New Delhi, Jan 30 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted a write-up by union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, describing it as a must-read for understanding the significance of the India–European union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and its role in India’s long-term development goals.
Sharing the article on X, the Prime Minister underscored that the agreement aligns closely with the government’s vision of making India a developed nation, or Viksit Bharat, and reflects India’s growing economic engagement with major global partners.
In his article, Goyal outlined what he termed a “historic” India–EU FTA, emphasising that the negotiations aim to deliver a transformative outcome for the Indian economy. “The government has worked to craft an agreement that expands markets for Indian businesses, creates quality jobs, and at the same time safeguards India’s core interests,” Goyal wrote.
The Commerce Minister said the pact would open new opportunities for Indian exporters across sectors such as manufacturing, services, textiles, pharmaceuticals and engineering goods, while also helping Indian consumers and industries integrate more deeply with global value chains. He stressed that India’s approach to the negotiations has been guided by national priorities, including support for MSMEs, farmers and emerging industries.
Prime Minister Modi, in his post, echoed these themes, noting that deeper economic ties with the European union are central to India’s strategy of leveraging trade as a driver of growth and innovation. The EU will be one of India’s largest trading partners, accounting for a significant share of bilateral trade in goods and services.
The India–EU FTA cover a wide range of issues including market access, investment protection, digital trade, sustainability and intellectual property rights. Both sides have described the pact as ambitious, reflecting the scale of the economic relationship and shared democratic values.
Goyal’s article situates the FTA within the broader context of India’s trade policy, which has seen the country conclude or pursue multiple trade agreements with key global partners. According to the minister, such agreements are intended not just to boost exports, but to support domestic manufacturing, attract investment and generate employment.
By spotlighting the article, the Prime Minister signalled the political importance the government attaches to the India–EU economic partnership, presenting the agreement as a cornerstone of India’s journey towards becoming a developed economy in the coming decades.
