India and the European Union (EU) have finally completed the long ongoing negotiations regarding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This agreement is considered important for increasing trade and strengthening economic relations between the two biggest economies of the world. Both sides have described this deal as balanced and keeping the future in mind. This has also been formally announced today.

Antonio Costa said – strong political message against tariffs
European Council President Antonio Costa said the agreement sends a clear political message to the world against rising tariffs and protectionism. He said that this step of India-EU is very important amidst the uncertainty that has arisen at the global level due to the policies of US President Donald Trump.

India-EU closeness necessary: ​​Costa
Antonio Costa said while talking to Hindustan Times, ‘In today’s multipolar world, it is necessary that India and the European Union come closer. Together we can become a strong partner providing stability, trust and security in international relations and safeguarding the rules-based global order. Costa attended the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The agreement is being described as the ‘Mother of All Trade Deals’
The European Union is India’s largest trading partner. The EU chief himself has called this free trade deal the ‘Mother of All Trade Deals’. It is believed that this will increase trade and investment especially in those areas which have been affected by Trump’s tariffs.

agreement to stabilize geopolitics
Antonio Costa said that this trade agreement is very important not only economically but also geopolitically.
He said, “This shows how trade can be protected based on international rules. This is a strong stabilizing agreement.”

Message of ‘trust on trade, not tariffs’
According to Costa, the India-EU agreement will send a message to the world that India and the EU believe in trade agreements rather than tariffs. This is happening at a time when many countries are moving towards protectionism and increasing tariffs.

Current India-EU trade figures
In the financial year 2024-25, trade in goods between India and the European Union stood at $136.53 billion. In this, India’s export was 75.85 billion dollars and import was 60.68 billion dollars. In the services sector, trade between the two will be worth $83.10 billion in 2024.

How much tax is levied on whom?
At present, the average tax on Indian goods in EU is 3.8 percent, but in labor intensive sectors it is up to 10 percent. Whereas in India there is an average tax of 9.3 percent on goods coming from EU. There is a duty of 35.5 percent on cars and their parts, 10.4 percent on plastics, and about 9.9 percent on chemicals and medicines.

Which sectors will benefit from FTA
When this free trade agreement is signed by the end of this year, many products from labour-intensive sectors like textiles, chemicals, gems and jewellery, electrical machinery, leather and footwear will get the opportunity to trade without duty or at reduced duty.

The long-running Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and the European Union have finally been completed. This historic deal is being called the Mother of all Trade Deals, because through it a huge market consisting of about 25 percent of the world’s global GDP and about 2 billion consumers has been connected. On Monday (26 January 2026), Commerce Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal confirmed this much-awaited deal, while on Tuesday (27 January 2026) Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced it. This deal is considered a major turning point in India’s global economic strategy.

Negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the European Union first began in 2013, but the process was stalled due to several differences. The talks were restarted in June 2022 and now after a long wait of almost nine years, this agreement has come out in its final form. This agreement is also special because under this, India will get direct and easy trade entry into the markets of 27 European countries. This is expected to further strengthen India’s role in the global supply chain.

EU becomes India’s largest trade partner

The European Union remained India’s largest trading partner in the financial year 2023-24. During this period, the total trade between India and EU reached 135 billion dollars. After the implementation of the new free trade agreement, there is a possibility of rapid growth in this trade.

Duty-free access to more than 97 percent Indian products

Indian exporters are going to get the biggest benefit of this agreement. According to reports, after the implementation of FTA, more than 97 percent of Indian products will get entry into the European market duty-free or at very low duty. Labour-intensive sectors like textile, leather, jewellery, electronics and chemicals will benefit the most. Also, with the end of the special duty-free benefits given to countries like Bangladesh, the competitive position of Indian companies will be further strengthened.

