India–EU FTA = Dec 2025 | $135B Trade | Defence | Tech | 9 Points

New Delhi / Brussels

1. India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Track

   • India and the European Union aim to seal their ambitious Free Trade Agreement by December 2025.

   • Two crucial negotiation rounds are lined up: 13th round in New Delhi (this week) and the next in Brussels (early next month).

2. Key Sticking Points in Negotiations

   • Pending issues include rules of origin, market access, duties on wine and dairy products, and non-tariff barriers.

   • 11 chapters are already finalized covering customs, digital trade, SMEs, dispute settlement, sustainable food systems, competition, subsidies, and capital movement.

3. EU – India’s Largest Trading Partner

   • In FY 2023-24, bilateral trade in goods reached $135 billion, making the EU India’s top trade partner.

4. High-Level Visits & Diplomacy in Action

   • European Commission’s agriculture commissioner Christophe Hansen and trade chief Maros Sefcovic are in India this week.

   • PM Narendra Modi, alongside EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirmed commitment to finalize the FTA soon.

5. Unveiling a New Strategic Vision

   • The EU will launch its new strategic roadmap with India on September 17, 2025, focusing on defence, geopolitics, and future-oriented cooperation.

   • The vision document will be adopted at the India–EU Annual Summit in early 2026.

6. Strengthening Defence & Security Ties

   • Talks are underway for a Security of Information Agreement and two new frameworks.

   • Goal: boost defence ties, develop joint military equipment, and expand security cooperation.

7. Series of High-Level Engagements Ahead

   • EU Political & Security Committee (27 member envoys) to visit India soon.

   • India–EU Counter-terrorism talks in Brussels (September).

   • EU Parliament Standing Committee on Trade in New Delhi (October).

   • Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in India (November 20–21).

   • EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas likely to visit (Dec–Jan).

8. Technology & Innovation Partnership (TTC)

   • The EU–India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), launched in 2022, will meet in November 2025.

   • Areas of cooperation: AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.

   • India is only the second TTC partner of the EU after the US.

9. Global Stability & Rules-Based Order

   • Both sides emphasized their role in fostering global stability, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order.