'Hoped for more progress' in talks with India: EU trade chief

Both wanted to finalise agri and auto chapters but that didn't materialise

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European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on Wednesday said he hoped for more progress in trade talks to be made during his visit to New Delhi last week, ahead of the impending December deadline to conclude a trade deal.

"I travelled to India last week. It was already my third visit this year in an effort to advance the negotiations, which have now reached 13 rounds. I must admit, however, that I hoped for more progress to achieve last week. I remain in frequent contact with my counterpart, (India's Commerce and Industry) Minister (Piyush) Goyal," Šefčovič told reporters in Brussels. Šefčovič also said that Indian negotiators are known for their tough stance, but assured that the bloc will continue to firmly uphold its interests.

India had decided to fast-track talks with the EU, its second-largest export destination, as tension flared with the US and exporters looked for a large market to absorb shipments if a trade deal with Washington did not materialise.