Overview
- A joint statement from Brussels confirmed a shared ambition to finish the trade negotiations by year-end while accelerating separate talks on investment protection and geographical indications.
- EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is expected in New Delhi in early December to push the remaining eight chapters as negotiators work near daily in both capitals.
- Media and diplomatic sources report plans for EU leaders to attend India’s Republic Day on January 26 followed by a New Delhi summit on January 27 aimed at sealing the trade pact, a Security and Defence Partnership and a Security of Information Agreement, as well as endorsing a new strategic agenda.
- Officials cite progress on agricultural market access, alcoholic beverages and rules of origin, with steel, cars and the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism identified as the principal sticking points.
- Both sides highlighted defence-industrial cooperation and connectivity priorities such as IMEC and Global Gateway, aligned their positions on counterterrorism, Ukraine and Gaza, and flagged India’s 2026 BRICS chairship for broader strategic coordination.