Elections in India and EU holding up FTA talks, hope to start later this year: Irish Minister

La Excellence IAS Academy

Elections in India and EU holding up FTA talks, hope to start later this year: Irish Minister

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La Excellence IAS Academy | March 18, 2024 | Economy



Syllabus: GS-II, Subject: Economy, Topic: Trade and External sector, Issue: India-EU FTA

Context: Talks for the India-EU Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement are delayed due to elections in India and the European Parliament.

Synopsis:

  • Negotiations face challenges due to defensive interests, especially in agriculture, and upcoming elections.
  • Progress is expected after the elections, with talks possibly accelerating in the autumn.
  • Despite India’s recent FTA with EFTA countries, negotiations with the EU are pending.
European Free Trade Association (EFTA) (1960):

●       Promotes free trade and economic integration among member states.

●       Member countries include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

●       Unlike the EU, EFTA is not a customs union, allowing member states to set their own customs tariffs and trade policies.

Source: The Hindu

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