The prevailing global environment is accelerating negotiations for the India-EU FTA and while the US reciprocal tariff strengthens the rationale for the ongoing talks for the agreement between India and the EU, it will not define them, said EU ambassador to India Herve Delphin. After years of negotiations, India and the EU finally announced a deadline – end of 2025 – for concluding the FTA talks during the recent visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Asked whether meeting that deadline will be possible, given the differences over import duties on automobile, wine and spirits, Delphin said that India and EU have a high level of political engagement and a strong determination to get the FTA done.
“We would like to see the fruits of the harvest by the end of the year and the next India EU summit. This is what both Leaders have expressed during the recent College’s visit. The political level is fully engaged with regular contacts at ministerial level,’’ said Delphin, adding that India-EU have made good progress in the recent round on some aspects. German ambassador Philip Ackermann had told TOI in an interview last week that the last round of FTA negotiations, held in March, was more positive than the previous rounds.
Delphin said that discussions continue on elements of a meaningful trade package that would be of mutual benefit. “Likewise, both sides are working on addressing key tasks and respective sensitivities. Global environment is accelerating negotiations. Reciprocal tariff by the US strengthens the rationale for an India-EU FTA talks but it will not define them,’’ he said.
“EU FTAs are fully WTO compliant. They are positive and respected in the long term. EU Companies in general are keen to make investments in India. Addressing technical barriers would be an important incentive for them to step up their level of investment. And an FTA would be an accelerator for that,’’ he added.
Asked about Trump’s tariff war, Delphin recalled von der Leyen’s statement that tariff is bad for trade, for business and people and the EU will defend its interests accordingly.
