India-EU FTA: India and the European Union are intensifying efforts to finalize a free trade agreement by November 2026, with a series of high-level engagements planned. The talks will cover key areas such as security, the Indo-Pacific, and technology, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
Both parties are coordinating on the evolving security situation in West Asia, focusing on freedom of navigation and ensuring uninterrupted maritime trade. Potential cooperation is being discussed to maintain trade flow post-conflict with Iran, as per anonymous sources.
The engagements will begin with a delegation of 11 European Parliament members visiting India in late March, followed by bilateral consultations on the Indo-Pacific in May and a Trade and Technology Council meeting in June. EU commissioners handling strategic agendas will also visit New Delhi.
Established in 2022, the Trade and Technology Council oversees cooperation in trade, investment, and technology. The EU has similar arrangements only with India and the US.
Negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement are expected to launch soon, alongside talks on investment protection and geographical indications. The SoIA aims to facilitate sensitive information sharing and enhance defense manufacturing collaboration by year-end.
The first elevated security and defense dialogue was held during the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, focusing on maritime and cyber security and counter-terrorism.
For the FTA, technical procedures such as legal scrubbing are underway. The deal is expected to be forwarded to the European Council for adoption, with formal signing anticipated by November 2026. Approval by the European Parliament is expected by January 2027.
The FTA, considered a pivotal deal, was concluded at a summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders in January 2026, aiming to reinforce a rules-based world order amid global trade tensions. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent EU engagements underscore the partnership’s growing relevance.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 24, 2026
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