India and the European Union are intensifying efforts to finalise their free trade agreement (FTA) by December, with two key negotiation rounds scheduled in the next month to address differences on rules of origin, market access, and duties on wine and dairy products. EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen and Trade Chief Maros Sefcovic will visit India this week for talks, building on the bloc's status as India's largest trade partner, with USD 135 billion in goods trade for 2023-24.
Eleven chapters, including customs facilitation and digital trade, have been concluded, while non-tariff barriers remain under discussion, with both sides optimistic about finding equilibrium.
Beyond the FTA, the partners are advancing transformative initiatives, including a new politico-strategic vision for ties, set for unveiling on September 17, and frameworks to expand defence cooperation, such as joint military hardware development and information security agreements. These moves respond to global uncertainties, emphasising shared interests in stability and a rules-based order, as highlighted in a recent call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen.
A flurry of high-level engagements is planned, including the EU's Political and Security Committee visit, counter-terror talks in Brussels this month, the Standing Committee on Trade's October trip to Delhi, the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in November, and the next Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas is slated to visit in December or January, with the annual summit expected early next year.
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The TTC, launched in 2022 for tech exchanges in AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors, mirrors the EU's U.S. partnership and underscores strategic alignment. This multifaceted push aims to deepen economic, security, and technological bonds, fostering mutual growth amid evolving global dynamics.
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