European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shakes hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as European Council President Antonio Costa watches during joint press statements after their meeting in New Delhi. India and the European Union announced the "mother of all deals", a huge trade pact to create a market of two billion people, reached after two decades of negotiations. AFP
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Firstpost27-01-2026, 16:05

India-EU Seal 'Biggest FTA': What Gets Cheaper, Who Benefits?

  • India and the European Union have concluded negotiations for their largest-ever Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a historic moment for both.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the deal as a "blueprint for shared prosperity" with 27 European nations, aiming to boost investment, innovation, and global supply chains.
  • The FTA, after talks spanning since 2007, will significantly cut tariffs on over 90% of EU goods, including automobiles, machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and luxury items.
  • Indian consumers can expect cheaper European cars (Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz), alcohol (wine, spirits, beer), olive oil, and certain food products like biscuits and chocolates.
  • The deal creates a combined market of nearly two billion people, representing 25% of global GDP, offering diversification from traditional partners and strengthening India-EU ties.

Why It Matters: India and the EU finalize their largest FTA, promising cheaper European goods for India and vast market access for the EU.

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