Vantage | Why India's $100 bn proposed trade deal with Europe is different

In the pursuit of economic growth, the Maldives seems to have missed a crucial lesson: relying solely on a handful of major players isn’t a sustainable strategy. The key to sustainable growth lies in opening up to broader economic participation.

India is a case in point India stands on the brink of sealing a significant trade deal that could have far-reaching implications. Negotiations with Europe are nearing completion, with the potential for India to attract a staggering $100 billion in investment. This proposed agreement with Europe is noteworthy for several reasons. Unlike conventional trade deals focused on tariff reduction, India is poised to open up its markets in exchange for substantial investment, a move that could inject significant capital into its economy over the next 15 years. The pact, unlike typical free trade agreements, comes with binding investment guarantees, a rare feature that could set a precedent for future trade negotiations. The investment is slated to originate from a special bloc of European nations known as the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. While negotiations involve this bloc rather than the entire European Union, the agreement could serve as a model for broader regional trade engagements. The potential investments are earmarked for both new and existing manufacturing projects, promising to create over a million jobs and bolster India’s industrial landscape. Beyond the economic windfall, the deal offers additional perks for India, including enhanced visa provisions for Indian professionals seeking access to the EFTA countries. In return, the EFTA nations seek expanded market access for their goods in India, spanning processed foods, beverages, electrical machinery, engineering products, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. While the deal holds immense promise, its fruition has been a long time coming, with negotiations spanning back to 2008. However, recent reports indicate that key issues have been resolved, paving the way for a potential agreement, pending finalization. India’s proactive engagement extends beyond this agreement, with ongoing discussions involving up to 50 nations, signalling its openness to global trade and investment. In essence, India’s approach sends a clear message: it is open for business, embracing a strategy of economic openness and diversification for sustainable growth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.