New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) The disruption caused by US President Donald Trump through his "America First" trade agenda has significantly contributed to the rapid progression of the landmark free trade agreement recently finalized between India and the European Union, as reported by various Western media outlets.

After nearly two decades of inconsistent negotiations, the agreement establishes a free trade zone connecting two of the globe's largest economies, encompassing approximately two billion individuals and constituting around a quarter of the world's GDP, according to a report from Newsweek.

Experts indicated to Newsweek that the imposition of US tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% on steel, aluminum, and other Indian exports, coupled with the breakdown of US-India trade discussions in the previous year, compelled New Delhi to explore alternative partnerships.

Meanwhile, European allies experienced the repercussions of transatlantic tensions, with Trump even hinting at tariffs due to Europe's refusal to sell Greenland. An EU diplomat remarked to Newsweek, "Trump’s tariffs provided us with a favorable momentum in the final stages," implying that apprehensions regarding US trade conflicts aided India and the EU in overcoming remaining obstacles.

European Council President Antonio Costa portrayed the deal as a direct response to the tariff wars initiated by Washington. He commended it as a "geopolitical stabilizer" that supports the international rules-based trading system during a time of increasing unilateralism.

According to the report, "This agreement serves as a counter to the recent US trade strategy: rather than adopting protectionist measures like Washington, Brussels and New Delhi opted to finalize the largest free trade agreement they've ever signed; emphasizing that the global economy will not pause for anyone."

Additionally, experts in New Delhi perceive this partnership as a strategic counterbalance to China's dominance. Both India and the EU have grown increasingly cautious of China's substantial sway over critical supply chains and its aggressive expansion in Asia.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, "We will strengthen our strategic relationship even further," highlighting that diversifying from single sources is a crucial objective.

The new agreement includes the inaugural India–EU Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), a complementary agreement signed alongside the trade pact.

This comprehensive security framework will enhance collaboration in maritime security, defense technology, cybersecurity, space, and counter-terrorism, among other sectors.

Furthermore, the agreement paves the way for European firms to relocate portions of their production to India in vital industries such as batteries and specialty chemicals, mitigating concerns regarding the influx of Chinese components that could undermine tariff advantages, as noted in the report.

The announcement of the deal provided a significant platform for the leaders involved, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi characterizing this FTA as "the largest free trade agreement in history," underscoring its magnitude and importance. Modi highlighted the benefits the pact would bring to ordinary Indians, from farmers and small enterprises gaining export opportunities to consumers enjoying lower prices, thereby reinforcing his reputation as a leader capable of enhancing India's global economic profile.