India-EU FTA sees favourable market access for India’s agri and processed food exports

Key commodities such as tea, coffee, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables, and processed foods will gain enhanced competitiveness

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, jointly announced the conclusion of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (India–EU FTA) at the 16th India–EU Summit, held during the visit of the European leaders to India. This announcement marks a historic milestone in India–EU economic relations and trade engagement with key global partners.

The European Union is India’s one of the largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods and services growing steadily over the years. In 2024–25, India’s bilateral trade in goods with the EU stood at Rs 11.5 lakh crore ($136.54 billion) with exports worth Rs 6.4 lakh crore ($75.85 billion) and imports amounting to Rs 5.1 lakh crore ($60.68 billion). India-EU trade in services reached Rs 7.2 lakh crore ($83.10 billion) in 2024.

India’s agricultural and processed food sectors are poised for a transformative boost under the India–EU FTA, creating a level playing field for Indian farmers and agrarian enterprises. Key commodities such as tea, coffee, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables, and processed foods will gain enhanced competitiveness, strengthening rural livelihoods, promoting inclusive growth, and reinforcing India’s position as a trusted global supplier. India has prudently safeguarded sensitive sectors, including dairy, cereals, poultry, soymeal, certain fruits and vegetables, balancing export growth with domestic priorities.

Says Sanjaya Mariwala, Executive Chairman and Managing Director, OmniActive Health Technologies, “For those of us in preventive healthcare, the gains from this deal go far beyond export volumes. Europe’s regulatory depth and science-led approach will facilitate stronger clinical validation, better traceability, and higher compliance standards in India. That discipline will ultimately build consumer trust in nutraceuticals, not only in Europe but across the globe. At the same time, Europe’s ageing population and focus on wellness align naturally with India’s ayurveda knowledge, strengths in nutrition science, and cost-efficient advanced manufacturing. This is how India moves from being a supplier to becoming a global health partner.”