EU–India trade agreement: timeline and next steps
The agreement is concluded but not yet in force. Signature is expected by the end of 2026, followed by approval in the European Parliament and ratification in India.
How we got here
| Date | Step |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Negotiations start |
| 2013 | Talks suspended |
| 17 June 2022 | Talks relaunched, together with separate negotiations on investment protection and geographical indications |
| 27 January 2026 | Negotiations concluded |
| June 2026 | European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the agreement will be signed by the end of the year |
| 11 September 2026 | The Commission sends its proposals for signature and conclusion to the Council of the EU |
What happens next
- Council of the EU authorises the signature.
- Signature by the EU and India, expected by the end of 2026.
- European Parliament gives its consent.
- Council of the EU decides to conclude the agreement.
- India completes its own ratification.
The agreement enters into force once both sides have completed these steps. Tariff cuts then start, some immediately and others phased in over up to ten years.
How to prepare now
- Exporters: find your products' HS codes and compare today's duties with the agreement's schedules on Access2Markets.
- Manufacturers: map your supply chain against the rules of origin. Products with significant inputs from outside the EU or India may not qualify.
- Investors: revisit India or Europe projects that did not work at today's tariffs.
- Services firms: review the services commitments for your sector in the legal text.
- Everyone: check product standards. Lower tariffs do not change certification or safety rules.
Related agreements
- India–EFTA: India's agreement with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein has applied since 1 October 2025. See the India–EFTA agreement.
- Investment protection and geographical indications: both are being negotiated separately from the trade agreement.
Quick answers
Has the EU–India trade agreement been signed?
Not yet. It was concluded on 27 January 2026, and signature is expected by the end of 2026.
What steps remain before the agreement applies?
Council authorisation, signature, European Parliament consent, the Council decision to conclude, and ratification by India.
Read next
- The EU–India trade agreementConcluded in January 2026. Tariffs cut on 96.6% of EU exports to India. What it means for your business.
- Where the EU–India trade deal standsConcluded in January 2026, with signature expected by the end of the year. What the EU–India FTA changes, for whom, and when.
- India's trade deal with Switzerland and NorwayIn force since October 2025, with a USD 100 billion investment goal.
