Stories
EAM Jaishankar Hails India-EU FTA for Opening Enormous Market
- •External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement will open up an enormous and mature market with significant purchasing power for India.
- •Jaishankar expressed hope that the landmark trade agreement would enter into force by the end of this year or early next year.
- •He emphasized that India maintains its strategic autonomy and is not pursuing the FTA through formal alliance frameworks.
- •EU Ambassador to India Jean-Eric Paquet previously called the FTA an absolute game changer that will strengthen trade, investment, and supply chains.
Key Questions Answered
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed hope that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement would enter into force by the end of 2026 or early next year. Meanwhile, EU Ambassador Jean-Eric Paquet noted that they aim to conclude the FTA in 2026 and bring it into force during 2027.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that India has consistently sought international partnerships while preserving its strategic autonomy, stating that the FTA with Europe is not driven by multipolarity politics but aligns with Europe's own moves toward strategic autonomy.
EU Ambassador Jean-Eric Paquet stated that the Free Trade Agreement is expected to be accompanied by an Investment Protection Agreement, which is currently under negotiation to create a single economic space between India and Europe.
