The long-awaited India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), in discussion for 18 years, has finally been concluded, with both sides hailing it as historic. During the announcement, European Council President Antonio Luis Santos Costa surprised many by revealing his personal connection to India—he is a third-generation descendant of a Goan family.
Costa’s Indian Heritage
Speaking about the deal, Costa said, “I am the President of the European Council, but I am also an overseas Indian citizen. You can imagine what this means to me personally. I take great pride in my roots in Goa, from where my father’s family originated, giving me a special connection between Europe and India.”
Goa, once a Portuguese colony, is where Costa’s grandfather was born and spent much of his life. Costa’s father, Orlando da Costa, was a noted writer whose works reflected deep Goan influences. Known by his Konkani nickname ‘Babush’, Orlando da Costa left a lasting cultural legacy that continues through Antonio Costa.
Significance of the Deal
The FTA, described as the “Mother of All Deals”, was finalized under the leadership of Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, marking the creation of a free trade zone for nearly 2 billion people. Von der Leyen stated, “Europe and India are making history. This agreement benefits both sides and is only the beginning of a stronger strategic partnership.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the agreement, noting that it will further enhance global confidence in India and strengthen India-EU ties economically and strategically.
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