India Pushes for US, EU Trade Pacts

31-Dec-2025 08:10 PM

New Delhi. India's trade agreement with the United States was expected to be finalized in 2025, but the matter stalled due to issues concerning genetically modified soybeans and corn, and dairy products.

India had clarified its position on the bilateral trade treaty, and American negotiators were satisfied, but the US has not yet been ready to sign the final draft of the agreement. Meanwhile, 2025 is now drawing to a close, so any outcome is likely to materialize only in the next year, 2026.

As far as the European Union is concerned, negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement are progressing positively. The Union Commerce Minister says that bilateral talks with the European Union will continue regularly in the new year,

which could lead to the completion of the trade agreement. Although a bilateral trade agreement has been reached with Britain, it is no longer a member of the European Union.

The issue of Basmati rice is likely to be a key point in the negotiations with the European Union. India is making strong efforts to secure Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognition for its rice there.

The Commerce Minister says that there is a need to accelerate the pace of negotiations with the European Union because the deadline for the trade agreement is approaching.

The talks have now reached a decisive stage. India's trade agreements with both the US and the European Union could be finalized in 2026.