India EU FTA Talks Enter Final Phase
India and the European Union have entered the final and most challenging phase of negotiations on a long-pending Free Trade Agreement. The talks are expected to feature prominently at the upcoming India-EU summit, with both sides indicating momentum toward concluding the deal.
Leaders Signal Optimism
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the “last mile” of the negotiations would be the hardest but stressed that the outcome would be well worth the effort. She urged both sides to seize the moment, highlighting the strategic and economic importance of closer India-EU trade ties amid global uncertainty.
Key Issues Still Pending
While significant progress has been made, sensitive issues remain unresolved. These include tariff reductions on automobiles, agricultural products, and market access for services. The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade, ease regulatory barriers, and strengthen supply chain cooperation. Any final deal will still require internal approvals on both sides before coming into force.
