India urges EU for predictability in carbon, steel regulations

India and the European Union concluded a week-long round of negotiations in New Delhi on Friday over the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking significant progress toward a potential deal by the end of the year.According to information,the latest discussions covered crucial chapters such as trade in goods and services, investment, sustainable development, rules of origin, and technical barriers to trade. Both sides reported meaningful convergence on several key issues and expressed confidence in bridging the remaining gaps through intensified technical-level engagements in the coming weeks.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Sabine Weyand, Director-General for Trade at the European Commission, held high-level meetings on November 5–6 to review progress and resolve pending matters. Agrawal reiterated India’s commitment to achieving a “fair, balanced, and development-oriented” agreement that fosters inclusive economic growth.During the talks, India urged the EU to provide greater clarity and predictability in implementing its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the proposed new steel regulations. The Indian side emphasized that these measures must not lead to trade distortions or place Indian exporters at a competitive disadvantage, calling for a transparent framework that ensures a level playing field.
Both delegations welcomed the steady progress in negotiations, noting that the discussions reflect the shared ambition to deepen trade and investment ties between India and the EU.The latest round builds on the momentum from earlier meetings held in Brussels and is expected to pave the way for the final phase of negotiations. Officials from both sides reaffirmed their goal to conclude the FTA “at the earliest possible time,” aligning with the leaders’ joint vision of finalizing the agreement by the end of 2025.