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India–EU Trade Pact Enters Final Stretch Ahead of Jan. 27 Summit

A push to showcase progress during the Republic Day visit has narrowed differences to a handful of chapters still under negotiation.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, right, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shake hands on the sidelines of their meeting about the EU-Mercosur trade agreement in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)
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Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, at the Itamaraty Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

Overview

  • European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be chief guests on January 26 and will co-chair the 16th India–EU Summit on January 27 in New Delhi.
  • India’s commerce secretary says 20 of 24 FTA chapters are closed, with negotiators working daily and a possible announcement if a deal is ready by the summit.
  • Government sources indicate sensitive agricultural items are excluded from the pact, with dairy among areas kept off the table.
  • Unresolved issues include how to address the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, market access for automobiles and other industrial sectors, and sustainability commitments.
  • Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal calls the pact the “mother of all deals” as the EU’s trade drive continues, including the new Mercosur agreement signed this week.