PM Modi Likely to Visit Brussels in December to Sign India-EU Free Trade Agreement

PM Modi Likely to Visit Brussels in December to Sign India-EU Free Trade Agreement

New Delhi, Oct 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Brussels in December to formally sign the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a major step forward in economic and trade relations between India and the 27-member European bloc.

European Council President Antonio Costa announced the proposed visit on Thursday while speaking at an event organised by the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations in Canada.

“Prime Minister Modi will come in December to sign the deal,” Costa said, indicating that the signing ceremony could take place ahead of a scheduled meeting of European leaders beginning December 17 in Brussels.

India-EU Trade Deal Enters Final Stage

India and the European Union concluded negotiations on the landmark trade agreement earlier this year following extensive discussions aimed at expanding market access and strengthening economic cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had jointly announced the conclusion of negotiations during the European leaders’ visit to India.

The agreement is expected to create an integrated market covering more than two billion people and representing around one-fourth of the global economy.

FTA Could Become Operational Within Months

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had earlier indicated that the proposed agreement could become operational within four to five months after its formal signing.

The pact is expected to reduce trade barriers, improve market access and create fresh opportunities for businesses, exporters and investors on both sides.

Major Boost for Indian Exporters

Under the agreement, India has secured market access for more than 99 per cent of its exports to the European Union by trade value, according to the details shared by the government.

The improved access is expected to benefit Indian industries and support the Centre’s Make in India initiative by expanding opportunities in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

The agreement also includes commitments in services and provisions relating to the mobility of skilled Indian professionals.

India-EU Economic Partnership in Focus

The European Union is among India’s largest trading partners, with substantial exchanges in both goods and services.

During 2024–25, bilateral trade in goods reached approximately $136.54 billion. India’s exports to the EU stood at around $75.85 billion, while imports were valued at approximately $60.68 billion.

Trade in services between the two sides reached around $83.10 billion in 2024.

India and the European Union are among the world’s largest economies, together accounting for approximately 25 per cent of global GDP and nearly one-third of global trade.

Strategic Significance Beyond Trade

The proposed FTA is being viewed as more than a conventional trade arrangement, with the potential to deepen investment, industrial cooperation and strategic engagement.

Once signed and implemented, the agreement is expected to strengthen economic links between the two sides, provide greater predictability for businesses and open new avenues for cooperation.

Modi’s proposed December visit to Brussels is therefore expected to be an important milestone in the evolving India-EU partnership.