India‑EU Trade Relations Post‑2022: Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
International · 22 Aug 2026 · Source: Internet
Negotiations for a CEPA between India and the European Union aim to deepen market access, reduce tariffs, and promote sustainable trade.
The CEPA discussions, initiated in 2022, target the removal of duties on over 1,500 Indian products, including textiles, engineering goods, and pharmaceuticals, while granting EU firms better access to Indian services such as finance and IT.
Key focus areas include rules of origin, intellectual property rights, and sustainable development clauses that align with both parties’ climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade volumes, which stood at approximately $115 billion in 2021, and attract greater foreign direct investment into sectors like renewable energy and digital infrastructure.
Implementation timelines anticipate a phased rollout, with tariff reductions commencing within two years of ratification, subject to parliamentary approvals in both regions.