BJP hails India-EU trade pact as historic milestone

Senior BJP leaders and trade representatives on Tuesday welcomed the India-European Union Trade Agreement, describing it as a historic and strategic milestone that would significantly strengthen the country’s global economic position.

BJP national treasurer Rajesh Agarwal said the agreement would link nearly one-fourth of the world’s GDP and enable trade engagement among over 200 crore people, calling it a development with far-reaching implications for the global economy. Citing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Agarwal said the deal was expected to be among the most significant trade agreements globally and would deepen technological cooperation between India and EU member states.

Agarwal noted that negotiations for the agreement began in 2007, but remained stalled for years before gaining momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He said the deal reflected India’s growing stature as a strong democratic and economic power and also serves a blow to the growing dominance of China in global trade.

According to Agarwal, the agreement is expected to benefit key sectors such as MSMEs, energy, petro-gas, defence, maritime logistics and manufacturing, while also boosting exports of textiles, jewellery, leather and food products. He added that the deal would open new avenues for trade and investment across more than 50 countries.

Echoing similar views, Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk and secretary general of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), said the agreement would enhance market access for Indian goods and services in the European Union, one of the world’s largest economic blocs. He said the pact underscored India’s policy stability and reform-driven growth under Prime Minister Modi.

Khandelwal added that the agreement would reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, attract higher foreign direct investment, promote technology transfer and innovation and generate large-scale employment. He said the deal would particularly empower MSMEs and strengthen the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat through deeper global integration.