EU and India Sign Landmark Trade Deal, Creating Massive Market for European Companies
The European Union (EU) has concluded 19 years of trade talks with India, signing a landmark deal that will create one of the largest markets in the world for EU goods. The accord includes separate agreements on mobility, security, defense, among others.
Tariffs slashed by New Delhi
New Delhi has slashed tariffs on cars to 10% over five years from as high as 110%. This is expected to boost car exports from Europe to India. Additionally, the deal will cut tariffs on machinery, electrical equipment, chemicals, and iron and steel coming into India.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it "the mother of all trade deals," while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed it as the largest ever free trade agreement in history. The EU's goods exports to India are expected to double by 2032, supporting close to 800,000 EU jobs.
Global implications
The deal sends a clear message to the world at a time when the global order is being fundamentally reshaped. With increasingly shaky relations with the US under Donald Trump, the EU has turned its attention to new trade partners like India and Mercosur (a South American bloc).
Chair of the European Parliament's international trade committee, Bernd Lange, described the deal as a glimmer of hope in chaotic geopolitical times. Germany has welcomed the deal, saying it could support growth at a time of increasingly challenging ties with other major economies.
The agreements will still need to go through the usual ratification process, including by member states and the European parliament. However, this landmark deal marks a significant milestone for EU-India relations and demonstrates the bloc's commitment to diversifying its trade partners in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
The European Union (EU) has concluded 19 years of trade talks with India, signing a landmark deal that will create one of the largest markets in the world for EU goods. The accord includes separate agreements on mobility, security, defense, among others.
Tariffs slashed by New Delhi
New Delhi has slashed tariffs on cars to 10% over five years from as high as 110%. This is expected to boost car exports from Europe to India. Additionally, the deal will cut tariffs on machinery, electrical equipment, chemicals, and iron and steel coming into India.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it "the mother of all trade deals," while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed it as the largest ever free trade agreement in history. The EU's goods exports to India are expected to double by 2032, supporting close to 800,000 EU jobs.
Global implications
The deal sends a clear message to the world at a time when the global order is being fundamentally reshaped. With increasingly shaky relations with the US under Donald Trump, the EU has turned its attention to new trade partners like India and Mercosur (a South American bloc).
Chair of the European Parliament's international trade committee, Bernd Lange, described the deal as a glimmer of hope in chaotic geopolitical times. Germany has welcomed the deal, saying it could support growth at a time of increasingly challenging ties with other major economies.
The agreements will still need to go through the usual ratification process, including by member states and the European parliament. However, this landmark deal marks a significant milestone for EU-India relations and demonstrates the bloc's commitment to diversifying its trade partners in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.