The proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could enter into force in the first quarter of 2027, reflecting the commitment of both sides to conclude the process at the earliest, EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin said on Monday.
Timeline and Legal Vetting
"The work is ongoing, but I think we can confidently look at early 2027 as a moment where the FTA could enter into force," Delphin told media in New Delhi on the sidelines of the Annual Erasmus+ Pre-Departure Event 2026. Responding to a query on whether the agreement could be implemented around March 2027, he said, "I think it's good to be really optimistic in looking at the first quarter of 2027... it's for me the reflection of the optimism that is behind this timeline and also the commitment of both sides to have it signed and in place as early as possible."
Delphin said India and the EU are currently working to complete the legal vetting of the agreement and remain focused on signing the deal by the end of this year. "Both sides are working very hard to complete the process of the so-called legal vetting of the text and in such a way that by the end of the year, there will be a possibility to sign the FTA," he added.
Parliamentary Approval and Record Timeline
Once signed, the European Parliament must give its consent before the FTA enters into force. Delphin described early 2027 as a realistic timeline for operationalization, calling it "by any measure a record" for an EU trade agreement, reflecting the political energy behind the negotiations on both sides.
Describing the India-EU FTA as one of the most consequential trade agreements under negotiation, Delphin said the pact has the potential to significantly boost business and economic ties. "It can unleash tremendous potential for the business," he said. He noted that previous EU FTAs with key partners led to trade volumes doubling within a few years, generating excitement among business communities on both sides.
Mobility and Visa Facilitation
On mobility, Delphin said the FTA would further strengthen the movement of businesspersons and workers between India and Europe. He referred to the Schengen Visa Cascade arrangement, under which eligible travellers with an established travel record can obtain longer-term visas. The approval rate for Schengen visas for Indian applicants was more than 85% in 2025, and he expressed confidence that mobility links would continue to expand.
CBAM and Decarbonisation Support
Addressing concerns over the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Delphin clarified that the issue is distinct from the legal vetting of the FTA. Any simplifications or measures under CBAM would also apply in the context of India. He said the EU has allocated a EUR 500 million programme and platform to support India's decarbonisation efforts, including hard-to-abate sectors like steel and cement, renewable energy expansion, electricity grids, storage infrastructure, and green hydrogen. CBAM aims to create a level playing field and encourage decarbonisation, with the same expectations placed on European producers supplying the EU market.
Broader Economic and People-to-People Ties
Stronger economic ties could also boost tourism cooperation, increase direct flights between India and Europe, and deepen people-to-people connections. Delphin noted that India remains a very minor source of illegal migration to Europe, while Indian professionals in ICT, hospitality, and healthcare are increasingly in demand across European countries.
