India, EU Explore Possibility to Negotiate FTA in Phases

India and the European Union (EU) are exploring the option of negotiating their free trade agreement (FTA) in phases amid an uncertain global trade environment following imposition of sweeping tariffs by the US, an official said.

- Press Trust of India

NEW DELHI:

India has followed the practice of negotiating such trade pacts in two phases with Australia.

Negotiating the FTA in two phases allows both sides to first conclude areas where agreement can be reached more easily. Complex issues can be dealt with at a later stage.

"FTA in tranches are being explored with the EU," the official said. The two sides concluded the 10th round of negotiations in Brussels last month for the proposed agreement. The next round of talks is expected in May here.