India, EU near consensus on trade pact

10 of 20 chapters closed, convergence likely on most of the remaining issues

- Rajeev Jayaswal

IndiaEU free trade negotiations have made “significant progress” as they “agreed to close 10 out of 20 chapters”; “broadly decided” another four to five chapters; and are working towards convergence on most of the remaining issues, Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal said after concluding his three-day Brussels visit.

He added that his recent visit helped smoothen the path for the next round of talks between the two sides when the EU's team will visit India next week. The 14th round of India-EU FTA negotiations was concluded in Brussels between October 6 and 10, It is understood that the two partners are continuing discussions on issues pertaining to automobiles, steel and carbon tax given the sensitivities involved. India also flagged issues related to non-tariff barriers levied by the EU, including regulatory hurdles. The next round is expected to focus on resolving such matters.