India and EU clinch landmark free trade pact, Modi calls it a game-changing deal

India and the European Union sealed a landmark free trade agreement, creating a vast market (about 2 billion people) and aiming to boost sectors such as textiles, gems and jewelry, leather, and shoes. Modi dubbed it a major milestone as New Delhi seeks relief from U.S. tariffs and to diversify its trade, with the EU accounting for roughly a quarter of global GDP and serving as India’s largest trading partner; the pact complements India’s other recent deals with the U.K., Oman, and New Zealand.