EU moves India trade deal closer to finish line

The European Commission on Friday moved the text of the India-European Union free trade agreement (FTA) to the EU Council for approval, paving the way for the two sides to sign the deal in December, as reiterated by both the economies on several instances.

“If authorized by the Council, this will be the largest trade agreement ever concluded by both the EU and India,” the European Commission said in a statement.

“Once adopted and entered into force, the agreement will improve market access, reduce tariffs, tackle unnecessary barriers to trade, as well as provide predictable rules for trade and investment between the EU and India,” it said.