India-EU Trade Pact Called “Mother of All Deals”
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has described the proposed free trade agreement between India and the European Union as the “mother of all trade deals,” underlining its scale and long-term importance for the Indian economy. He said the agreement, once concluded, could become India’s most comprehensive trade pact.
Status of Negotiations
Talks between India and the European Union have reached an advanced stage, with most chapters of the agreement already negotiated. Goyal stated that remaining issues are being discussed carefully and stressed that India will not compromise on its core economic and strategic interests to close the deal quickly.
Economic and Strategic Significance
The proposed pact is expected to improve market access for Indian goods and services in Europe while also opening Indian markets to European companies in a calibrated manner. Key sectors likely to benefit include manufacturing, textiles, services, and value-added exports. India has maintained that sensitive areas, particularly agriculture and small industries, will be protected.
The agreement is being positioned as a cornerstone of India’s broader trade strategy as it seeks deeper economic engagement with major global markets while balancing domestic priorities.
