India-EU FTA 'Around the Corner': EU Ambassador Embarks on State Tour
EU Ambassador Jean-Eric Paquet visits Indian states to identify opportunities for the upcoming India-EU Free Trade Agreement and tech cooperation.
The European Union is ramping up its engagement with India as the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) nears its final stages. EU Ambassador to India, Jean-Eric Paquet, has announced an extensive travel itinerary across several Indian states this November to identify key opportunities and strengthen bilateral ties in trade, technology, and science.
A Strategic Tour Across India
Taking to social media platform X, Ambassador Paquet expressed his excitement for a month filled with conversations and new experiences. His journey will take him through a diverse range of states, including Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya (Shillong), Assam, and Karnataka (Bengaluru).
The primary goal of these visits is to keep the momentum going regarding the FTA. According to Paquet, the agreement is "around the corner," and "Team Europe" is actively working to pinpoint the specific opportunities that will maximize the benefits for both regions.
Beyond Trade: Tech, AI, and Science
While the FTA is a central pillar, the EU's vision for the partnership extends deep into innovation and digital growth. The Ambassador highlighted several key areas of cooperation:
- Horizon Europe: Paquet noted that India will soon be associated with this prestigious programme, opening new doors for scientific collaboration.
- Digital and AI: The upcoming Tech Summit is expected to be a focal point for discussions on Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation.
- Cultural Exchange: The European Union Film Festival is making a comeback, starting with a historic first-time launch in Shillong, Meghalaya, before heading to Delhi and Pune.
The Road to 2027: FTA Timeline and Trade Figures
The push for the FTA follows high-level meetings in Brussels, where officials discussed streamlining customs procedures, improving market access, and enhancing supply chain resilience. The groundwork for this agreement was solidified during the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Key Milestones for the Agreement:
- Current Status: The agreement is undergoing legal scrubbing and verification.
- Proposed Signing: Targeted for mid-December 2026.
- Full Implementation: Expected to enter into force by mid-2027.
Economic Powerhouse: The Numbers
The urgency to finalize the FTA is backed by staggering trade figures. Bilateral trade between India and the EU has doubled over the last ten years, now standing at nearly USD 140 billion.
For the 2024-25 period, bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately USD 136.54 billion, with India's exports to the EU accounting for around USD 75.85 billion. Furthermore, trade in services has become a critical component of the relationship, valued at approximately USD 83.10 billion.
On a personal note, Ambassador Paquet also shared his enthusiasm for celebrating his first Diwali in India, describing it as a "big occasion" that he is eagerly looking forward to as he strengthens the bond between the two entities.