- Negotiations
The European Union and India launched negotiations on a bilateral free trade and investment agreement in June 2007. However, between the governments, a number of controversies have been plaguing the talks. Delhi wants Brussels to relax its stringent food safety criteria which penalise Indian farm and fishery exports and to make it easier for Indian professionals to work in the EU. Europe is primarily out to win major openings of India’s services sector and broad liberalisation of foreign investment, while India does not want to discuss allowing European firms to compete in India’s government procurement market.
Indian social movements, including fisherfolk and labour unions, people living with HIV/AIDS and other health activists have been mobilizing against the FTA. International actions and campaigns have particularly targeted the proposed intellectual property provisions of the agreement, and the impact of the FTA on access to medicines.
last update: May 2012
Photo: MSF
14-Oct-2024
Hindustan Times
Commerce minister Piyush Goyal on Friday advised the European Union to shun imposing “irrational standards” such as carbon tax, which he said act as trade barriers.
9-Oct-2024
Euractiv
The European Union and India have concluded the ninth round of talks on a proposed free trade agreement. Although divergences on key issues remain, an FTA is in the interest of both sides.
7-Oct-2024
The Economic Times
India and the EU are set to hold the next round of FTA negotiations in early next year. Limited progress was achieved on rules of origin and government procurement.
18-Sep-2024
DD News
India and the EU are continuing negotiations for a free trade agreement. The next round of talks will focus on trade, investment, and other key areas. Both sides are discussing concerns about sustainability measures and the impact on Indian industries. The UK and India have held eight rounds of negotiations so far.
28-Aug-2024
Hindustan Times
The EU’s deforestation rules and carbon tax on imports are seen as non-tariff barriers that could hinder the negotiations. India, while committed to environmental protection, opposes these measures as they are perceived as protectionist and could negatively impact Indian exports. The EU’s stance on CBAM and EUDR, which they claim are not protectionist and are essential for their climate agenda.
18-Jun-2024
MSN
India is likely to ask for a three-year exemption for its micro, small and medium enterprises from a proposed mandatory tariff on carbon-intensive imports in talks on a free trade deal with European Union negotiators
7-Jun-2024
Live Mint
India and the European Union (EU) will resume talks for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the eighth round slated to start on 23 June, two people aware of the matter said.
9-Apr-2024
Mint
The eighth round of negotiations for the India-European Union free trade agreement are slated to start next month, with India making changes to its negotiating team to speed up the process.
12-Mar-2024
The Indian Express
The Indian Express has earlier reported that several export items to the EU have suffered due to technical barriers. Indian tea exports for instance have suffered from stiff maximum residue level requirements in the EU.
19-Feb-2024
Firstpost
India-EU FTA seventh round talks is expected to focus on services and investments, building on earlier talks that covered goods and public procurement