Since EU President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to India on 27–28 February, accompanied by 22 of the 27 European Commissioners, momentum toward concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has visibly accelerated. High-level discussions spanning trade, technology, security, and defence conveyed the criticality of the agreement for both sides in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. However, the ambitious goal set by President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to finalise negotiations by the end of 2025 is viewed with scepticism, as major obstacles like India’s high tariffs on agricultural imports and the EU’s stringent regulations persist.
India-EU Free Trade Agreement: Obstacles, Opportunities, and the Road Ahead
