India-EU FTA: Vajpayee's 25-Year Vision for Free Trade Agreement Nears Reality

• A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Europe is scheduled to be signed on January 27, marking a historic moment for Indian businesses.
• Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid the foundation for this strong relationship 25 years ago, initiating the first India-Europe Summit in June 2000 in Lisbon.
• Vajpayee envisioned India and Europe as 'natural partners' and emphasized their shared values and democratic principles in a 2002 speech.
• He established annual meetings between Indian and European leaders, fostering trust crucial for the upcoming trade deal.
• The signing of the FTA on January 27 fulfills Vajpayee's long-held dream of a deeper partnership between India and Europe.

Why It Matters: The India-EU FTA, set for January 27, realizes Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 25-year vision for a strong partnership.