Overview

• EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič said both sides are maximising efforts to finish the FTA by December as the 13th negotiating round wrapped up in New Delhi with his and Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen’s visit.
• Officials report substantial progress with about 60–65% of chapters agreed, though differences persist on market access, rules of origin and non-tariff barriers.
• The EU is pushing for steep duty cuts on vehicles, wine, spirits and dairy, while India seeks greater access for textiles, pharmaceuticals, steel and petroleum products.
• Automotives have moved to the center of the talks, with the EU advocating tariff liberalisation across components and both parties highlighting cooperation on EVs and smart mobility.
• India is pressing for carve-outs from the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism for exports like steel and aluminium, and negotiators are reportedly weighing an India‑UK–style template for agricultural access.