The India-EU Free Trade Agreement, concluded in January 2026 and called the “Mother of all deals,” marks a milestone in global trade, but its implications for women in India deserve closer attention. Despite decades of trade liberalisation, women face systemic barriers in accessing land, credit, skills, technology, and market opportunities. They are disproportionately employed in informal work, agriculture, textiles, apparel, leather, and small-scale industries—sectors heavily affected by tariffs, non-tariff measures, and global competition. While trade and integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs) can offer women higher wages, formal employment, and skill development, these opportunities often bypass female workers, keeping them in lower-value roles and insecure jobs. Gender-responsive trade policies are essential to empower women as workers, entrepreneurs, and exporters, ensuring equitable benefits from trade, enhancing competitiveness, and supporting sustainable, inclusive economic growth. Prioritising women in trade is not only a matter of equity but also critical for India’s productivity, resilience, and long-term development in the global market.