Deal aims to boost trade diversification, labour-intensive exports and services while safeguarding sensitivities on both sides
Deal likely to be announced on Tuesday; legal scrubbing, pact signing may take 5-6 months
An announcement on the conclusion of talks on an ambitious free trade deal and finalisation of a strategic defence pact as well as a mobility framework are set to be the main deliverables at the India-European Union summit talks on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa at the summit that is expected to produce a broader vision by the two sides to navigate the geopolitical flux triggered by Washington's policies on trade and security. Costa and von der Leyen graced the 77th Republic Day celebrations at the Kartavya Path here as chief guests. "A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure. And we all benefit," Von der Leyen said on Monday. Von der Leyen also described the participation of an EU military contingent at the Republic Day parade as a powerful symbol of the deepening security cooperation between the two sides. "It will culminate tomorrow in the
Reduction in customs duty on imported cars under the India-EU free trade agreement could enable the growth of the luxury car segment in India, which currently remains minuscule, BMW Group India President and CEO Hardeep Singh Brar said on Monday. The domestic luxury car segment accounts for just 1 per cent of the overall passenger vehicle segment. The India-EU Free Trade Agreement would be a historic milestone benefiting both sides by expanding trade and enabling deeper exchange of technology and innovation, Brar said in a statement. "From an automotive industry perspective, we hope the FTA will include balanced, win-win provisions that help stimulate demand in the luxury segment while strengthening supply chain integration which is especially important in the current geopolitical context," he added. If customs duties on completely built units are reduced, it would help expand the luxury car market in India, Brar stated. "While CBUs (completely built units) currently account for a
Ahead of the 16th India-EU Summit, the Union Cabinet has approved some proposed agreements, including on security, defence and mobility
Five major themes set to shape economic debate in 2026, from India-EU trade ties and fiscal strategy to data revisions, Fed independence and the risks around AI investment
Billions of pounds of tariff savings from Britain's free trade agreement with India could be jeopardised by deep cuts to UK export support staff helping firms use the deal in practice, an influential Parliament panel cautioned in a report on Wednesday. The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee, with a remit to scrutinise the country's trade deals, released its analysis as the government tables the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in Parliament for ratification. It finds that initial duty savings for UK exporters to India could total400 million pounds a year, potentially rising up to3.2 billion pounds after 10 years as export volumes increase. "This is the biggest free trade deal since Brexit with the potential to deliver billions in tariff savings for UK exporters, boosting growth and creating new jobs," said committee chair Liam Byrne. "But Parliament is being asked to ratify a deal promising billions in tariff savings while the government is ...
India's recent free trade agreements mark a shift from tariff-led negotiations to deeper economic partnerships, embedding investment commitments, market access and supply chain integration
'Sensitive' agri issues may be off the table
Customs regimes can lead to labyrinthine legal disputes. Budget 2026 must recognise that an excessively defensive Customs posture can itself become a trade barrier
The two sides need to move little beyond their defined negotiating stance on investment treaty, subjects like agriculture, digital trade, IPR and ensure conclusion of the much awaited trade agreement
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal says binding FTA commitments on professional services can open global opportunities, as India focuses on skills, mobility and digital delivery
India and New Zealand have concluded a free trade agreement after nine months of negotiations. The deal offers zero-duty access for all Indian exports,opens new visa pathways for skilled professionals
Wellington commits to $20 bn FDI in 15 years; dairy items excluded
The deal includes sweeping tariff cuts, expanded services access, enhanced labour mobility and a long-term investment commitment
India and New Zealand have concluded a Free Trade Agreement after nine months of talks; the deal cuts tariffs, boosts trade, opens jobs and creates new visa routes for Indian professionals
The Eurasian Economic Union comprises five countries - the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) is the second FTA signed between India and a West Asian nation - the first being with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2022
India and Oman have signed a major free trade agreement that gives Indian exports near-total duty-free access to Oman. From goods and services to jobs and geopolitics
Having missed the 'fall' deadline, India is aiming to conclude the first tranche of the trade deal before the end of the calendar year