Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed the conclusion of negotiations for the India–European Union free trade agreement, describing it as a landmark step that would reshape India’s global trade engagement and strengthen a rules-based international order.
Addressing a joint media interaction after the India-EU Summit, Modi said the agreement marked the largest free trade deal in India’s history, covering all 27 member nations of the European Union.
Calling it a “happy coincidence” that the talks concluded on January 27, the Prime Minister said the pact reflected growing trust and strategic alignment between India and Europe.
“This historic agreement will facilitate access to the European market for our farmers and small industries, create new opportunities in manufacturing, and further strengthen cooperation between our services sectors,” Modi said.
He added that the deal would boost two-way investment, promote innovation partnerships and reinforce global supply chains at a time of economic uncertainty.
Modi described the agreement as a “new blueprint for shared prosperity,” underlining its role in enhancing economic resilience while deepening security and strategic cooperation between the two sides.
What the India-EU trade deal means
The free trade agreement, expected to be formally signed and ratified later this year, aims to significantly expand bilateral commerce.
Once approved by the European Parliament, it could lower trade barriers, boost Indian exports such as textiles and jewellery, and strengthen long-term economic ties between India and the EU, which is currently New Delhi’s largest trading partner.
