Forest Products Inclusion Urged in EU Trade Deal

22-Jan-2026 05:21 PM

Mumbai. Bilateral negotiations for the free trade agreement between India and the European Union have progressed significantly and reached the final stage, with the agreement expected to be finalized in the next few days. The Spanish Foreign Minister has also stated that both sides may sign the agreement soon.

It is understood that the proposal currently excludes agricultural products from the scope of this free trade agreement, but the Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA) has suggested to the Indian government that forest products be included under this agreement, as they do not fall under the category of major agricultural products.

A detailed memorandum has also been submitted to the Central Ministry of Commerce in this regard.

The memorandum states that there are many forest products that can be exported from India to the European Union in large quantities.

This includes oils from sal, mango, cocoon, and neem, among others. This will provide significant relief to producers in tribal and indigenous areas and to the industries based on these products, and will benefit the country as a whole.

Although other agricultural products, including Basmati rice, will not be included in the scope of this free trade agreement for now, their inclusion may be emphasized in the future.

India has also clarified its position regarding the bilateral trade agreement with the United States, but the US is repeatedly creating obstacles.

The US now wants duty-free import facilities for its pulses in India, which may be difficult for India to accept.