India, Jan. 28 -- The free trade deal between India and the European Union will immediately allow duty-free access to 90.7% of Indian exports in Europe's $9.5 trillion goods and services market upon operationalisation of the pact. The agreement is set to enhance the competitiveness of labour-intensive sectors - such as textiles, leather, tea, coffee, spices, toys, gems and jewellery, and marine products - compared to least developed countries such as Bangladesh.

Both sides described the deal as forward-looking and mutually beneficial. "Today, India has concluded the largest Free Trade Agreement in its history so far. Today is the 27th, and it's a happy coincidence that on this very day, India is signing this FTA with the 27 countries of ...