- Negotiations
The European Union and India launched negotiations on a bilateral free trade and investment agreement in June 2007. However, between the governments, a number of controversies have been plaguing the talks. Delhi wants Brussels to relax its stringent food safety criteria which penalise Indian farm and fishery exports and to make it easier for Indian professionals to work in the EU. Europe is primarily out to win major openings of India’s services sector and broad liberalisation of foreign investment, while India does not want to discuss allowing European firms to compete in India’s government procurement market.
Indian social movements, including fisherfolk and labour unions, people living with HIV/AIDS and other health activists have been mobilizing against the FTA. International actions and campaigns have particularly targeted the proposed intellectual property provisions of the agreement, and the impact of the FTA on access to medicines.
last update: May 2012
Photo: MSF
16-Apr-2025
Business Standard
India and the European Union have decided to accelerate efforts to advance the negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement.
20-Mar-2025
Euractiv
The Commission’s chief India negotiator has cast doubt on sealing a full free trade deal with India by year-end, citing tough negotiations in key sectors like spirits and automobiles.
18-Mar-2025
Business Standard
A survey by the Federation of European Business in India (FEBI) reveals strong EU business support for the upcoming EU-India FTA, with 72% planning increased investment, contingent on the removal of non-tariff barriers like complex customs and data localization requirements.
18-Mar-2025
Hindustan Times
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently set their negotiators the target of finalising a free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of the year.
11-Mar-2025
Euractiv
India and the EU kick off a new round of trade negotiations, with the aim of finalising what could be Europe’s largest trade deal by the end of the year.
3-Mar-2025
Firstpost
India is negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU, aiming to conclude by 2025, after a $15.44 billion trade surplus in 2023-24. While opportunities exist in electric vehicle batteries and technology, challenges in the automotive and agricultural sectors require cautious, selective liberalization to protect Indian interests.
28-Feb-2025
Investing.com
After US President Donald Trump’s threat to hit the European Union (EU), a 27-member bloc, with 25 per cent tariffs, a meeting between the top leadership of India and the EU is expected to give fresh push to efforts to seal an ambitious free trade agreement.
26-Feb-2025
Business Standard
The EU seeks lower tariffs as India’s biggest FTA nears finalisation after nine rounds of talks, with the next set for March 10-14, boosting access for textiles, leather, and marine exports.
18-Feb-2025
Business Standard
India and the European Union will hold the next round of talks on the proposed free trade agreement from March 10 to 14, a senior government official said.
22-Jan-2025
Politico
The EU is keen to reactivate talks on a trade agreement with New Delhi.
