Overview
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in Brussels on Oct. 27–28 and both reaffirmed a push for a swift, balanced FTA.
- Šefčovič said negotiators have touched sensitive issues and received concrete guidance on industrial tariffs, with the EU side expected in New Delhi on Nov. 3 for the 15th round to advance technical tariff talks.
- A seven-member European Parliament trade-committee delegation is in New Delhi from Oct. 27–29 to consult government, industry and civil society on the talks.
- Both sides are working toward a December 2025 conclusion, using continuous engagement after the Oct. 6–10 round, with six of 23 chapters already agreed.
- Unresolved areas include EU requests for lower duties on automobiles, alcoholic beverages and some medical devices, while India seeks data-secure status and easier temporary movement for skilled professionals alongside progress on rules of origin and SPS measures.