Strategic balance between Trump’s tariff policy

The India-EU Free Trade Deal has come at a time when US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies have increased instability in global trade. America has imposed a tariff of up to 25 percent on Indian products and has also imposed an additional 25 percent penalty on the purchase of Russian oil. The European Union has also been affected by America’s steel and aluminum tariffs. In such a situation, this agreement between India and EU is being seen as a strategic balance against Trump’s tariff policy.

Prime Minister Modi said – This is not just business, it is partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described this agreement as not just a trade agreement but a victory for shared values. He said that this agreement is an ideal example of partnership between the two largest democratic economies of the world. According to the Prime Minister, this deal represents 25 percent of global GDP and almost one-third of global trade and also strengthens democracy, rule of law and international cooperation.

Free trade zone of 2 billion people

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described this agreement as historic and said that history has been made today. He said that India and EU together have created a free trade zone of about 2 billion people and this is just the beginning. According to him, this agreement will give new heights to the India-Europe strategic partnership in the coming years and will play an important role in bringing stability to the global economy.

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US Iran Trade Tariff: US President Donald Trump has decided to impose heavy tariffs on many countries. Because of which he constantly remains in the headlines of newspapers. In this context, he has recently issued a new decree indicating the imposition of 25 percent tariff on countries doing business with Iran.

This step has been taken in view of the anti-government protests in Iran and the situation there. But its impact will not be limited to Iran only. This decision may also hit the pockets of the common people of America. Due to this step, clothes, jewelery and many daily use items may become expensive in America in the coming time.

Iran’s economy under pressure due to tariff decision

Iran may have to face a lot of trouble due to this step of America. There are already many types of sanctions imposed on Iran. The inflation rate in the country remains above 40 percent. There is also a possibility of increase in the prices of foreign goods. Despite these situations arising in the country, the Iranian government does not seem to be coming under American pressure.

Why might inflation increase in America?

This decision on tariff may increase inflationary pressure in America. Countries doing business with Iran include Türkiye, India, China and UAE. From which America imports goods in large quantities.

There is a possibility of increase in tariffs on textiles and clothing from Türkiye, precious gems and jewelery from India and electronics goods from China. In such a situation, American customers may ultimately have to bear the burden of increasing prices of these goods.

Legal dilemma over tariffs

It has not yet been made clear by the Trump government whether the new tariffs will be imposed on top of the existing charges or will be implemented separately. Apart from this, questions remain on the legal validity of these tariffs.

This case is currently undergoing hearing in the US Supreme Court. If the court rules against the tariffs, the government may have to return large amounts of money to companies as refunds.

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American politics and economy are currently at a very sensitive juncture. President Donald Trump’s much talked about tariff policy has now directly reached the doorstep of the US Supreme Court. This matter is not only legal, but its impact extends to America’s economic structure, the global trade system and Trump’s political credibility.

The real controversy centers on whether the Trump administration properly used its emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Trump government had imposed large-scale import duties citing national security. America recovered hundreds of billions of dollars from these tariffs and put economic pressure on many countries. This case is also historic because for the first time the US Supreme Court will decide what is the limit of the President’s emergency power. If the court sets clear limits, then no future president will be able to impose arbitrary tariffs like this.

America will be ruined – the real reason behind Trump’s warning

Donald Trump’s statement that America will be ruined if the Supreme Court goes against us is not just political rhetoric. Solid economic calculations and political compulsions are hidden behind this. Trump clearly said on his social media platform Truth Social that if the court cancels the tariffs, America may have to return hundreds of billions of dollars already recovered. Not only this, companies and countries which have set up factories, plants and equipment in America to avoid tariffs can also demand compensation. According to Trump, when all these possible claims are added, the loss could reach trillions of dollars. This amount can take America’s budget deficit to explosive levels. Such a huge refund would be almost impossible not only financially but also administratively. Apart from this, Trump’s entire America First policy has been based on tariffs. If this policy falls in the Supreme Court, it will raise direct questions on Trump’s leadership. This is the reason why he is trying to create pressure by showing the picture of possible devastation to the public even before the decision.

What will happen if the Supreme Court decides against Trump?

