India-EU Trade Deal Signed: A Timeline of Strategic Partnership Since 1962

India and the European Union have reached a historic milestone in their long-standing relationship with the signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking one of the most significant trade developments in recent years. The agreement, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as transformative, reflects decades of evolving diplomatic, economic, and strategic engagement between the two sides.

India-EU FTA Signed: PM Modi Calls It a Historic Moment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, highlighting its global economic significance. Addressing the Indian Energy Week virtually, the Prime Minister congratulated stakeholders involved in finalising the deal and said,

“I am informing you about a big development … a significant agreement was signed between India and Europe yesterday (Monday).”

Emphasising the scale of the pact, Modi noted that it covers 25 per cent of global GDP and one-third of global trade, positioning it among the most influential trade agreements worldwide.

He further said people are discussing it as the "mother of all deals”, adding that the agreement opens up vast opportunities for 140 crore Indians and crores of Europeans.

"This is an excellent example of coordination between two economies of the world. This agreement represents 25 per cent of the global GDP and one third of the global trade," he said.

India-EU Summit in New Delhi: Strengthening Strategic Ties

Prime Minister Modi’s remarks came ahead of the 16th EU-India Summit, which he is set to host in New Delhi. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

According to a statement from the European Council, the summit aims to deepen the EU-India strategic partnership and expand cooperation across several priority areas.

Key Focus Areas of the Summit

• Trade and economic cooperation

• Security and defence collaboration

• Clean energy transition

• People-to-people engagement

In addition, Presidents Costa and von der Leyen will attend India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January as Guests of Honour, underlining the growing diplomatic warmth between India and the EU.

Evolution of India-EU Relations: From Diplomacy to Strategic Alliance

The India-EU partnership has evolved steadily over several decades. What began as basic diplomatic engagement has grown into a comprehensive strategic alliance spanning political dialogue, trade, investment, security, climate action, and technology cooperation.

According to a government statement, the relationship reflects shared interests in sustainable development, economic growth, and addressing global challenges.

India was among the first nations to establish ties with the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1962, laying the foundation for institutional cooperation that expanded significantly in the decades that followed.

Timeline of Key Milestones in India-EU Relations

1962: Early Economic Engagement

India establishes formal diplomatic relations with the European Economic Community (EEC), marking the beginning of structured engagement.

1993: Political Foundation

Adoption of the Joint Political Statement, deepening diplomatic and political cooperation.

1994: Institutional Cooperation

Signing of the India-EU Cooperation Agreement, strengthening economic and political ties.

2000: Summit-Level Dialogue

The first India-EU Summit held in Lisbon, ushering in a new era of high-level engagement.

2004: Strategic Elevation

The partnership is officially upgraded to a Strategic Partnership at the fifth summit in The Hague.

2007: Trade Ambitions

Launch of negotiations for the Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA).

2020: Future-Oriented Vision

Adoption of the India-EU Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2025, outlining shared priorities.

2022: Technology and Trade Synergy

Launch of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) to enhance cooperation in emerging technologies and supply chains.

2025: New Strategic EU-India Agenda

The EU unveils a new strategy to reinforce prosperity and security with India, further deepening long-term cooperation.

Why the India-EU Trade Deal Matters

The India-EU FTA is not just a trade pact—it is a strategic statement. By linking two major economic blocs that together account for 25 per cent of global GDP and one-third of global trade, the agreement is expected to:

• Boost bilateral trade and investment

• Strengthen supply chain resilience

• Promote clean energy and digital cooperation

• Enhance India’s integration into global markets

The deal also reflects India’s growing role as a key economic and geopolitical partner for Europe in a rapidly changing global order.

Conclusion

The signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement marks a defining moment in a relationship that began over six decades ago. From early diplomatic ties in 1962 to a full-fledged strategic partnership today, India and the European Union have steadily built trust, cooperation, and shared ambition. As both sides look ahead to deeper collaboration in trade, technology, security, and sustainability, the FTA stands as a powerful symbol of coordination between two major global economies and a foundation for long-term mutual growth