Jaishankar Seeks German Backing to Speed Up India-EU Free Trade Talks
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday urged German counterpart Johann Wadephul to support New Delhi’s push for a deeper partnership with the European Union and to expedite long-pending free trade pact negotiations. Wadephul, on a two-day visit to India, held discussions in New Delhi after visiting Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Talks on the India-EU free trade agreement have faced hurdles, with the EU pressing for lower tariffs on cars and dairy products along with stricter climate and labour standards, while India seeks to safeguard its farmers, resist rigid environmental rules, and maintain autonomy in legal disputes. Trade between India and the EU currently stands at about $190 billion annually, with both sides aiming for a year-end deadline to finalise the pact.
The negotiations come as India faces trade pressures from other fronts, including steep tariffs from the United States. New Delhi has criticised both Washington and Brussels for targeting its Russian oil purchases while continuing their own trade with Moscow. Sanctions on Russia-backed Indian refiner Nayara Energy have further complicated matters, forcing shipping partners to withdraw and crude runs to be cut.
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