National Stock Exchange chief Ashish Chauhan is upbeat about the India-EU FTA’s potential to supercharge employment in labor-focused industries. On Tuesday, he stated the agreement will grant unprecedented market access, fueling job growth nationwide.
Labeled the ‘mother of all trade deals,’ it delivers on promises. The duo’s economies represent 25% of global GDP, with $220 billion in two-way trade: $135 billion merchandise, $85 billion services. Chauhan views bilateral deals as essential amid multilateral trade’s retreat.
Echoing PM Modi, who called it a shared prosperity blueprint, the FTA eases European doors for farmers and small units, ignites manufacturing innovation, and bolsters services synergy.
Budget-wise, Chauhan expects measured moves. The government’s fiscal track record is stellar, pandemic notwithstanding. Investors hope for LTCG, STT, and STCG tax reductions, contingent on fiscal health.
Looking ahead, this is transformative. Sectors reliant on manpower—think textiles, leather, handicrafts—will thrive, absorbing India’s youth bulge into productive roles. The FTA positions India as a trade titan, blending opportunity with economic resilience for sustained growth.