New Delhi: India and the European Union have concluded negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA), ending nearly two decades of talks and paving the way for deeper economic integration, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said.
He described the agreement as balanced and forward-looking, noting that it would significantly expand bilateral trade and investment ties.
 Agrawal said the legal scrubbing of the text is underway, with both sides working to complete formalities and sign the pact later this year. The agreement could come into force early next year, subject to approval by India’s Union Cabinet and ratification by the European Parliament.
A formal announcement is expected at the India-EU Summit in New Delhi on 27 January, to be attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
The pact, covering 24 chapters including goods, services and investment, is expected to provide preferential market access for Indian exports, particularly from labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, and chemicals.
Its conclusion comes amid global trade disruptions and high US tariffs, making market diversification crucial for Indian exporters.
The EU is India’s largest goods trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at $136.53 billion in 2024-25, while services trade stood at $83.10 billion.
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