8 months ago
Karnataka Political Drama and India-EU FTA
In Karnataka, there's drama about whether the Chief Minister Siddaramiah might be replaced by his deputy, DK Shivakumar.
The opposition is divided, with the JDS and BJP having a shaky alliance.
Meanwhile, India and the EU are trying to finalize a free trade agreement, but there are some tough issues to solve.
In the aviation world, two new airlines got permission to start, but they don't have planes yet, so it's unclear if they'll boost competition.
Lastly, in Tamil Nadu, the government is giving out money and gifts to people before the upcoming elections.
Karnataka's political alliance between JDS and BJP is strained, with both parties making conflicting statements.
India and the EU are close to finalizing a free trade agreement, but issues like quality standards and CBAM remain unresolved.
Two new airlines, Al Hind Air and Shankh Air, received NOCs, but their ability to increase competition is uncertain as they lack aircraft and licenses.
Tamil Nadu government is launching social projects, including cash deposits to women and free laptops, ahead of the upcoming elections.
EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa are expected to visit India for Republic Day, possibly announcing the India-EU FTA.
- Who
- Karnataka CM Siddaramiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, JDS supremo Deve Gowda, BJP State President BY Vijayendra, EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, Aviation experts, Tamil Nadu State government
- What
- Political drama in Karnataka, India-EU FTA negotiations, new airlines in India, Tamil Nadu social projects before elections
- Where
- Karnataka, India, Tamil Nadu, India, EU
- When
- December 28, 2025
- Why
- Political alliances, trade negotiations, aviation market competition, pre-election social projects
Key facts
- Karnataka CM
- Siddaramiah
- Karnataka Deputy CM
- DK Shivakumar
- JDS Supremo
- Deve Gowda
- BJP State President
- BY Vijayendra
- EU Leaders Visiting India
- Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa
- India-EU FTA Hurdles
- Quality standards, Carbon Border Access Mechanism (CBAM)
- New Airlines Issued NOCs
- Al Hind Air, Shankh Air
- Tamil Nadu Social Projects
- Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, free laptops, Pongal gifts
Quotes
HD Deve Gowda
Former Prime Minister and JDS supremo
“it would be difficult to contest local body polls with their alliance partner BJP.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Source close to the negotiations
Individual with knowledge of the India-EU FTA negotiations
“The last mile is hard enough when negotiations are happening with one country. When one is up against a 27-member bloc, it is a different ball game altogether. There is nothing definite that can be said about meeting deadlines till the last issue is untangled.”
thehindubusinessline.com
