Modi to visit Brussels in December to sign India-EU FTA: European Council chief
Synopsis
European Council President Antonio Costa has confirmed PM Modi will travel to Brussels in December to formally sign the India-EU Free Trade Agreement — a deal covering 2 billion people and a quarter of global GDP. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says it could be operational within four to five months of signing, making this one of the most consequential trade milestones in India's recent history.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi will visit Brussels in December 2026 to formally sign the India-EU Free Trade Agreement , confirmed by European Council President Antonio Costa .
The visit is expected shortly before a European leaders' meeting in Brussels beginning 17 December .
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the FTA could become operational within four to five months of signing.
India has secured market access for more than 99% of Indian exports by trade value to the EU.
India-EU bilateral goods trade in 2024-25 stood at ₹11.5 lakh crore ($136.54 billion); services trade reached ₹7.2 lakh crore ($83.10 billion) in 2024.
The deal covers a combined market of more than two billion people and roughly 25% of global GDP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Brussels in December 2026 to formally sign the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (India-EU FTA), European Council President Antonio Costa confirmed on Thursday, 30 October. The announcement marks a significant milestone in India-EU economic relations, with the pact projected to cover a market of more than two billion people and represent roughly a quarter of the global economy.
Costa's Confirmation and Timeline
Antonio Costa, speaking at an event organised by the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations in Canada, stated: 'Prime Minister Modi will come in December to sign the deal.' The visit is expected shortly before a meeting of European leaders in Brussels scheduled to begin on 17 December. Costa was in Montreal for a two-day EU-Canada summit focused on strengthening bilateral ties when he made the remarks.
When the FTA Could Take Effect
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said last week that the India-EU free trade agreement could become operational within four to five months after it is formally signed. The conclusion of negotiations was announced jointly by Prime Minister Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the European leaders' visit to India earlier this year — a moment described as a historic milestone in India-EU engagement.
Scale of the Deal
The agreement is one of the most expansive trade pacts India has negotiated. India has reportedly secured market access for more than 99 per cent of Indian exports by trade value to the EU, providing direct support to the government's 'Make in India' initiative. Beyond goods, the FTA unlocks high-value commitments in services and includes a comprehensive mobility framework designed to facilitate the movement of skilled Indian professionals to EU member states.
In 2024-25, India's bilateral trade in goods with the EU stood at ₹11.5 lakh crore ($136.54 billion), with exports worth ₹6.4 lakh crore ($75.85 billion) and imports amounting to ₹5.1 lakh crore ($60.68 billion). India-EU trade in services reached ₹7.2 lakh crore ($83.10 billion) in 2024.
Strategic and Economic Context
India and the EU are the 4th and 2nd largest economies respectively, together comprising 25 per cent of global GDP and accounting for one-third of global trade. The EU is one of India's largest trading partners, with bilateral goods and services trade expanding steadily over recent years. Analysts note that beyond conventional market access, the deal carries strategic dimensions — cementing India and the EU as partners committed to open markets, predictability, and inclusive growth at a time of significant global trade uncertainty.
This comes amid broader geopolitical realignments, with both blocs seeking to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on single dominant trade partners. The formal signing in Brussels is expected to set the stage for ratification processes in EU member states and the Indian Parliament.
Point of View
But the harder work begins after the ink dries. EU ratification requires approval from member-state parliaments — a process that has stalled India's FTA efforts before, most notably with the WTO's Doha paralysis. Commerce Minister Goyal's four-to-five month operational timeline is optimistic; the political economy of ratification in 27 EU capitals is notoriously slow. Meanwhile, the 99% export market access headline warrants scrutiny: the devilry in FTAs lies in rules of origin, non-tariff barriers, and services reciprocity, none of which are settled by a signing ceremony. India's trade community will be watching whether the mobility commitments for skilled professionals translate into real visa pathways or remain aspirational text.
NationPress
30 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will PM Modi visit Brussels to sign the India-EU FTA?
PM Modi is expected to visit Brussels in December 2026 to formally sign the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, according to European Council President Antonio Costa. The visit is anticipated shortly before a European leaders' summit beginning 17 December.
When will the India-EU Free Trade Agreement come into effect?
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the agreement could become operational within four to five months after it is signed. The formal signing is scheduled for December 2026, which would put the earliest operational date in early-to-mid 2027, pending ratification.
What does the India-EU FTA cover?
The agreement covers goods, services, and mobility of skilled professionals. India has reportedly secured market access for more than 99% of its exports by trade value to the EU, and the deal supports the 'Make in India' initiative. It also includes high-value services commitments and a mobility framework for Indian professionals.
How significant is the EU as a trade partner for India?
The European Union is one of India's largest trading partners. Bilateral goods trade stood at ₹11.5 lakh crore ($136.54 billion) in 2024-25, while services trade reached ₹7.2 lakh crore ($83.10 billion) in 2024. Together, India and the EU represent 25% of global GDP and one-third of global trade.
Who announced the conclusion of India-EU FTA negotiations?
PM Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen jointly announced the conclusion of negotiations during the European leaders' visit to India earlier in 2026. The formal signing is now set to take place in Brussels in December.
