EU-India trade deal: Opportunity for India’s pharma sector (published Feb 22, 2026): (The Times of India)

Big Market, Small Share

The newly concluded European Union–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) — in negotiation for
nearly 20 years — could reshape India’s role in global pharmaceutical trade.
The EU represents one of the world’s largest pharma markets (together with medical
technologies valued at ~€570 billion), but India currently supplies only about 2–3% of its
pharmaceutical imports despite being the world’s largest supplier of generic medicines by
volume. (The Times of India)

What the FTA Changes

The deal proposes to eliminate tariffs (previously 2–11%) on pharmaceuticals and reduce
duties on medical devices (from up to 27.5% to zero), lowering cost barriers and improving
competitiveness for Indian exports.
These changes could also speed regulatory alignment, making it easier for Indian companies to participate in EU clinical trials and supply clinical materials — beyond just finished drugs. (The Times of India)

Strategic Shift for India and EU

Beyond exports, the agreement could help India advance up the pharmaceutical value chain — from being a high-volume, cost-focused supplier to becoming a trusted partner in life sciences, particularly in complex injectable, biosimilar, and oncology products.
Success will depend on how effectively Indian firms navigate EU regulatory norms and turn the
tariff advantages into sustained long-term market presence. (The Times of India)

Broader Context

- India already exports pharmaceuticals worth billions to the EU (about USD 3 billion), but this
  deal could significantly expand that footprint in one of the most lucrative and regulated markets
  globally if implemented effectively. (The Times of India)

Reference: EU-India trade deal: Opportunity for India’s pharma sector | Lucknow News – The Times of
India

EU-India trade deal: Opportunity for India’s pharma sector