The ToR to begin Free Trade Agreement negotiations signed by India and the EAEU

Current Context: On August 20, 2025, India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) in Moscow to initiate Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.

• The ToR was signed by Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, and Mikhail Cherekaev, Deputy Director, Trade Policy, Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC).
• The FTA aims to enhance bilateral trade, support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and diversify India’s export markets.
• It will cover goods, services, investment, and digital trade, aligning with India’s broader trade strategy.
• India–EAEU trade reached USD 69 billion in 2024, with major exports including pharmaceuticals, machinery, and textiles.
• The EAEU comprises Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, with a combined GDP of USD 6.5 trillion.

Question:

Q.1 On August 20, 2025, India signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to initiate Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with which regional bloc?
a) Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS)
b) Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
c) Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)
d) European Union (EU)

Answer: c) India and the Eurasian Economic Union signed the Terms of Reference in Moscow to begin Free Trade Agreement talks.