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India and EU target December 17-18 for FTA signing in Brussels

India and the EU target December 17-18 for FTA signing in Brussels during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.

Updated 2 min read

Key points

  • The EU proposed using the original English version of the FTA to bypass translation into 24 official languages.
  • Bilateral trade in goods reached €118 billion in 2025, while services trade amounted to €67 billion.
  • The agreement would establish the world's largest free trade zone, covering a quarter of the global population.

Why it matters. The deal could create the world's largest free trade zone, impacting a combined economy including the EU's $23 trillion market.

The European Union and India plan to sign a Free Trade Agreement in Brussels on December 17 or 18 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. Trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič proposed a fast-track approval using the English text to avoid translation delays of over a year. The pact, finalized politically on January 27, 2026, would create a zone covering 25% of global GDP.

Latest updates

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