India-EU FTA Talks Intensify as EU Negotiators Arrive in New Delhi

Negotiations between India and the European Union (EU) for the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have entered a crucial phase, with a senior team of EU negotiators arriving in New Delhi for discussions with their Indian counterparts. The talks, scheduled from November 3rd to 7th, 2025, aim to resolve key outstanding issues and advance the agreement towards a balanced and equitable framework that benefits both sides.

This renewed engagement follows Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal's visit to Brussels from October 27th to 28th, 2025, where he met with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič. During the Brussels visit, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying engagement and facilitating a comprehensive trade agreement. Further momentum was gained through a virtual meeting on November 3rd, 2025, between Goyal, Šefčovič, and EU Agriculture and Food Commissioner Christophe Hansen.

Deliberations during the week-long negotiations in New Delhi will focus on core areas such as trade in goods and services, rules of origin, and other technical and institutional matters. The discussions are guided by a shared vision of creating a modern, robust, and future-ready FTA that aligns with the priorities and sensitivities of both India and the EU.

A key highlight of the ongoing engagement will be the visit of Sabine Weyand, Director-General for Trade at the European Commission (EU DG Trade), to New Delhi on November 5th and 6th, 2025. Weyand is scheduled to hold high-level consultations with India's Commerce Secretary, Rajesh Aggarwal, to address critical technical and policy issues.

The EU's regulations, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Deforestation Regulation (DR), are under discussion during the FTA negotiations. India has raised concerns about these regulations, particularly the CBAM, which could impose tariffs on exports of products like steel and aluminum to the EU. India has emphasized the need for preferential treatment, especially for labor-intensive sectors, and has sought redressal of tariff and non-tariff barriers. The EU, on the other hand, seeks tax reductions on products like wine, spirits, meat, and poultry, and a strong intellectual property regime.

Both India and the EU aim to finalize the trade pact within the next couple of months, addressing key issues related to agriculture, sustainability, and market access. If successful, the India-EU FTA could become one of India's most significant trade agreements, linking it with its largest trading partner. In 2023, the EU accounted for €124 billion worth of trade in goods with India, representing 12.2% of total Indian trade. The FTA is expected to enhance market access, create new opportunities for businesses, and promote sustainable economic growth for both India and the EU.