What happened?
India and the European Union (EU) will hold the 11th round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations from May 12–16 in New Delhi. The tenth round addressed market access in goods, services, investment, and government procurement. According to Additional Secretary L Satya Srinivas, both sides have agreed to fast-track the process. Separately, India launched CEPA talks with Chile on April 1 and concluded the seventh FTA round with Peru.
Why it matters to India
The India-EU FTA holds strategic value for diversifying trade ties amid global realignments. The EU is India’s third-largest trading partner, and deeper access could boost sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, and textiles. Engagements with Chile and Peru mark India’s pivot to Latin America, aiming at its first FTA in the LAC region—key for expanding geopolitical and economic influence beyond traditional partners.