India and the European Union are pushing to conclude what could be one of New Delhi's most consequential trade agreements, with negotiations entering the final phase ahead of the January 26 visit of EU leaders, sources told NDTV Profit.
Describing the scale and ambition of the agreement, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the India–EU free trade agreement would be the "mother of all deals".
According to sources, all the 27 EU member states are aligned and keen to see the deal concluded, with no country opposing the agreement at this stage, a significant political signal given the bloc's complex internal consensus-building process.
Key sticking points that have historically slowed negotiations, including carbon border measures, protection of farmers' interests and sensitivities around dairy, have now been adequately addressed, sources said. Sensitive agricultural issues have been carefully ring-fenced to avoid domestic disruptions on both sides.
Negotiators are now focused on finalising the remaining details in time for a potential announcement around Republic Day, when senior EU leaders are expected to be in India.
The India–EU FTA is expected to be among India's largest and most comprehensive trade pacts, spanning goods, services, investment protection, sustainability standards and regulatory cooperation. Once concluded, it could significantly reshape trade flows and deepen India's economic integration with Europe at a time of shifting global supply chains and rising trade fragmentation.
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