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India-EU FTA: Malta Envoy Hails "Mother of All Deals" for Trade Growth

Malta's High Commissioner to India, Reuben Gauci, has enthusiastically described the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as the "mother of all deals," forecasting significant growth in bilateral trade and investment. He emphasized the critical need for stability and predictability in trade relations, warning against the weaponization of economic tools. The agreement coincides with deepened collaboration in technology and innovation, formalized through the India-EU Trade and Technology Council. Both sides aim to advance cooperation in areas like semiconductors, AI, and digital infrastructure while securing supply chains.

Key Points: India-EU Free Trade Agreement Lauded as "Mother of All Deals"

  • FTA hailed as transformative deal
  • Focus on trade predictability & stability
  • Enhanced tech & innovation cooperation
  • Strengthened supply chain resilience
2 min read

"Mother of all deals has now been born": Malta High Commissioner on India-EU FTA

Malta's High Commissioner to India praises the India-EU FTA, highlighting enhanced trade, tech cooperation, and predictable economic ties.

"The mother of deals has now been born - Reuben Gauci"

New Delhi, January 28

Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta to India, lauded the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, calling it the "mother of all deals" and highlighting its potential to expand trade and investment between India and the EU.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Gauci said, "The mother of deals has now been born, and we are expecting that this will grow and make trade and investment between India and the EU a much bigger reality... Now we should be thinking of a lot of connectivity. My country, Malta, is in the middle of the Mediterranean... We are looking at how this connectivity will affect our sea routes and how we can contribute to it."

The High Commissioner emphasised the need for stability and predictability in trade. "We should stand for predictability... Even if tariffs are imposed, it is done in an amicable way rather than like a punishment... It is important that we do not weaponise anything... We have the FTA for matters to take place in a predictable way," he added.

The India-EU FTA coincides with strengthened cooperation in the technology and innovation domains. As per the India-EU Joint Statement on the State Visit of the EU delegation, both sides aim to leverage their complementary strengths to enhance collaboration across the entire value chain, linking research, innovation, and business engagement to practical market operationalisation.

In the current geopolitical environment and amidst global disruptions, they reaffirmed the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), a high-level coordination platform to address key trade, technology and economic security issues, as the cornerstone of their technology partnership and aim to further enhance its work.

The two sides will continue to advance together on promoting Digital Public Infrastructure, including interoperable standards and exchange of best practices on regulatory frameworks, collaboration in new technologies (including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, digital public infrastructure and 6G) to build cyber-secure, trusted digital ecosystems, as well as to advance cooperation in clean tech.

They will broaden discussions on economic security, in particular on the resilience of supply chains and research security, underlining the importance of protecting sensitive technologies. Both sides agreed to hold the next TTC ministerial meeting in Brussels in 2026 and to deepen business consultations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
"Mother of all deals" is a big statement. Let's see if it lives up to the hype. My main concern is whether our MSMEs will be able to compete with European giants or get crushed. The government needs to ensure a level playing field and provide adequate support to our small industries.
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Aman W
Connectivity with Malta and the Mediterranean is an interesting angle. Could open up new shipping routes and reduce logistics costs for our exports to Southern Europe and North Africa. Good strategic thinking beyond just tariffs.
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Sarah B
The emphasis on not weaponizing trade and doing things amicably is a breath of fresh air in today's world. Hope this partnership sets a positive example for global trade relations. The Tech Council focusing on 6G and quantum is forward-looking.
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Karthik V
While the potential is huge, we must be cautious. "Predictability" is good, but we need to ensure our data sovereignty and digital infrastructure (like UPI) are protected in these collaborations. We shouldn't compromise on our strategic interests for the sake of a deal.
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Nisha Z
Finally! This has been in the works for so long. If implemented well, it can boost exports of textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services. Also, easier access to European markets for our startups. Fingers crossed! 🤞

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