Overview
- Officials say more than 99% of Indian exports by value will receive preferential access to the EU, with full zero-duty entry for textiles from day one.
- The agreement extends beyond tariffs to services, digital trade and technology collaboration on areas such as AI and semiconductors, paired with a new security and defence partnership.
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says safeguards preserve policy space for sensitive sectors, including rice, sugar, wheat and cereals.
- Analysts describe the pact as a geoeconomic play to diversify supply chains and reduce exposure to coercive dependencies, even as some U.S. officials voice criticism.
- Entry into force requires EU legal scrubbing, translation and ratification by member states and the European Parliament, with public statements pointing to steps targeted in 2026.