India–EU FTA 2026: Who Really Gains? Tariffs, Trade Savings & Strategic Risks Explained
Is it Structural Realignment Trade agreements are not press releases. They are economic architecture. And architecture determines who gains leverage — and who gives it away. India has signed a sweeping Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. It is being described as historic. But history teaches us something uncomfortable. The East India Company did not arrive as a ruler. It arrived as a trader. This is not colonialism. But structural vigilance is not paranoia. Let us examine the structure. 1. Trade Size — The Starting Point TRADE SNAPSHOT (2025) • Total India–EU trade (goods & services): ~€180 billion • India exports to EU (goods): ~€71 billion • EU exports to India (goods): ~€49–75 billion • India commits to eliminate tariffs on ~96–99% of EU goods • EU commits to eliminate tariffs on ~90–97% of Indian goods TARIFF TIMELINE SNAPSHOT • Cars: from ~100–110% → ~10% (phased over 5–10 yrs) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} • Machinery: up ...