India-EU: Forging a Balanced and Prosperous Future through FTA

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh expressed optimism on the timely completion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during discussions with the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade Affairs (INTA). Harivansh articulated this confidence in the presence of INTA's Standing Rapporteur for India, Cristina Maestre, highlighting the mutual benefits anticipated from the agreement.

The India-EU partnership remains robust, driven by vibrant democracies and open market economies. Harivansh noted the EU's significant role as India's leading trade and investment partner, emphasizing the crucial nature of the FTA in enhancing these ties against a backdrop of uncertain geopolitical realities. The EU, as a bloc, remains India's largest bilateral trading ally in goods.

The strategic pathways within the evolving EU-India agenda include the FTA's finalization and the establishment of a security and defence partnership, expected as major deliverables at the forthcoming India-EU Summit. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal's concurrent Brussels visit underscores the joint commitment to advancing this resilient partnership.