Archive · 14 Jan 2026
India-EU FTA Talks Progress Amid Challenges
India and the European Union (EU) are working hard to finalize a free trade agreement (FTA) before an important meeting on January 27, 2026.
They have been talking and negotiating for a long time to resolve some tricky issues.
India wants the EU to reduce taxes on products like textiles and leather, while the EU wants India to cut taxes on cars, medical devices, and other goods.
Both sides are trying to find a middle ground to make the deal fair for everyone.
The EU's top leaders will also be in India for Republic Day, which shows how important this agreement is for both sides.
The talks are happening in person and through meetings between officials from both sides.
India and the EU are in constant touch to resolve issues in the proposed FTA ahead of the January 27 summit.
India's trade minister Piyush Goyal met with EU commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Brussels to review negotiation progress.
Commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal will meet his EU counterpart in Brussels on January 6-7.
India is pushing for zero-duty access for labour-intensive sectors like textiles and leather.
The EU is demanding significant duty cuts in automobiles, medical devices, wine, spirits, meat, poultry, and a strong intellectual property regime.
- Who
- Indian and European Union (EU) officials
- What
- Ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA)
- When
- Ahead of the India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026
- Where
- New Delhi, India, and Brussels, Belgium
- Why
- To resolve contentious issues and conclude the FTA negotiations
India's Position
EU's Position
Duty Cuts on Automobiles and Medical Devices
India's Position
India is reluctant to offer significant duty cuts on automobiles and medical devices.
EU's Position
The EU is pushing for substantial duty cuts in these sectors.
Intellectual Property Regime
India's Position
India is not keen on a strong intellectual property regime as demanded by the EU.
EU's Position
The EU insists on a robust intellectual property regime to protect its interests.
Zero-Duty Access for Labour-Intensive Sectors
India's Position
India is pushing for zero-duty access for its labour-intensive sectors like textiles and leather.
EU's Position
The EU has not yet agreed to zero-duty access for these sectors.
- Summit Date
- January 27, 2026
- Chief Guest for Republic Day
- Top EU leadership
- Number of Negotiation Rounds
- 16
- Key Indian Demand
- Zero-duty access for labour-intensive sectors
- Key EU Demand
- Duty cuts on automobiles and medical devices