If the US Supreme Court declares Trump’s tariff policy illegal, its consequences will not be limited to America only. This will also affect the global economy. First, the US government may have to pay hundreds of billions of dollars in tariff refunds. This will put huge pressure on the government treasury and the budget deficit will increase rapidly. The second major blow will be to Trump’s political credibility. His most aggressive and popular economic policy will collapse in court. Third, America’s position in foreign trade negotiations will be weak. Questions will be raised on ongoing informal trade deals with many countries and some agreements may even be broken. The fourth and most important effect will be on the emergency power of the President. If the court sets a strict constitutional limit, it will be very difficult for any president to impose such tariffs in the future.

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Visa rules in America have now become more stringent. The Trump administration has issued a new guideline, according to which if a foreign citizen has diabetes, obesity, heart disease or other serious health problems, then he can be refused a visa. According to this instruction issued by the US State Department, such people can become a ‘public charge’ for America in the future, that is, they can put a burden on government resources.

Many serious diseases were included in the new guidelines
It has been said in the guideline that now in the visa process, not only infectious diseases or vaccination will be examined, but many non-infectious diseases will also be looked at seriously. This includes heart diseases, respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, metabolic and neurological diseases and mental health conditions. It is written in the guidelines that the treatment of these diseases can be very expensive, which can make the applicant a ‘public charge’.

Visa officer will ask these questions
The instructions said that the visa officers will also check whether the applicants are capable of getting their illness treated without government assistance or not. They will also be asked whether they will be able to bear the expenses of treatment for their entire life or will be dependent on government institutions. The same questions will apply to the health of family members such as children or elderly parents.

Experts expressed concern
Many immigration experts have expressed concern that it is not appropriate to have medical competency assessments conducted by visa officers, who do not have medical training. Experts say that officials may take wrong decisions due to personal beliefs or prejudices.

Green card applicants will be more affected
Although the guideline is applicable to all types of visas, legal experts believe that it will have the biggest impact on green card or permanent residence applicants, because they have to stay in the US for a longer period and the medical evaluation is done more strictly.

India EU Trade Deal: At a time when India is in talks with the US and European Union regarding a trade agreement and it is expected to be signed soon, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that the government is not in any hurry in this deal. According to Reuters, during the Berlin Global Dialogue, Goyal said that if any attempt is made by any trading partner country to impose any condition which hinders India’s trade options, it will be rejected.

Strong message from Piyush Goyal

It is noteworthy that talks on Free Trade Agreement are going on continuously between India and the European Union, but no consensus has been reached yet on market access and other issues. This conversation has been going on for a long time.

This strong message from Piyush Goyal has come at a time when Trump administration and the European Union are putting pressure on India to purchase cheap crude oil from Russia. America has imposed a high tariff of 50 percent on India, which includes an additional tariff of 25 percent due to the purchase of crude oil from Russia.

Attempt to put pressure on India

Western countries allege that India is indirectly helping in the fight against Ukraine by purchasing cheap oil from Russia. US President Donald Trump has claimed that Prime Minister Modi has committed to him that the purchase of crude oil from Russia will be reduced. However, the Government of India has not issued an official statement in this regard.

On the other hand, President Trump has imposed sanctions against Russia’s two major oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. As a result, India and China may be forced to reduce the purchase of oil from Russia.

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The increasing tension between America and China has once again shocked the global market. US President Donald Trump has announced that from November 1, 2025, 100% new tariffs will be imposed on all products imported from China, which will be in addition to the tariffs already in place. This announcement came at a time when China has started an antitrust investigation against American chip manufacturer Qualcomm. This investigation is related to the acquisition of Israeli chip designer company Autotalks by Qualcomm.

China launches antitrust investigation on Qualcomm

On October 10, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced that it was investigating Qualcomm. It is alleged that the company had not properly declared some details of the Autotox acquisition deal, thereby violating China’s competition laws. This deal was finalized in June 2025.

