The United States has offered its first official reaction to the newly concluded India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer calling it a clear strategic gain for India.In an interview with financial news channel, Greer said India appears to have benefitted substantially from the deal, arguing that New Delhi “comes out on top” by securing greater access to European markets and possibly labour mobility provisions.Greer’s comments come a day after India and the EU finalised the long-pending agreement in New Delhi, capping nearly two decades of negotiations. Often described as the “mother of all deals”, the FTA is expected to sharply reduce or eliminate tariffs across a wide range of goods and services and deepen economic integration between India and the 27-nation EU bloc.Placing the pact in a broader geopolitical context, Greer linked it to the Trump administration’s trade policy, which prioritises domestic production and tighter access to the US market. He suggested this approach has pushed major economies, particularly the EU, to look for alternative markets, with India emerging as a key beneficiary.Goyal may visit Canada soonCommerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is likely to travel to Canada in the coming weeks to revive talks on the stalled Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)India and Canada have agreed to fast-track FTA negotiations, with discussions expected to focus on critical minerals, energy, emerging technologies and supply-chain cooperation“Because President Trump has prioritised domestic production and effectively started charging a fee for access to the US market, other countries are trying to find new outlets for overproduction,” Greer said. “From what I’ve seen so far, India comes out on top.”Officials indicated that the agreement could also include provisions easing mobility for Indian professionals in Europe, a move that could significantly benefit India’s services and technology sectors, though Greer said details were still being worked out.Greer also highlighted a widening divergence between the US and EU on globalisation, noting that while Europe is pushing deeper trade integration, Washington is focused on correcting trade imbalances and safeguarding strategic industries.Meanwhile, buoyed by momentum from the India-EU deal, New Delhi is stepping up efforts on other trade fronts. According to sources, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is likely to travel to Canada in the coming weeks to revive talks on the stalled Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).India and Canada have agreed to fast-track FTA negotiations, with discussions expected to focus on critical minerals, energy, emerging technologies and supply-chain cooperation. Ottawa’s renewed interest is also reflected in the prospect of high-level political engagements, including a possible visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, underscoring growing global interest in accelerating trade agreements with India.
