29 Jan 2026
Indians can expect a faster, more predictable, less bureaucratic Schengen process, although not a guaranteed approval.
The India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will phase out tariffs on over 97% of EU exports to India and grant preferential access to 99% of Indian exports to the EU. It could increase bilateral trade by 41–65% and raise incomes by 0.12–0.13% of GDP in both regions.
As part of the FTA, the EU has committed to modernising and simplifying Schengen visa procedures through full digitalisation, reducing long processing times and document‑verification issues that currently hinder Indian travellers.
EU–India trade has grown by ~90% in the last decade. In 2024, EU exports to India reached €48.8 billion.
Indian IT, textiles, chemicals, machinery, agriculture, and processed foods sectors gain preferential access to the EU’s high-value market. The European firms benefit from reduced Indian tariffs and clearer regulatory frameworks.
India and the EU together represent 21.1% of global GDP and 23.4% of the world’s population.
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