German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann has expressed strong confidence that the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will face significantly fewer political obstacles in the European Parliament compared to other recent international trade deals. Speaking to ANI on Friday, Ackermann described the pact as a "huge game changer" for economic relations between the two powers.
Low Controversy Expected in Ratification
"Unlike other FTAs, in this case, we don't expect too many problems in the European Parliament," Ackermann stated. He cautioned that parliaments can be unpredictable, but added, "I think it is fair to say that it is in some aspects, much less controversial than other FTAs." The envoy's remarks come as the agreement, often called the "mother of all deals," completes final legal scrubbing after negotiations concluded earlier this year.
Timeline for Signing and Implementation
Ackermann reaffirmed that the FTA could be signed during a Council meeting in December. Following that, the focus would shift to the European Parliament's approval process, with the goal of full implementation by the end of the current Indian fiscal year. "So the FTA for us, for the German business, is a huge game changer," he said. "I think by the end of this year, we hope to see it signed. I think in December, there is a council where that could be signed, and then it goes to Parliament. So I think, you know, I'm an optimist. I think by the end of the Indian fiscal year, one should be ready to implement it."
High-Level Political Support
The momentum for the landmark agreement was reinforced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the 52nd G7 summit in Evian, France. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Modi met jointly with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa on the sidelines. "They recalled the fact that discussions on an India-EU FTA, the negotiations, the announcement of the conclusion of negotiations happened earlier this year when the two leaders were visiting New Delhi, and the understanding that by the end of the year the agreement will be signed," Misri said. He added that the leaders "once again reaffirmed their desire and instructed the respective teams to do whatever was necessary to make this signing happen before the end of the year."
Social Media Endorsements
In synchronised posts on X, von der Leyen and Costa wrote to Modi, "Dear @narendramodi, it is a pleasure to meet again so soon. Since we have concluded the mother of all trade deals, we have been moving fast to deliver on our commitments. We will sign the Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. And accelerate work on an investment agreement. We will also step up security & defence cooperation. And join forces for better connectivity by advancing IMEC, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor." Modi responded, "It was wonderful meeting European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Evian earlier today. At the start of this year, India was proud to host them for our Republic Day celebrations. This has been a great time for India-EU ties as we have concluded the Free Trade Agreement."
Scope of the Agreement
The comprehensive India-EU FTA covers goods, services, and digital trade. It is set to create a massive free market encompassing nearly two billion people and a quarter of the global economy, opening new avenues for trade, investment, and technology cooperation. The pact eliminates tariffs on over 90% of goods traded between the two sides.
