India and EU Target Year-End Finalization of Trade Pact

The Government of India and the European Union are working to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2026. Poland's Ambassador to India, Piotr Antoni Switalski, stated there is no reason for delay in making the pact operational, noting that legal scrubbing is complete while the European Union manages internal approvals and translations. Lithuanian Ambassador Diana Mickevičienė described the agreement as a victory that balances the liberalization of goods and services with the protection of vulnerable sectors.

While some sources suggest the FTA has been signed, Ambassador Mickevičienė noted that officials hope to sign by the end of the year, with a goal of full operationality during Lithuania's presidency of the Council of the European Union from January to June 2027. The agreement follows a period of growth, with bilateral trade in goods reaching USD 136.54 billion in 2024-25.

Parallel to these regional efforts, Poland is strengthening its specific bilateral ties with India. Ambassador Switalski announced that Prime Minister Donald Tusk plans to visit India to signal a green light for business cooperation. This follows a 2024 visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Poland. A Polish government delegation is scheduled to visit India next week to advance ongoing discussions regarding defence cooperation between government representatives and private companies.