Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:38am on 16 Jan 2026,Friday India Global
India is very close to finalising a long-awaited trade deal with the European Union, Trade Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said, marking what would be New Delhi’s largest trade agreement yet as it seeks expanded market access amid stalled talks with the United States. Agrawal noted that most negotiation chapters are wrapped up and both sides are exploring whether the pact can be concluded ahead of an India-EU summit in New Delhi later this month, with EU leaders attending Republic Day events. The deal aims to open India’s huge market to European goods. Remaining issues include carbon tax concerns and sensitive sectors, while agriculture has been kept outside the scope to ease political sensitivities. If finalised, it could reshape global trade dynamics and deepen economic ties between India and the EU. (PC: Reuters)
