New Delhi, January 27 (IANS). The finalization of the long-discussed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) has drawn positive reactions in political circles. Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has strongly welcomed the deal and termed it ‘win-win’ for both the parties. Also, he took a sarcastic taunt at US President Donald Trump and described him as the ‘catalyst’ of this agreement.
Priyanka Chaturvedi posted on social media platform
Taking a dig at US President Donald Trump, he wrote, “Many thanks to US President Donald Trump for being the catalyst in removing the hesitation! Hopefully these two regions, which believe in the values of democracy, shared prosperity, rules-based order and global trade, will continue to empower each other in the difficult times we live in!”
This post comes in the context of Trump’s aggressive trade policies. Last year, Trump had imposed additional tariffs on India citing oil purchases from Russia and participation in BRICS. Recently he also threatened tariffs on European countries, especially on the issue of Greenland acquisition. In such a situation, the India-EU FTA is being seen as a ‘reactive’ outcome of Trump’s policies, which is a step towards reducing US-centric dependence in global trade.
This agreement, which is being called the ‘Mother of All Deals’, took its final shape at the India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026, after almost two decades of negotiations. The deal, announced in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, covers about 25 percent of global GDP. The agreement is expected to significantly increase trade between the two sides. Textiles, gems and jewellery, leather, marine products etc. from India will get duty-free access, while tariffs on EU automobiles, industrial goods, wines, chocolates etc. will be reduced.
–IANS
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