How the India-EU FTA will level the playing field for the textile and apparel industry

For many garment industry insiders who have navigated the ebb and flow of global supply chains for years, witnessing the formal signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 27th January 2026 seems like the dawn of a new era. For decades, Indian exporters felt as if one hand was tied behind their backs as they faced stiff tariffs while neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam enjoyed preferential access to important markets such as the European Union. This commentary explores the most important shifts that this deal will likely bring to the textile and apparel landscape in India and the EU.