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India and EU Conclude Wide-Ranging Trade Deal, Set Stage for 2026 Start

The pact now enters legal review, with both sides targeting entry into force in 2026.

Overview

  • EU tariff cuts cover about 99.5% of Indian export value, with major duty eliminations on day one and additional reductions phased over the next several years.
  • India opens roughly 97% of its market by trade value to EU goods, using quota-based liberalisation for cars and large reductions on wines while keeping sensitive farm items excluded and delaying EV concessions.
  • The agreement pairs goods access with broad services commitments, a mobility framework easing student and skilled‑worker movement, and a new Security and Defence Partnership.
  • EU officials reiterated no country‑specific flexibilities under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, while promising technical and financial cooperation to help Indian exporters meet carbon requirements.
  • Implementation now depends on legal scrubbing, translation and domestic ratifications, as officials aim for entry into force within 2026; Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged manufacturers to tap the 27‑nation market and Piyush Goyal highlighted Rs 6.4 lakh crore in state exports poised to benefit.