Overview

• EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen are in New Delhi for high-level talks during the 13th negotiating round, with food and farm access newly elevated on the agenda.
• Sources say gaps are narrowing on electric vehicles and farm goods, with both sides weighing an India–UK–style template for phased concessions and market access.
• India is considering lowering duties on European whisky and opening selected government procurement to EU firms, according to people familiar with the talks.
• Indian negotiators are seeking tariff relief for labour‑intensive exports such as textiles, gems and jewellery, agricultural products, and engineering goods.
• The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism remains a key sticking point even as both sides target a year‑end conclusion, alongside discussions on GIs, SPS standards and public procurement.