October 1, 2025

The India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks are like a spicy biryani with some missing masalas! The 13th round of negotiations held recently didn’t produce the big breakthroughs everyone hoped for, said EU ambassador to India Herve Delphin. But don’t lose hope yet—the EU is still eager to wrap up a “meaningful package” by the end of this year. India and the EU will meet again in Brussels on October 6, aiming to close several remaining chapters that didn’t get finalized last time in India. This push to the finish line shows both sides want a deal, but still have some hurdles to jump. Delphin called the September round “a bit of a missed opportunity.” He said, “The EU was and is still ready to conclude on a meaningful package. We look forward to India engaging in earnest and moving, like the EU has shown readiness to do, towards a mutually beneficial deal.” Before this 13th round, only 12 out of 24 chapters like SMEs, transparency, dispute settlement, and customs were done. Germany’s ambassador Philipp Ackermann also said last week the talks were “good but not good enough” and sounded positive about progress next time. The bigger challenge? The tricky dance around India’s close energy ties with Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pointed out that India’s relationship with Russia is blocking faster progress in talks. The EU wants India to take a stand against Russia's war aggression, while India wants the EU to avoid “double standards” on Russian oil imports. India even reminded the EU of then-US President Donald Trump’s push for Europe to reduce Russian energy purchases. Delphin gave a frank picture: “We also have to be clear-eyed about those issues on which we are not aligned... there is a Russia question - specifically linked to its war of aggression against Ukraine and its hostile attitude as seen in recent weeks and days.” He added, “India has pronounced itself for peace. Russia is a strategic partner for India. And India wants to deepen its ties with the EU. This will require further consideration in Delhi on how to square those terms.” Apart from energy, India's plan to join the Russia-Belarus military exercise Zapad-2025 worried Europe and added tension to talks. Despite all this, both sides see huge strategic reasons to work together. Delphin said India and EU offer each other ways to “de-risk economic turmoil and security uncertainties,” by combining strengths to benefit both. So, while the India-EU FTA talks are tricky and sometimes spicy, the goal to cook up a tasty, balanced deal before year-end is still alive. Will India and the EU find the perfect blend in October? Stay tuned!

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Tags: India-eu fta, Herve delphin, Trade negotiations, Russia-india ties, Eu-india relations, Free trade agreement,