India Signs Comprehensive Trade Deal With EU

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government concluded a landmark free trade agreement with the European Union after six months of talks, securing tariff cuts, services openness, investment facilitation and mobility provisions; the accord will be ratified by the European Parliament and is expected to take effect in about a year. It reduces tariffs on 99% of India's exports to the EU—enabling roughly $33 billion in immediate duty relief—and expands cooperation on standards, research and carbon mechanisms.