- 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
12-May-2025
Business World
In an attempt to wind up the first phase of the pact as early as possible, India and the European Union chief negotiators will begin the next round of talks on the proposed free trade agreement from Monday.
5-May-2025
Financial Express
India urges the EU to address non-tariff barriers in FTA talks, emphasizing fair regulations amid concerns over CBAM and deforestation laws. Minister Piyush Goyal seeks inclusive, proportionate trade standards during Brussels visit ahead of key negotiations in May 2025.
2-May-2025
Financial Express
India and the EU are working towards a commercially meaningful trade deal to boost market access for goods and services. With talks gaining momentum, both sides aim to conclude the FTA by end-2025, reflecting global urgency for stable trade ties amid economic uncertainty.
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.
