Indiaeu FTA Could Enter Into Force This Year Now In Legal Scrubbing Phase: EU Ambassador

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Feb 4 (KNN) The India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is currently undergoing 'legal scrubbing', with both sides committed to completing the process quickly to enable its signing and implementation, possibly within this year, EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin has said.

Speaking to PTI, Delphin described the agreement as a 'very substantial' deal, rejecting suggestions that it lacks depth or substance.

"We are in the process of what we call technically, of the legal scrubbing, and to close the process of before the official signing and the entry into force. I think what I've noticed with during the summit is that both sides are really committed to have this process concluded as soon as possible, so that the FTA enters into force, possibly this year, which will be another achievement," the ambassador said.

Delphin identified overlapping economic interests, complementarity, scale, diversification and de-risking as key drivers behind the agreement. He said there is alignment across EU member states, the European Commission and Indian leadership on pushing the deal forward.

He also pointed to strong enthusiasm from business communities in India and Europe, particularly around opportunities in supply chain integration and worker mobility.

"The business communities are really bullish about this FTA. It offers so much opportunity... everybody wants to have it in place as soon as possible," Delphin said.

Security and Defence Partnership Deepens Ties

Delphin also highlighted the newly signed India-EU Security and Defence Partnership, describing it as the outcome of five years of structured consultations.

He said the agreement serves as a 'political enabler', signalling that both sides view each other as trusted partners.

The next steps include negotiating a Security of Information Agreement, which would allow the exchange of classified information, followed by deeper defence industry cooperation, including co-development and co-investment.

Focus on Maritime and Emerging Threats

The partnership is expected to expand operational cooperation, particularly between the Indian Navy and European navies, with a focus on ensuring safe passage in the Indian Ocean. Delphin said both sides share common concerns in this area.

He added that cooperation would also extend to addressing hybrid threats, cyber security challenges and the security implications of artificial intelligence.

On the possibility of increased European naval presence in the Indian Ocean, Delphin said the agreement creates enabling conditions, while specific deployments would depend on industrial and operational requirements.

(KNN Bureau)

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