Global media and leaders hail the historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement, calling it the "mother of all deals" that boosts trade and strategic ties.
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DIMAPUR — The conclusion of the India–European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has drawn reactions from international media, political leadership, global business heads, and policy experts.
The Telegraph, in an article by James Crisp titled ‘Modi is real winner in ‘mother of all trade deals’ with EU’, described the agreement as the “mother of all trade deals”, arguing that India has emerged as the real strategic winner. The paper noted that the deal eliminates or reduces tariffs on 96.6% of EU exports to India, while the EU will cut tariffs on 99.5% of Indian goods over seven years.
Bloomberg, in an article by Dan Strumpf titled ‘All Roads Lead to Modi as World Hedges Trump’, stated that the “mother of all deals” concluded between India and the European Union is the latest example of an emerging pattern: New Delhi as the go-to partner for countries. In another article, it noted that duties on cars will fall as low as 10%, compared to earlier levels of over 100%, and that duties on auto components will be eliminated.
The Wall Street Journal framed the agreement as a response by middle powers to global tariff disruptions, highlighting how India and the EU are expanding alliances amid uncertainty created by United States trade policies. The New York Times stressed that the deal brings together the world’s largest economic bloc and the fastest-growing major economy after nearly two decades of negotiations.
The Washington Post, The Guardian, and the BBC all referred to the agreement as the “mother of all deals” in their headlines. Associated Press highlighted the scale with its headline ‘India and the European Union reach a free trade deal representing a third of global trade’, while Al Jazeera noted the creation of a “$27 trillion market”. Reuters called it a landmark deal where tariffs are to be slashed on most goods.
On Fox News, journalist Qamar Cheema said India is set to benefit from this agreement as tariffs will be reduced to zero in several key sectors. He added that neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh will no longer be able to compete with India in the European market.
Several senior political leaders across Europe publicly welcomed the agreement. Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany, called the conclusion of negotiations a “very positive sign”. Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, described the FTA as historic and the largest trade deal ever concluded by either side, saying it would significantly intensify economic and political ties.
Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Sweden, said the agreement marks the launch of a new era of cooperation, strengthening prosperity, competitiveness, and security through trade and partnership. Christian Stocker, Chancellor of Austria, stated that the deal creates a free trade zone benefiting two billion people, calling it a major step for Europe’s resilience in a rapidly changing global order.
European and global business leaders operating in India responded with optimism. Jürgen Westermeier, president and managing director for India and South Asia at Airbus and president of the Federation of European Business in India, described the FTA as a “big moment” after 20 years of discussions. Wouter van Wersch, president of Airbus International, called it a “fantastic day,” reiterating Airbus’ long-term commitment to Make in India, technology transfer, defence, space, and advanced manufacturing.
Leading industry representatives, including CEOs from key German carmakers such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, praised the deal’s potential.
Organisations including the Croatian Employers’ Association (HUP), BusinessEurope, Svenskt Näringsliv, Företagarna, and Chambers Ireland also welcomed the move.
Global policy experts and think tanks described the agreement as substantively strong and strategically well-timed. The Kiel Institute for the World Economy stated that deeper integration could boost bilateral trade by 41 to 65 per cent and raise real incomes by 0.12–0.13 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on both sides.