10 days17 events
OngoingInternational Relations

India-EU Free Trade Agreement Negotiations - 2026

Timeline of events related to the ongoing negotiations between India and the European Union for a Free Trade Agreement, including key issues, progress, and potential impact.

- 17 updatesUpdated
India-EU FTAFree Trade AgreementTariffsInvestmentSteel ScrapBilateral Ties

Story Summary

In January and February 2026, India and the European Union continued to make strides in negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to strengthen economic and strategic ties amidst global uncertainties. India prioritized easier access to the EU's steel scrap market, while the EU focused on establishing a rules-based trade framework. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the FTA's potential to boost India's manufacturing sector through technology and investment, targeting implementation in 2026. Discussions extended beyond tariffs to encompass investment facilitation and geopolitical cooperation. Simultaneously, India secured a trade deal with the US, reducing tariffs on Indian goods to 18%.

Key Facts

  1. 1FTA aims to reduce tariffs and promote investment.
  2. 2India seeks easier access to EU steel scrap market.
  3. 3Germany supports the India-EU FTA.
  4. 4Negotiations focus on various sectors for enhanced cooperation.
  5. 5FTA is seen as a way to diversify trade relationships.
  6. 6Migration partnership between India and Germany is also under discussion.

Timeline (17 events, 10 days)

3 Feb 2026(Latest)4 events

Following discussions between PM Modi and President Trump, the US reduced tariffs on Indian goods to 18%, while India and the EU emphasized compatibility in their FTA negotiations.

Source Articles
India and US strike trade deal: Tariffs reduced to 18%Read article
India and US Trade Relations: Tariffs, Diversification, and Policy InfluenceRead article
India-EU Trade Pact: Compatibility, Not Compulsion, Drives NegotiationsRead article
2 Feb 20261 event

An article analyzed the India-EU trade agreement, offering lessons in negotiation and strategic partnerships.

Source Articles
India-EU Trade Agreement: Lessons in Negotiation and Strategic PartnershipsRead article
31 Jan 20264 events

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced the India-EU FTA is expected to be implemented in 2026, focusing on deeper cooperation and boosting manufacturing through technology and investment.

Source Articles
India-EU Free Trade Agreement Implementation Targeted for 2026: Piyush GoyalRead article
India-EU Trade Deal: Focus Beyond Tariffs, Aims for Deeper CooperationRead article
India-EU Trade Deal: Boosting Manufacturing Through Technology and InvestmentRead article
30 Jan 20261 event

An article highlighted the India-EU FTA as a roadmap for future economic and strategic ties, aiming to boost trade and investment flows.

Source Articles
India-EU FTA: A Roadmap for Future Economic and Strategic TiesRead article
27 Jan 20261 event

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal announced that India and the EU are set to announce the successful conclusion of talks on a Free Trade Agreement.

Source Articles
India and EU to Announce FTA Conclusion; Pact LaterRead article
26 Jan 20261 event

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India and the EU are committed to pursuing an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement.

Source Articles
India and EU Aim for Ambitious, Mutually Beneficial Free Trade AgreementRead article
25 Jan 20261 event

During visits from EU leaders, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of trade and mobility agreements for creating opportunities for India's youth.

Source Articles
India-EU Trade Talks: Focus on Trade and Mobility AgreementsRead article
24 Jan 20261 event

An editorial highlighted the growing strategic importance of the India-EU partnership and the ongoing FTA negotiations amidst global divisions.

Source Articles
India-EU Strategic Partnership: Navigating Global Divisions for Mutual GrowthRead article
19 Jan 20262 events

India advocated for easier access to the EU's steel scrap market in trade negotiations, while Germany expressed strong support for the FTA and stronger bilateral ties with India.

Source Articles
India Seeks Easier EU Steel Scrap Access in Trade AgreementRead article
India and Germany: Kite Flying Symbolizes Stronger Bilateral TiesRead article
17 Jan 20261 event

An article highlighted the potential economic and strategic benefits of the India-EU FTA, emphasizing its timely nature for diversifying trade relationships.

Source Articles
India-EU FTA: A Timely Pact for Economic and Strategic GrowthRead article
Story continues...

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