France, Germany, and Poland press for swift EU-India trade deal

France, Germany, and Poland urged on January 7 the swift conclusion of a free-trade agreement between the EU and India, describing the emerging accord as a “decisive step” in bilateral relations, according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

Speaking at a joint briefing with his German, Polish, and Indian counterparts, Barrot said that negotiations are nearing completion. He noted that a “major agreement” is expected to be finalised within the coming weeks, ahead of a summit scheduled for the end of January.

He characterised the prospective deal as a “decisive step in the strategic rapprochement between our two regions.”

Talks between India and the EU have been ongoing for years, and the two sides are now preparing for a summit on January 27.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stressed the urgency of the effort, saying it was “very important that we quickly sign a free-trade agreement between the European Union and India.”

His German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, called the progress “an important step towards greater diversification.” He said that a security and defence partnership was “also on the right track” and underlined the importance of reducing dependencies “so as not to make ourselves vulnerable to blackmail.”

Brussels and New Delhi had originally aimed to complete the agreement by the end of 2025 amid heightened global trade tensions among major powers.

The EU remains India’s largest trading partner, with trade in goods reaching 124 billion euros ($130 billion) in 2023 — accounting for more than 12% of India’s total trade, according to European Commission figures.

The bloc is seeking to lower entry barriers for its automotive sector, as well as for European spirits and wines. India, for its part, is pushing for improved access for its textiles and pharmaceuticals. The agreement is also set to include provisions on security cooperation.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said he believed the accord could contribute to “greater stability” in both the global economy and international politics. Strengthening India’s relationship with Europe, he added, was “necessary.”

By Tamilla Hasanova