India-EU free trade talks progress, challenges remain

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions between India and the European Union (EU) have seen progress, but hurdles still remain, stated EU Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis. Speaking at a press conference in India, he expressed that the relationship between India and the EU holds vast untapped potential.

Although strides have been made in the FTA talks, Dombrovskis stressed that significant challenges need addressing. Emphasising the importance of the partnership, he noted, “India and the EU are foundational allies sharing core values and interests.” He further highlighted the EU’s role as India’s second-largest partner.

The geopolitical backdrop of the FTA negotiations underlines the growing emphasis on trust and credibility in global relations. Detailing rather than clubbing them together under a blanket ban,” he said in an interview.

Gowda says it is strange that anyone and everyone can buy ENDS and e-cigarettes at local shops, online, and even through WhatsApp. All these point to the ban’s failure to meet its objectives. It’s a similar story to alcohol prohibitions, which have resulted in huge black markets as well as unintended health risks from the consumption of spurious liquor.

“The government must study the balance of risk and reward in regulating e-cigarettes, an approach it has already applied to alcohol and tobacco -- products that have impacts on health, but which are difficult to ban and which also generate income for the government,” said Gowda.