'! Easier access to the European market will boost exports and create jobs. I just hope our farmers and small businesses are protected and get a fair deal in this agreement. The details matter.
R
Rohit P
Finally! We've been talking about this for over a decade. Strategic autonomy means having strong economic partnerships with all major blocs. This balances our relations well. Good diplomatic move to have them as Republic Day guests too.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the renewable energy sector, this is exciting. Collaboration with EU on green tech and sustainable development can be a game-changer. Hope it accelerates our clean energy transition.
V
Vikram M
A respectful note of caution: While the headline is good, we must wait for the fine print. Past FTAs have sometimes hurt domestic industries. The government must ensure robust safeguards for our manufacturing sector. The proof will be in the pudding.
K
Karthik V
Translating into 24 languages simultaneously shows the scale! This is a landmark agreement for India's global economic integration. More choices for consumers and better prices for imports like machinery and wines. Win-win!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50