For him, the India-EU FTA is not merely a trade instrument; it represents a bridge between two worlds that have shaped his own identity. The negotiations for the India-EU FTA, relaunched after a long hiatus, have been complex, touching sensitive areas such as market access, digital trade, sustainability standards, intellectual property and mobility of professionals. For India, the deal promises deeper access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and a stronger voice in shaping global trade norms. Diplomats involved in the talks note that Costa often frames India-EU relations in terms of long-term partnership rather than short-term transactional gains. The India-EU FTA may ultimately be judged by tariff schedules and regulatory chapters, but for Antonio Costa, it also represents something less tangible: a symbolic closing of a circle that began generations ago.

Source: Indian Express January 27, 2026 18:48 UTC