India, European Union talks begin this week on free trade, emphasis on nullifying impact of Trump’s 50% tariff

New Delhi: India has intensified talks on free trade agreement (FTA) with many countries after Trump’s 50% tariff. The European Union (EU) team reached Delhi on Monday, September 8, for trade talks.

According to an ANI report, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will meet the EU Trade Commissioner on September 12 to review the progress on the FTA. At the same time, a free trade agreement (FTA) with Qatar can also be announced by next month. Apart from this, talks have also accelerated with New Zealand, Chile and Peru.

What benefit will India get from FTA with EU?

The trade agreement with the EU can prove to be beneficial for India. Trade with the EU stood at $137.41 billion in 2023-24, and it will increase further with the new deal. The energy and petroleum sector will benefit from the FTA with Qatar. Experts believe that this step will strengthen India in the global supply chain, but saving domestic industries will also be a challenge.

Deals closed with UAE, Australia, and Mauritius

In the last five years, India has signed important trade agreements with countries like the UAE, Australia, and Mauritius. India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) was signed in 2021, while India-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed in 2022.

After this, the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) were signed in 2024, and the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was also signed in 2025. However, the India-UK agreement has not been implemented yet.

India is also working on many other agreements, such as the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, India-Sri Lanka Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement, India-Peru FTA, India-Chile CEPA, and India-New Zealand FTA.

FTAs to reduce impact of US tariffs

America’s 50% tariff on India may affect the business environment. In such a situation, the central government is looking for new markets to sell Indian products by entering into agreements with European countries.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • India and the EU talk on free trade with an emphasis on nullifying the impact of Trump’s 50% tariff.
  • India has intensified talks on free trade agreement (FTA) with many countries.
  • Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will meet the EU Trade Commissioner on September 12.
  • A free trade agreement (FTA) with Qatar can also be announced by next month.

The trade agreement with the EU can prove to be beneficial for India. Trade with the EU stood at $137.41 billion in 2023-24, and it will increase further with the new deal. The energy and petroleum sector will benefit from the FTA with Qatar.

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