The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a post-Soviet bloc consisting of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, has formally stepped up efforts to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) with India. The announcement came after Andrey Slepnev, the bloc’s trade minister, visited New Delhi on September 15–16 for talks with Indian officials. The move underscores growing economic interdependence between India and Eurasian economies at a time when global trade realignments are accelerating in the wake of geopolitical tensions and sanctions regimes.

Speaking in New Delhi, Slepnev emphasized the mutual interest shared by both sides in deepening commercial ties. “First of all, we certainly recognize the interest of Indian partners in developing trade with the Eurasian Economic Union,” he said. “In this regard, the interest is mutual.”

He noted that while Indian goods entering the EAEU market remain important, the bloc’s top priority is to expand the visibility and competitiveness of Eurasian products in India. To that end, the EAEU has set a 2026 deadline for finalizing the FTA, giving both parties less than two years to align on sensitive tariff schedules, regulatory frameworks, and sectoral concessions.

Negotiations are expected to kick off in earnest this November, when the first formal round of talks is scheduled to take place in India. According to the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, these discussions will focus on the “core aspects of the future deal,” following a period of intensive consultations between Indian officials and representatives of EAEU member states.

The timeline for the FTA is being carefully calibrated with high-level political engagements. Slepnev noted that progress on the agreement is expected before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India, where........

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