Nobel laureate economist Abhijit Banerjee said the India–EU free trade agreement sends a signal that India does not rely heavily on the United States. He called the pact “a strategic alignment” that tells Washington “we don’t need the US as much as the US thinks we do”. Banerjee, however, warned that the deal will not bring broad gains on its own. He said trade pacts are “just a starting point” and stressed the need for better efficiency and logistics. Slow ports, transport delays and supply chains remain key challenges. Banerjee said India must match global standards to benefit fully. (PC: The Telegraph)

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said India “comes out on top” in its newly concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, calling it a strategic win for New Delhi that offers expanded access to the EU market and bolsters long-term economic ties. The deal — described by leaders as the “mother of all deals” after nearly 20 years of talks — will slash tariffs on most goods and create a market of nearly two billion consumers. It also reflects growing trade diversification as U.S. tariff policies under President Trump prompt partners to seek alternative ties. (PC: X)

The United States’ top trade official has said India is likely to gain the most from its landmark free trade agreement with the European Union. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the deal appears to tilt in New Delhi’s favour by giving India wider access to European markets. In an interview, Greer said India would “come out on top” and benefit once the pact is implemented. He also pointed to possible worker mobility provisions for Indians in Europe. India and the EU finalised the agreement this week, creating a market of nearly two billion people. The pact will remove most tariffs and expand trade flows between both sides. (PC: India Today)

India's historic trade deal with the EU eliminates tariffs on 96.6% of European exports, potentially making numerous products cheaper for Indian consumers. The agreement is one of the largest both parties have concluded, reduces duties from 50-150% to 0-20%, saving €4 billion annually. Key industrial goods seeing tariff cuts include machinery, aircraft, medical equipment, plastics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals dropping to zero percent. Motor vehicles will decrease from 110% to 10%. Agricultural products like wine, spirits, beer, olive oil, processed foods, and meat will see significant reductions. Prime Minister Modi announced this deal represents 25% of global GDP and one-third of global trade, creating major opportunities for Indians and Europeans alike. (PC: Instagram/@HindustanTimes)

India’s free trade agreement with the European Union has accelerated wider changes in global trade ties. Following the deal, Canada and Brazil have moved to strengthen economic engagement with India. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is planning a visit to New Delhi in March to expand cooperation in energy, critical minerals and technology. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will lead a large business delegation to India in February. Officials and analysts link these moves to efforts by major economies to reduce dependence on the United States as tariff risks rise under President Donald Trump. The India-EU pact, signed on January 27, is seen as a central pillar of this shift. (PC: BBC)

India and the European Union have agreed on a major free trade deal. The agreement will cut tariffs on most European goods entering India. Import duty on European cars will fall to 10% from nearly 70% over time. Medicines, medical equipment, machinery and chemicals will also become cheaper. Tariffs on wine will drop to 20–30%, while duties on beer and spirits will be reduced. Over 90% of EU goods will see lower or zero tariffs. The EU expects exports to India to double by 2032. The deal may increase competition for Indian firms. (PC: Salman Ali/PTI)

India and the European Union signed a new Security and Defence Partnership on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the deal will strengthen cooperation in defence and security. The partnership covers maritime security, cyber threats, counter-terrorism and space security. India also pitched itself as a defence manufacturing hub for Europe. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called the pact a trust-based platform. The deal may allow Indian defence firms to benefit from the EU’s SAFE programme. Leaders said the partnership will support joint defence production and help maintain security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Former UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, of Indian origin, has defected from the Conservative Party to join Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. The surprise announcement was made at a Reform UK rally for party activists in London on January 27. Braverman becomes the third Conservative MP to quit the Tories and join Reform UK within just over a week, marking a significant blow to the Conservative Party. The BBC reported that Farage himself announced Braverman's defection at the event. Her departure continues a troubling trend for the Conservatives, as Reform UK gains momentum by attracting high-profile former Tory ministers and MPs to Farage's populist platform. (PC: AP)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the India-EU trade deal, accusing Europe of "financing the war against themselves" by purchasing refined oil products from India that use Russian crude. Defending Trump's 25% tariffs on Indian imports over Russian oil purchases, Bessent told ABC News that Europe's energy trade contradicts its security stance. He argued the US bears greater economic burden while Europe benefits from supply chain gaps. However, Bessent recently indicated tariff relief is possible, noting Indian refinery purchases of Russian crude "have collapsed." The Trump administration imposed up to 50% tariffs on Indian goods, doubled in August. India and EU formally announced their comprehensive free trade agreement conclusion. (PC: X)

Global powers are rapidly realigning trade partnerships amid Trump's protectionist threats. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer flies to China Tuesday, the first British leader visiting in eight years to reduce dependence on an "unpredictable" US. Canadian PM Mark Carney plans a March India visit after Trump's "51st state" remarks and 100% tariff threats, aiming to double non-US exports. The centerpiece is the January 27 India-EU "mother of all deals" covering two billion people and nearly 25% of global GDP. EU will cut tariffs on 96.6% of goods to India, saving €4 billion annually. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized India's Russia ties, but Foreign Minister Jaishankar defended India's "strategic autonomy." (PC: PTI)