India to Gain Most From EU Trade Deal, Says US Trade Chief

The landmark trade agreement between India and the European Union appears to tilt decisively in New Delhi’s favour, according to the United States’ top trade official, who said India is poised to emerge as the biggest beneficiary of the deal. The assessment adds an international endorsement to what has already been described as one of the most consequential trade pacts signed by India in recent decades.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the agreement would give India substantially greater access to European markets, predicting strong economic gains once the pact comes into force. Speaking in a televised interview, Greer remarked that after reviewing key aspects of the agreement, it was clear that India would “come out on top,” particularly in terms of expanded export opportunities.

According to Greer, the trade deal not only opens European markets to Indian goods but could also enhance labour mobility for Indian professionals. He pointed to public remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has spoken about improving pathways for Indian workers to access employment opportunities across Europe. While details of such provisions are still being finalised, Greer suggested that mobility clauses could further strengthen India’s position under the agreement.

India and the European Union recently concluded the Free Trade Agreement, often described as the “mother of all deals,” creating a combined economic space of nearly two billion people. The pact is expected to account for almost a quarter of global GDP and represents one of the most ambitious bilateral trade agreements ever negotiated by either side. Under the agreement, tariffs will be eliminated on 99 percent of Indian exports to the EU, while duties on more than 97 percent of European exports to India will be reduced or removed over time.

The agreement also outlines a broader five-year strategic roadmap aimed at deepening cooperation beyond trade, including defence collaboration, supply chain resilience, and alignment on global standards. Supporters of the pact argue that it positions India as a central player in global manufacturing and services at a time when supply chains are being reshaped.

Despite acknowledging India’s advantage, the US trade chief downplayed the broader geopolitical implications of the deal. He argued that shifting global trade dynamics have pushed the European Union to seek alternative markets as the United States focuses more aggressively on domestic manufacturing and adopts a tougher stance on market access.

Under President Donald Trump, the US has increasingly emphasised local production and imposed higher barriers on imports, prompting trade-dependent economies to diversify their partnerships. Greer suggested that Europe’s outreach to India reflects this reality, describing the EU as highly dependent on trade and eager to find new destinations for its industrial output.

According to Greer, India’s advantage lies in its large workforce, competitive labour costs, and growing manufacturing base, factors that could make Indian producers especially attractive to European companies seeking cost-efficient supply chains. He added that while the EU appears to be “doubling down on globalisation,” India is well positioned to capitalise on this approach.

The remarks come as India seeks to strengthen its negotiating leverage globally following a string of major trade agreements. Analysts say the EU pact, combined with India’s expanding trade footprint, could reshape its economic relationships not only with Europe but also with the United States, where talks remain ongoing.

As implementation details are finalised, the India-EU agreement is increasingly being viewed as a strategic win for New Delhi, reinforcing its role as a key beneficiary of evolving global trade realignments.