Opposition focused on an EU request for a 'data exclusivity' clause which opponents claim would prevent India from producing cheap generics.
Speaking to EurActiv, Dilip Shah, secretary-general of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which represents some of India's largest pharmaceutical companies, accused the EU of "using high-pressure tactics to force India to agree to data exclusivity".
Data exclusivity refers to a period during which drug producers can maintain a monopoly on production. Drug companies claim the period is necessary to recoup the high cost of developing new drugs.
Protests in India
Over two thousand protesters, including sufferers of HIV, took to the streets in downtown New Delhi and other Indian cities on 2 March. They are concerned in particular that the EU-India FTA would limit their access to affordable life-prolonging drugs.
John Clancy, spokesperson for EU Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht, stressed that regarding data exclusivity the EU wanted mutual recognition.
"Should the Indian government at some point put forward legislation for data protection in respect of Indian companies, all the EU is seeking is reciprocity in respect of European companies. That is to say a fair and level playing field for both Indian and European companies," he told EurActiv.
The protests began following the resumption of longstanding trade negotiations between the EU and India. Bilateral negotiations for a FTA between the EU and India began in 2007 and are expected to be concluded in spring 2011.
The EU is India's largest trading partner with trade in goods and services in 2009 being estimated at just under €69 billion.
