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India–EU Free Trade Agreement: a turning point for trust and compliance in 2026

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The European Union and India have resumed trade negotiations with the aim of concluding a comprehensive free trade agreement. The stakes go far beyond customs duties: the goal is to create a common framework based on trust, transparency, and mutual recognition of standards.

The EU is already India's largest trading partner, accounting for14% of its foreign trade according to the European Commission. For its part, India continues to enjoy sustained growth: the IMF predicts that it will become the world's third-largest economy by 2027.

In this context, companies in both regions express a clear need: to simplify regulatory requirements and harmonize practices. A BusinessEurope study indicates that 80% of European companies operating in India cite regulatory complexity as the main obstacle. Conversely, a FICCI survey shows that 70% of Indian exporters want greater convergence with European standards.

The agreement under discussion could facilitate mutual recognition of certifications, reduce duplicate audits, and accelerate market access. For AFNOR International and our franchise in India, this dynamic opens up a strategic opportunity to support organizations in their compliance efforts, particularly through the ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, ISO 27001, ISO20000-1, the new ISO 42001 dedicated to AI, and Trusted Blockchain Certification.

In a world where trade is becoming increasingly complex, trust is becoming a strategic asset. The EU-India agreement is a case in point: it places quality, safety, and compliance at the heart of economic cooperation. And this is precisely whereAFNOR International adds value.

 

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