How India unlocked 99% duty-free access to the EU: Piyush Goyal explains

India and the European Union have concluded a landmark free trade agreement after nearly two decades of negotiations. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal explains how the deal works and what it delivers, from 99% duty-free access for Indian exports to new opportunities for manufacturing, MSMEs, and labour-intensive sectors. The India–EU FTA covers almost the entire spectrum of bilateral trade, while shielding sensitive sectors through exclusions and long transition periods. The agreement now moves to legal vetting and ratification before coming into force. Here’s what changes for the Indian industry, exports, and jobs.