India-EU Free Trade Agreement Expected to Roll Out in Mid-2027, Says Top EU Lawmaker

David McAllister, Chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to be signed by mid-December 2026. According to the lawmaker, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to travel to Brussels for the official signing ceremony.

McAllister shared these remarks during an interview after leading an EU Parliamentary delegation to India. He noted that the agreement, often referred to as the "mother of all deals," will be subject to rigorous scrutiny by the European Parliament.

Timeline and Ratification Process

• Expected Signing: Mid-December 2026, with a possible visit by PM Modi to Brussels following the US G20 summit.
• Consent Vote: Anticipated by spring next year in the European Parliament.
• Rollout: The agreement is expected to officially enter into force by mid-December 2027.

McAllister expressed confidence in securing broad majority support for the trade pact, emphasizing the mutual benefits for both sides. While the European Parliament cannot amend the text, its consent vote is mandatory for the agreement to take effect.

Investment and Strategic Cooperation

The EU lawmaker highlighted several key areas of expected cooperation:

• Investment Protection: Progress on an investment protection agreement is welcomed to boost European investor confidence in the Indian market.
• Supply Chains: Collaborative efforts to de-risk supply chains and reduce dependencies.
• Defence and Security: Support for closer ties between India and the European defence industry, encompassing information sharing, research cooperation, and cybersecurity.

Diplomatic Discussions

Regarding international affairs, McAllister welcomed the Modi government's diplomatic efforts concerning the Russia-Ukraine war, praising constructive diplomatic steps toward achieving peace. He emphasized that any future peace agreement must be just, sustainable, and inclusive of concrete security guarantees.

To verify official developments regarding the trade agreement, observers should monitor announcements from the Ministry of External Affairs of India and official European Union communication channels.