EU-India Trade Agreement Moves to Approval Stage After Commission Submission

The European Union and India have moved their proposed free trade agreement into the formal approval stage, months after negotiators concluded talks on what both sides have described as a major economic partnership.

On September 11, 2026, the European Commission submitted proposals to the Council of the European Union seeking authorization for the agreement’s signature and conclusion. The submission is an important procedural step, but it does not mean the agreement has entered into force.

Before implementation, the Council must adopt the proposal and authorize the agreement’s signature. The European Parliament must then provide its consent, followed by a Council decision concluding the agreement. India must also complete its ratification requirements.

Negotiations concluded earlier this year

India and the EU concluded negotiations on January 27, 2026. The talks have a long history: negotiations originally began in 2007, were suspended in 2013 and resumed in 2022.

The agreement is intended to reduce trade barriers, simplify customs procedures and expand access to goods and services markets. Separate negotiations concerning investment protection and geographical indications are continuing.

According to European Commission figures, the EU and India already trade more than €180 billion in goods and services annually. The Commission estimates that the agreement could eventually increase annual EU exports to India by €58 billion and save European exporters up to €4 billion annually in customs duties.

Those figures are projections rather than guaranteed outcomes and will depend on ratification, implementation and how businesses respond to the new market conditions.

Tariffs and market access

According to the European Commission, tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods exports to India would be eliminated or reduced. The deal also includes provisions intended to make customs procedures faster and provide European companies with improved access to parts of India’s services market.

Some sensitive agricultural products would remain protected by existing European tariffs. These include beef, rice, sugar, chicken meat, milk powders, honey, bananas, soft wheat, garlic and ethanol. Limited import arrangements would apply to certain other agricultural products.

A safeguard mechanism is also included, allowing action if increased imports cause serious disruption.

Sustainability commitments included

The agreement contains commitments related to labour rights, climate action and sustainable trade. Both parties would reaffirm implementation of the Paris climate accord and establish cooperation on trade-related environmental issues.

The Commission has also said European food-safety requirements would remain in place, with audits and border controls continuing for imported food, animal and plant products.

What happens next

The immediate next step is consideration by the Council of the European Union. If the Council authorizes signature, India and the EU can formally sign the agreement before it proceeds through the remaining European and Indian approval processes.

Until every required step is completed, businesses will continue operating under the existing trade framework.

The agreement has entered the EU’s approval process but is not yet in force.