Home Minister Amit Shah: ‘Assam stands to gain from India–EU Free Trade Agreement

’By Dalim Phukan

Guwahati, Jan. 31: The India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to open significant new opportunities for Assam, particularly in export-oriented sectors such as tea, spices, handicrafts and pharmaceuticals.

Addressing a special meeting in Dibrugarh on January 30, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the landmark agreement, under which India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 27 European nations to enhance trade and economic cooperation.

Officials said Assam stands to benefit substantially from the accord, with tea exports likely to see the most immediate impact. Assam tea, which has traditionally faced high import duties in European markets, is expected to gain access to EU countries with minimal or zero tariff barriers under the agreement.

The reduced tariff regime is expected to significantly enhance the global competitiveness of Assam tea and boost export volumes. Besides tea, the agreement is also expected to create new market opportunities for Assam’s spices, handicrafts, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and mineral-based products.

After years of negotiations and sustained diplomatic engagement, the India–EU trade agreement was formally signed in January 2026, marking a key milestone in India’s evolving trade relations with Europe. The development is seen as a major step towards deeper global integration and expanded export prospects for states like Assam.