India and the European Union are stepping up efforts to finalize a comprehensive free trade deal, targeting sectors including steel, automobiles and carbon taxation. The Commerce Ministry noted the continued discussions during Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent visit to Brussels, highlighting the sensitive nature of these topics under the proposed deal.
Minister Goyal spoke with the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Sefcovic, to seek redress for tariff and non-tariff barriers, while establishing predictable regulatory frameworks. With a focus on labor-intensive sectors, India hopes to receive preferential treatment in the ongoing negotiations, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
The European Union has adopted regulations impacting Indian exports, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, potentially imposing tariffs on steel, aluminum and cement exports. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to resolving these challenges, with an EU technical team planning to visit India to continue the constructive dialogue.
(With input from agencies.)
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