Partnering EU

Europe has so far remained the missing link in India's efforts to bolster strategic partnerships

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HE HEADLINE-GRABBING outcome of the two-day visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen along with the European College of Commissioners is to conclude a balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA) by this year-end, besides an investment protection agreement as soon as possible. Although the planets may be in alignment for the largest deal of this kind in the world — to borrow an expression of von der Leyen — this is far from easy and entails commitment at the highest levels to cross the finishing line. The 10th round of FTA talks will take place on March 10-14 in Brussels. Disagreements over market access have bedevilled FTA talks as the European Union (EU) seeks duty cuts on cars, wine, and whisky. India is pushing for concessions for micro, small, and medium enterprises and has serious concerns that the carbon border adjustment mechanism could lead to higher duties of 25 to 30% on its iron, steel, and aluminium exports from January 1, 2026. The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) has been entrusted to shape outcome-orien