Assam Tea to Reach Europe with Zero Tariff’: Amit Shah Hails India-EU Free Trade Deal

Assam | January 30, 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would be a major boost for Assam, especially Dibrugarh, as its tea would reach Europe “with zero tariff.” Speaking at a rally in Dibrugarh, Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sealing the landmark deal, calling it a “big thing for Dibrugarh.”

“Modiji has done a big thing for Dibrugarh. Recently, on 26-27 January, India signed a Free Trade Agreement with the 27 countries of the European Union. And the biggest beneficiary of that FTA is going to be our Dibrugarh. The tea of Dibrugarh will reach the cups of morning tea of people in 27 countries of the European Union,” Shah said. He highlighted that this agreement opens a huge market for Assamese tea and will benefit local producers significantly.

The India-EU trade pact, described by PM Modi as the “mother of all deals,” was signed after nearly two decades of negotiations. It covers almost 25% of global GDP and one-third of world trade, making it one of the most significant trade agreements in recent years. Leaders on both sides said the pact would help India and Europe manage global economic uncertainties and reduce dependence on the United States and China.

Under the agreement, tariffs on nearly 97% of European exports to India will be reduced or removed, potentially saving up to €4 billion ($4.75 billion) annually. Imported European alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits, are also expected to become cheaper in India, as import duties will be lowered, increasing availability of premium European brands.

 ‘Assam Tea to Reach Europe with Zero Tariff’: Amit Shah on India-EU Free Trade Deal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would benefit Assam, especially Dibrugarh, as its tea will now reach Europe “with zero tariff.” Speaking at a rally in Dibrugarh, Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for securing the landmark deal and called it a “big thing for Dibrugarh.”

“Modiji has done a big thing for Dibrugarh. Recently, on 26-27 January, India signed a Free Trade Agreement with the 27 countries of the European Union. And the biggest beneficiary of that FTA is going to be our Dibrugarh. The tea of Dibrugarh will reach the cups of morning tea of people in 27 countries of the European Union,” Shah said. He highlighted that the deal opens a large market for Assamese tea, creating new opportunities for local tea producers.

The India-EU FTA, called by PM Modi the “mother of all deals,” was signed after almost twenty years of negotiations. Covering about 25% of global GDP and one-third of world trade, the agreement is considered one of the most important trade pacts in recent times. Leaders from both sides said the deal would help India and Europe reduce risks caused by economic reliance on the United States and China.

Under the agreement, tariffs on nearly 97% of European exports to India will be cut or removed, potentially saving €4 billion ($4.75 billion) every year. Imported European alcoholic drinks, including wine, beer, and spirits, will also become cheaper in India, allowing wider access to premium European brands for Indian consumers.