EU-India agreement: formal signature clears
A few months after the negotiations were completed, the draft free trade agreement between the European Union and India reached a new stage. The European Commission confirms an official signature by the end of 2026, a timetable that gives greater visibility to businesses pending its entry into force.
After almost twenty years of negotiations, the draft EU-India free trade agreement continues to move forward. On the occasion of the G7 summit, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, confirmed that the official signing of the text is now expected by the end of 2026.
This announcement does not alter the content of the agreement, but it sets out the timetable for its implementation. For the companies following this file, this is an important signal. The partnership is gradually approaching its entry into force, which is still envisaged in 2027 after ratification procedures.
As a reminder, the agreement provides for the removal or reduction of customs duties on 96.6% of goods traded in value. According to EU estimates, it could double European exports to India by 2032 and allow companies to save almost EUR 4 billion in customs duties.
Beyond the figures, this new stage confirms the European Union's and India's determination to strengthen their economic relations in an international context marked by trade and geopolitical uncertainties.
Tariff preferences are therefore not yet applicable. However, companies have better visibility to anticipate their projects, follow the next steps of ratification and prepare, in due course, the opportunities that will arise from this agreement.