India-EU FTA Faces 'Legal Scrubbing' Amid Protectionist Risks In European Parliament

Ursula von der Leyen Hails India-EU FTA: 'We Delivered The Mother Of All Deals'

On this Special Report, the focus is on the historic finalisation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the pact, stating, 'We did it, we delivered the mother of all deals.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the agreement as the largest for India, expected to come into force early next year. The deal covers nearly one-third of global trade and 25% of global GDP, creating a market of 2 billion people. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted benefits for labor-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, and gems, while the EU gains phased access for cars and spirits. Beyond commerce, the partnership extends to clean energy, maritime security, and defence cooperation. Despite the strategic milestone, the report notes pushback from US officials regarding India's trade relations. The programme explores how this 'win-win' partnership between the world's second and fourth largest economies aims to reshape the global economic order.