India-EU FTA moves one step closer to reality as European Commission moves to get it signed
The European Commission has officially submitted the India-EU Free Trade Agreement to the European Council for signature and conclusion. This move marks the final stages of the legal process, with both parties aiming for the agreement to take effect in early 2027.
Why it matters
This trade agreement represents a major economic milestone that could significantly alter trade relations and market access between India and the European Union.
The European Commission has forwarded the text of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement to the European Council for its signature and conclusion, signalling that the legal vetting and finalisation of the text have been completed and all that remains are the internal approvals.
“Today, the European Commission has put forward its proposals to the Council for the signature and conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and India , seeking authorisation for its signature and conclusion,” the Commission said in a statement on Friday (September 11, 2026).
The EU’s Ambassador-designate to India and Bhutan Jean-Eric Paquet took to X to celebrate the achievement, saying this would “clear the path for early approval”, and adding that the full text of the agreement was now being made public.
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