Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the newly signed India–European Union trade agreement will create wide-ranging opportunities for citizens on both sides and strengthen cooperation between two of the world’s biggest economies.
Speaking via video link at the inauguration of India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, the Prime Minister described the pact as a landmark step in global trade. “A historic agreement has been finalised between India and the European Union. People across the world are calling it the ‘mother of all deals’,” PM Modi said.
He added that the agreement is expected to boost employment, investment, innovation and market access for businesses in both regions. “This deal will directly benefit people in India and Europe. It shows what strong partnerships between major economies can achieve,” he noted.
Highlighting the scale of the agreement, the Prime Minister said it covers nearly one-fourth of the global economy and around one-third of world trade. “Such partnerships reinforce our shared values of democracy, transparency and rule of law,” he said.
PM Modi also pointed out that the India-EU agreement complements India’s earlier trade arrangements with Britain and EFTA countries, helping India expand its global economic footprint. “I congratulate the people of India. This agreement will support long-term growth and global cooperation,” he added.
Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised India’s global role ahead of the deal. Sharing visuals from the Republic Day celebrations, she said, “A strong India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure.”
Von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa attended the Republic Day समारोह as chief guests, calling the visit a memorable moment. “Being part of India’s Republic Day celebrations is an honour of a lifetime,” she said.
The agreement comes at a time of shifting global trade dynamics, especially amid tariff pressures from the United States. India and the EU are also preparing a joint strategic roadmap for 2026–2030, focusing on trade, technology, energy and security cooperation.
