Overview
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in Brussels for high-level discussions on the proposed trade pact.
- Both sides reaffirmed a rules-based approach that protects farmers and MSMEs and supports the integration of Indian industries into global supply chains.
- The ministerial meeting followed intensive January 6–7 technical talks between Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and EU trade chief Sabine Weyand.
- Negotiators still need to bridge differences on tariff lines and intellectual property, with India seeking zero-duty access for textiles and leather, while the EU seeks deeper cuts for autos, medical devices, wine, spirits and select farm products.
- The negotiation covers 23 chapters, has completed 16 rounds so far, and is drawing urgency from the January 26–27 Republic Day and India–EU summit schedule.