India, EU Sign ‘Mother of All’ Free Trade Deal
India and the European Union have formally signed a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, ending nearly two decades of negotiations. Leaders from both sides described the pact as the “mother of all trade deals”, highlighting its scale and economic significance.
Key Features of the Agreement
The agreement provides for phased reduction and elimination of tariffs on a wide range of goods traded between India and the EU. India will lower duties on selected European products, while the EU will offer greater market access to Indian exports including textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and services. The deal also covers areas such as digital trade, intellectual property, sustainable development, and investment protection.
Economic and Strategic Impact
Officials said the pact will significantly boost bilateral trade, strengthen supply chains, and improve investor confidence. With India and the EU together accounting for a large share of global economic output, the agreement is expected to create new opportunities for businesses and generate employment on both sides.
The deal is also seen as strategically important amid global trade realignments, with both partners seeking to diversify markets and reduce supply risks. Implementation will follow a phased timeline, with monitoring mechanisms built into the agreement.
