FTA Expected to Boost Innovation and Supply Chains Between EU and India

The pending Free Trade Agreement between the European Union, represented by France, and India is being hailed as a catalyst for deepening technological and commercial links. Minister Benjamin Haddad, speaking in New Delhi, said the pact will help both economies lower transaction costs and create a more resilient supply‑chain architecture.

He stressed that sectors such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, and health services stand to gain from joint research initiatives and harmonised standards. The minister argued that a shared innovation ecosystem would not only accelerate product development but also enhance competitiveness on the global stage.

Furthermore, Haddad suggested that the agreement could serve as a model for future EU‑India partnerships, showcasing how two large economies can cooperate while preserving strategic autonomy. He called for a coordinated diplomatic stance that promotes multilateral trade rules and reduces dependence on any single market.

The French delegation will also attend the France‑India 1.5‑track dialogue and deliver remarks at the Raisina Forum, reinforcing the broader strategic narrative surrounding the FTA.