India-EU landmark FTA likely rollout in mid-2027, says top EU lawmaker

European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chair David McAllister stated that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to be signed by mid-December 2026. He indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to travel to Brussels for the official signing ceremony. McAllister told the Times of India in an interview that he is confident regarding smooth ratification due to the mutual benefits. A consent vote in the European Parliament is expected by spring 2027, which would pave the way for the agreement to enter into force in mid-2027. Although the Parliament cannot amend the text, its consent is mandatory. McAllister noted broad majority support for the deal, describing it as the mother of all deals. If the agreement is ready for signature in December, Modi is likely to stop in Brussels on his return journey from the United States G20 summit. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit Canada and potentially Germany during that tour. McAllister, who led an EU parliamentary delegation to India earlier this week, emphasized that the EU welcomes progress on an investment protection agreement. Such measures would boost European investor confidence in the Indian market, encourage greater investment, and contribute to job creation in India. The trade pact would facilitate closer cooperation on de-risking supply chains and reducing dependencies. Regarding defense, McAllister supported closer collaboration between India and the European defense industry. He cited shared interests in information sharing, research cooperation, and cybersecurity. Both sides aim to reduce reliance on specific countries as part of their strategic sovereignty. McAllister described this as a win-win situation. On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he welcomed the Modi government’s diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire covering energy infrastructure, Black Sea shipping, and grain movement. He stressed that any peace agreement must be just, sustainable, and include concrete security guarantees for Ukraine against further Russian aggression. He praised External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s constructive role in these peace efforts. In separate remarks, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh identified ASEAN as the cornerstone of India’s Act East policy. He called for stronger defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. These statements highlight the expanding scope of India’s strategic partnerships beyond bilateral trade agreements. The upcoming visits and potential signings represent key milestones in deepening economic and security ties between New Delhi and Brussels. The political landscape in Europe shows strong backing for the trade deal, with lawmakers citing significant economic advantages for both parties. The focus on supply chain resilience reflects broader geopolitical shifts aimed at diversifying global trade networks. Defense industrial collaboration is viewed as complementary to these economic goals, enhancing mutual strategic autonomy. Diplomatic engagement continues to center on resolving conflicts through multilateral frameworks, with India playing an active mediating role. The timeline for implementation depends on legislative processes within the EU, specifically the final consent vote scheduled for early next year.