Qualcomm had earlier in 2015 also paid a fine of $975 million under China’s antitrust laws. According to reports, the company had stopped this deal in 2024, but it was completed this year. Autotox makes vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication chips, which help prevent car accidents and make automotive technology smarter.

America’s big economic attack on China

The Trump administration has said that this major step has been taken in response to new export controls on China’s rare earth minerals and lithium batteries. The US President also said that America will take unilateral action, no matter what other countries do. He indicated that he may also cancel his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit next month.

Trump also said that America will also implement export controls (export restrictions) on all important software. According to Stephen Wu, founder of Carthage Capital, China is not acting merely on a formal mistake. This is part of America’s strategy to put pressure on the chip and automotive supply chain.

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Trade tension between America and China has increased once again. US President Donald Trump has announced to impose 100 percent additional tariff on goods coming from China, which China has strongly condemned, calling it an example of double standards and unfair business conduct. This step of Trump has come in response to the strict control imposed by China on the export of rare-earth minerals.

China has clarified that the controls imposed by it are lawful and it is ready to promote dialogue and cooperation with all countries to maintain the security of global industrial and supply chains. At the same time, America has warned that if the situation does not improve, this month’s scheduled meeting with President Xi Jinping may be cancelled.

China made these allegations against America

China has alleged that since September, America has increased economic pressure on China. A ministry spokesperson said, ‘These steps have seriously harmed China’s interests and seriously affected the environment of trade negotiations between the two countries.’ The Commerce Ministry also said, ‘Threatening higher tariffs at every turn is not the right way to negotiate with China.’

China made this appeal to the Trump administration

China has appealed to the Trump administration to change its trade approach and condemned ‘threats of higher tariffs’. At the same time, the Chinese Ministry warned that if America remains adamant on its wrong policies, China will take concrete steps to protect its legitimate rights and interests.

The Chinese spokesperson further said, ‘China’s position is clear, we do not want a trade war, but we are not afraid of it either. We appeal to America to immediately correct its wrong practices.

Trump imposed 100 percent extra tariff on China

US President Donald Trump imposed 100% extra tariff on China and said that the decision taken by China on rare earth minerals will affect all countries. He called it a moral outrage and said it was part of China’s long-term strategy to dominate world trade. Trump made it clear that America will take unilateral action, no matter what other countries do. He said that from November 1, 2025, America will impose 100% new tariffs on China, which will be different and additional to any tariff currently imposed.

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US President Donald Trump has once again threatened to impose tariffs on China. In a long post on Truth Social, Trump has accused China of ‘disrupting’ the global market over rare minerals. Trump said that China is suddenly adopting a very ‘hostile’ attitude and is sending letters to many countries of the world talking about imposing export controls on rare minerals and production related materials. According to Trump, this move could ‘jam’ international trade markets and would affect almost every country.

Trump alleged that China is talking about controlling every element that is used in production, whether they are made in China or not. He said, ‘Nobody has seen anything like this before. This step will jam the global markets and create problems for all countries. He also said that many countries have contacted America and expressed their displeasure over this attitude of China.

Signs of cancellation of meeting with Xi Jinping
Trump said that he has not yet spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said that the two leaders were scheduled to meet at the APEC meeting to be held in South Korea two weeks later, but now ‘there is no reason to meet’.

We also have more power – Trump
Trump wrote in his post that America also has a stronger monopoly in some areas than China, but they had not used it till now. He said, ‘I never felt the need to do this – until now!’ Trump warned that as President of the United States, he would take financial retaliation if China did not withdraw its ‘hostile orders’.

Trump said that in response to China’s move, America is planning to increase heavy tariffs on Chinese products. Apart from this, many other counter-measures are being seriously considered. He said, ‘Maybe this time has come. It may be painful in the beginning, but in the end it will prove to be very good for America.

Has China made a move?
Trump also specifically raised questions on the fact that China issued this letter on the same day when peace was established in the Middle East after 3000 years. He said, ‘Was it a coincidence? it’s hard to say.’