Overview
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will meet EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in Brussels on January 8–9.
- The visit follows intensive January 6–7 discussions between Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and EU Trade Director‑General Sabine Weyand.
- India is pressing for zero‑duty entry for labour‑intensive exports such as textiles, leather, apparel, gems and jewellery, plus handicrafts.
- Contentious files include the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which officials warn could add 20–35% levies on Indian steel, aluminium and cement from next year.
- Negotiators are working across 23 chapters to narrow divergences with an eye to an India–EU summit later in January where a conclusion could be announced.