In a resounding endorsement, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan declared the freshly inked India-European Union Free Trade Agreement a cornerstone for India’s development journey, particularly benefiting its vibrant agriculture sector.
From Raipur on Tuesday, Chouhan emphasized that this isn’t merely a commercial arrangement but a symbol of India’s assertive global leadership. The pact promises a surge in exports for flagship products including tea, coffee, spices, table grapes, cucumbers (fresh and pickling varieties), dehydrated onions, sweet corn, premium fruits-vegetables, and value-added foods.
Crafted with mutual respect for sectoral vulnerabilities, the FTA harmonizes trade expansion with national imperatives, safeguarding interests of farmers across borders. It’s a game-changer for India’s agri-economy.
Chouhan proudly noted India’s trajectory: ‘We’re not progressing in isolation; we’re pulling the world along.’ This deal unlocks opportunities for farmers, boosts rural incomes, and showcases India’s agri-dominance—number one in rice output, outpacing Green Revolution growth.
The agreement heralds new frontiers in agri-trade, processing, exports, and FDI. Indian goods will penetrate EU markets seamlessly, ensuring remunerative returns for producers and spurring employment in villages. Aligning perfectly with visions of self-reliant and advanced India, it cements long-term economic resilience.
This strategic alliance amid geopolitical fluxes underscores India’s pivotal role in shaping equitable global trade, promising shared wins for agri-stakeholders.