The recent signing of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement marks a pivotal moment for one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. Covering over 2 billion people and representing a quarter of global GDP, this landmark deal fundamentally changes how European businesses can access and operate in India.

What changes under the FTA

The agreement eliminates or reduces 96% of tariffs on European products entering India, translating to approximately €4 billion in avoided import duties annually. For companies that have long viewed India’s high tariff barriers as prohibitive, this represents a dramatic shift in market viability.

The European Commission projects that annual exports to India will double to €150 billion by 2032. But the impact extends far beyond tariff reductions. The FTA addresses critical non-tariff barriers, streamlines customs procedures, and creates clearer regulatory frameworks, often the real obstacles companies face during market entry and expansion.

Join our expert webinar

On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 10:00 to 10:45 CET, Davinia Lamme from Larive International and Jai Mallick from Intralink will provide a practical breakdown of what the EU-India FTA means for your business. This free online session covers:

• How the FTA changes market entry economics.
• Sector-specific opportunities and timelines.
• Practical considerations for compliance and operations.
• Live Q&A to address your specific questions.

Both speakers bring extensive India market expertise and will help you understand whether and how your company should act on these new opportunities.

Register now: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ua5SYImCQMu52sAnCdIGLA#/registration

Why this matters now

In an era of fragmenting supply chains and rising trade barriers, the EU-India FTA demonstrates that rules-based, predictable trade relationships remain possible. For companies diversifying away from over-reliance on traditional markets, India could become strategically essential.

The deal also facilitates the movement of students, researchers, and skilled workers, supporting knowledge transfer and partnership development beyond pure commerce. Combined with new security and defence cooperation frameworks, the FTA signals a long-term strategic alignment between Europe and India.

Understanding the practical impact

While the strategic significance is clear, translating macro-level trade agreements into concrete business opportunities requires understanding specific implications for pricing, supply chains, compliance requirements, and go-to-market strategies. Market access rules, remaining tariff schedules, and regulatory procedures vary significantly by sector and product category.

For questions about the webinar or India market entry support, contact Laura Derks at [email protected].