The European Union (EU) and India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry have successfully concluded five chapters of their long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a key milestone in the 11th round of negotiations held from May 12 to 16, 2025, in New Delhi, India.

The finalized chapters cover intellectual property, customs and trade facilitation, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), competition policy, and technical barriers to trade. The discussions aimed to ease regulatory hurdles and streamline certification processes, particularly concerning India’s Quality Control Orders (QCOs), which often act as non-tariff barriers for foreign exporters.

The India-EU FTA seeks to enhance bilateral trade and investment between one of the world’s largest economic blocs and India, one of the fastest-growing major economies. The agreement is intended to be modern, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial.

The European Union is India’s third-largest trading partner, accounting for more than 10% of India’s total trade. Conversely, India ranks among the EU’s top trading partners globally. A finalized FTA could significantly impact sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and sustainable development.

Both sides expressed optimism and reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating negotiations. The next round of discussions is expected to focus on services, digital trade, and sustainable development chapters.