- Negotiations
The European Union and India launched negotiations on a bilateral free trade and investment agreement in June 2007. However, between the governments, a number of controversies have been plaguing the talks. Delhi wants Brussels to relax its stringent food safety criteria which penalise Indian farm and fishery exports and to make it easier for Indian professionals to work in the EU. Europe is primarily out to win major openings of India’s services sector and broad liberalisation of foreign investment, while India does not want to discuss allowing European firms to compete in India’s government procurement market.
Indian social movements, including fisherfolk and labour unions, people living with HIV/AIDS and other health activists have been mobilizing against the FTA. International actions and campaigns have particularly targeted the proposed intellectual property provisions of the agreement, and the impact of the FTA on access to medicines.
last update: May 2012
Photo: MSF
7-Feb-2023
India Narrative
India and the EU have set three working groups under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The TTC will deepen strategic engagement on trade and technology between the two partners.
24-Jan-2023
Hindustan Times
Several knotty issues related to labour, environment and sustainability that have emerged in negotiations between India and the European Union on a free trade agreement will require political guidance for further progress
16-Jan-2023
The Hindu BusinessLine
New Delhi unwilling to show flexibility in elements such as non-discrimination, dispute settlement.
13-Jan-2023
Reuters
India will seek an easing of European Union steel import quotas and tarrifs in talks for a new trade deal as Indian steelmakers struggle to sell the alloy in one of world’s big markets, a senior government official said.
9-Dec-2022
Forum for Trade Justice
Ongoing FTA negotiations will adversely impact farmers, fishers, patients, traders and impinge on a progressive digital industrialisation strategy.
23-Nov-2022
The Hindu BusinessLine
Market access for key items, government procurement, IPR, digital trade, data secure status, labour, environment to be areas of focus
22-Sep-2022
The Hindu
India and the European Commission are eager to "expedite" the dialogue for the Free Trade Agreement.
19-Jul-2022
Hindustan Times
Indian and European Union negotiators working on a free trade agreement are seeking to forge convergence on complex issues such as digital trade, data protection and sustainable development.
8-Jul-2022
European Interest
EU Parliament states it welcomes the restart of talks on a trade agreement with India, and should happen only as long as European values and standards, including rule of law, democracy, as well as human, women’s and labour rights, are respected.
28-Jun-2022
Outlook
India and the European Union resumed negotiations, after a gap of over eight years, for a comprehensive free trade agreement.