As India and the European Union enter a decisive phase in their strategic partnership, the India-EU Summit 2026 marks a turning point in trade, security, and global cooperation. Anchored by the long-awaited India-EU Free Trade Agreement, the Summit reflects deeper political trust and growing strategic convergence.

About the Episode

In this episode of Podcast Beyond Borders by CPPR (Centre for Public Policy Research), titled “India-EU Summit 2026: Trade, Strategic Convergence, and the Road Ahead”, we explore:

• The key features of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and how it addresses long-standing market access and regulatory challenges

• Sectoral gains for India, particularly in exports, value chains, and services engagement with the EU

• The strategic logic behind India-EU connectivity initiatives and their relevance in a fragmented global order

Speaker:

Professor Dr Ummu Salma Bava, Professor and Jean Monnet Chair, Centre for European Studies, School of International Studies (SIS), and Chairperson, Special Centre for National Security Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi

Moderator:

Key Discussion Points:

1. The India-EU Summit 2026 marks a landmark moment, concluding nearly two decades of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement.
2. The FTA reduces tariffs on approximately 92-95% of traded goods, significantly improving market access on both sides. Labour-intensive Indian sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather, and engineering goods are among the biggest immediate beneficiaries.
3. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will affect energy-intensive Indian exports like steel and aluminium, with greater pressure on MSMEs.
4. Skills, education, and legal mobility frameworks aim to connect India’s demographic dividend with Europe’s skills shortages.
5. Calibrated liberalisation in automobiles limits tariff reductions to the luxury segment, protecting domestic manufacturing under Make in India.
6. Connectivity initiatives such as IMEC, Global Gateway, and MAHASAGAR expand India-EU cooperation into energy security, digital corridors, and maritime strategy. 

🎧Listen now to gain insights into how the India-EU Summit 2026 reshapes trade diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and India’s role in the evolving multipolar world.

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