News
September 12, 2025
India eyes quick EU trade deal as Trump pushes higher tariffs
India is close to finalising large parts of its free trade agreement with the European Union (EU), Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has said. His remarks come ahead of a visit from top EU trade officials for further negotiations, starting 12 September. The talks are happening as US President Donald Trump has called on EU ...
**India Boosts EU Trade Talks Amid US Tariff Threats**
New Delhi is pushing to swiftly finalize key elements of its long-awaited free trade agreement with the European Union (EU), signaling a strategic shift amid growing concerns over potential trade barriers from the United States. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently announced that substantial progress has been made, with both sides nearing agreement on significant portions of the comprehensive trade deal.
This renewed momentum comes just ahead of crucial discussions scheduled to begin on September 12th, when high-ranking EU trade representatives will arrive in India to continue negotiations. These discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including tariff reductions, investment protection, and intellectual property rights.
The urgency surrounding the India-EU trade talks appears to be partly driven by anxieties stemming from potential trade disruptions orchestrated by the United States. While not explicitly stated by Minister Goyal, his remarks coincided with renewed calls from former US President Donald Trump for increased tariffs on goods from the EU. This protectionist stance from a major global economy could significantly impact India's trade diversification strategy, making closer ties with the EU even more attractive.
The proposed free trade agreement promises to be a game-changer for both India and the EU, potentially unlocking billions of dollars in trade and investment. For India, the deal would provide enhanced access to the vast European market, boosting its exports in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. The EU, in turn, would gain preferential access to India's rapidly growing consumer market and skilled workforce.
While significant hurdles remain, including resolving differences on issues such as data privacy and agricultural subsidies, the commitment from both sides to accelerate negotiations suggests a genuine desire to forge a stronger economic partnership. The outcome of the upcoming talks in New Delhi will be closely watched by businesses and policymakers around the world, as it could reshape global trade dynamics in the face of rising protectionism elsewhere. The Indian government hopes that a finalized agreement will not only strengthen its economic ties with Europe but also send a clear message about its commitment to free and fair trade.
New Delhi is pushing to swiftly finalize key elements of its long-awaited free trade agreement with the European Union (EU), signaling a strategic shift amid growing concerns over potential trade barriers from the United States. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently announced that substantial progress has been made, with both sides nearing agreement on significant portions of the comprehensive trade deal.
This renewed momentum comes just ahead of crucial discussions scheduled to begin on September 12th, when high-ranking EU trade representatives will arrive in India to continue negotiations. These discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including tariff reductions, investment protection, and intellectual property rights.
The urgency surrounding the India-EU trade talks appears to be partly driven by anxieties stemming from potential trade disruptions orchestrated by the United States. While not explicitly stated by Minister Goyal, his remarks coincided with renewed calls from former US President Donald Trump for increased tariffs on goods from the EU. This protectionist stance from a major global economy could significantly impact India's trade diversification strategy, making closer ties with the EU even more attractive.
The proposed free trade agreement promises to be a game-changer for both India and the EU, potentially unlocking billions of dollars in trade and investment. For India, the deal would provide enhanced access to the vast European market, boosting its exports in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. The EU, in turn, would gain preferential access to India's rapidly growing consumer market and skilled workforce.
While significant hurdles remain, including resolving differences on issues such as data privacy and agricultural subsidies, the commitment from both sides to accelerate negotiations suggests a genuine desire to forge a stronger economic partnership. The outcome of the upcoming talks in New Delhi will be closely watched by businesses and policymakers around the world, as it could reshape global trade dynamics in the face of rising protectionism elsewhere. The Indian government hopes that a finalized agreement will not only strengthen its economic ties with Europe but also send a clear message about its commitment to free and fair trade.
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Business