EU and India sign SFT

After 19 years of negotiations that began in 2007, the European Union and India have finally concluded a free trade agreement covering 2 billion people and about 25% of global GDP. According to experts, trade volumes will grow gradually, and real economic benefits can be expected 5–7 years after ratification, in 2027, when the deal comes into force. The agreement is considered an important political and strategic achievement, but economic benefits will come not instantly, but like a marathon.

This event became a topic of discussion on the Russian TV show "Volkov and Sych".

Context

Negotiations on the FTA between the EU and India have been ongoing since 2007, forming one of the key elements of the European Union's foreign policy towards Asia.