India, EU engaging virtually, narrowing differences on FTA, says trade secretary
This story was originally published at 17:32 IST on 15 December 2025
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--Trade secy on FTA talks with EU: Most difficult issues on table right now
--Trade secy: May drop some issues under FTA with EU if needed
--Trade secy: Narrowing differences with EU on FTA, engaged in virtual mode
NEW DELHI – India and the European Union are engaged in virtual mode to narrow differences on the free trade agreement, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said Monday. The two sides may not hold any more official rounds of negotiations but will stay connected to iron out pending issues, he said.
"Some of the most difficult issues are on the negotiating table now," Agrawal told a press conference. There is also the possibility that India will drop some subjects from the deal to expedite its conclusion, Agrawal said. He added that as of now New Delhi does not intend to drop any issue.
Last week, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had said officials from India and the EU are likely to meet in January. India and the EU had initiated negotiations for the trade deal in 2023, after talks stalled nine years earlier. The talks, which had started in 2007, were suspended on differences over market access.
The EU accounts for over 15% of India's total outbound shipments. India exported $78.85 billion worth of goods to the EU in the financial year 2024-25 (Apr-Mar) and had a trade surplus of $15.17 billion with the bloc. End
US$1 = INR 90.73
Reported by Krity Ambey
Edited by Rajeev Pai
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