Rajdeep Sardesai: Is India-EU Trade Pact The 'Mother Of All Deals' To Counter Trump Tariffs?

India and EU Seal Historic Free Trade Agreement to Create 2-Billion-Strong Market

On this Special Report, the focus is on the historic sealing of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after two decades of negotiations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the pact, stating, 'We are creating a market of 2 billion people and this is the tale of two giants.' The deal provides Indian exporters duty-free access to 27 European markets for sectors like textiles, footwear, and chemicals. In exchange, India has significantly reduced import duties on European automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and iron and steel. While sensitive sectors like Indian agriculture and EU dairy remain excluded, the agreement includes a mobility framework for Indian students and professionals. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the partnership will 'reduce strategic dependencies at a time when trade is increasingly weaponized.' The agreement now awaits legal vetting and ratification by the European Parliament before it officially comes into effect.