India and the European Union trade officials will meet next week in New Delhi to discuss trade-related issues and resolve differences over key issues as both seek to finalise a trade deal by the end of the year.
Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal said that an EU team is set to visit India next week for another round of trade talks, which will be followed by a visit by the EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic in November end or December first week.
"We have made significant progress in our three-day discussion between EU trade commissioner and his team and our team. On several areas, we have agreed to close 10 out of 20 chapters. Another 4-5 chapters have been in-principle decided," Goyal said during a press briefing on October 29.
The two sides have “significantly” reduced outstanding issues, Goyal said earlier this week. Still, some of the bloc’s regulations, including its carbon border tax, require further discussions, according to India’s statement on Wednesday.
“Both sides agreed to work closely to finalize the non-sensitive industrial tariff lines,” the statement said. “They also agreed that issues related to steel, auto, CBAM, and other EU regulations still require further discussion, as these issues have higher sensitivities.”
When asked about a decision on the carbon border adjustment mechanism to be imposed by the EU from next year, Goyal said India once again put forward its position on the matter which is to either not impose it or offer relaxations. "CBAM was discussed at length this time. India has strongly put forward its stand on CBAM. I would like to believe that the discussions on this regard are on the right track," he told reporters.
Goyal said his recent interactions during the Berlin Global Dialogue and meeting with German officials showed that most countries and businesses want to expand their relations with "a resurgent, decisive, democratic and aspirational" India that has a strong consumer demand.
"We are not sticking to deadlines. It could conclude within the time frame or may exceed. Till the time the agreement is not beneficial to both sides, discussions will continue," the minister added.
Goyal met the EU’s Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Sefcovic, in Brussels this week to advance the trade talks, which leaders of both sides have agreed to conclude by the end of this year.
Goyal to visit New Zealand next week
Union minister Goyal further said that the Centre is planning to "substantially close" its trade discussions with New Zealand next week.
"We are going to New Zealand next week to try and conclude substantially close negotiations for a free trade agreement," Goyal said.
The FTA talks with New Zealand was formally launched on March 16, 2025.
The third round of negotiations for the India-New Zealand FTA concluded on September 19 in Queenstown, New Zealand.
India's bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand stood at USD 1.3 billion in 2024-25, registering a growth of nearly 49 per cent over the previous year. The proposed FTA is expected to further boost trade flows, promote investment linkages, strengthen supply chain resilience, and create a predictable framework for businesses in both countries.
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