India, EU to hold next round of free trade pact talks from today

TO CONCLUDE THE FIRST PHASE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI: India and the European Union (EU) chief negotiators will begin the next round of talks on the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) here from Monday, with an aim to conclude the first phase of the pact as early as possible, according to an official.

The two sides have agreed to conclude the agreement in two phases on account of the uncertain global trade environment, particularly due to the US tariff actions under President Donald Trump.

"The EU team will be here for the 11th round of negotiations. It will continue till May 16," the official said.

Issues where there is convergence would be included in the first part of the agreement. They are aiming to conclude the second part by the end of this year.

Talks for the previous (tenth) round focused on areas like market access offers in goods, services, investment and government procurement.