India Seeks Clarity and Predictability in EU's CBAM and Steel Regulation During India-EU FTA Talks
During the week-long India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations in New Delhi (Nov 3–7, 2025), India emphasized the need for clear and predictable implementation of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and new steel regulations. Both sides reported substantive progress across multiple trade chapters and agreed to accelerate efforts to conclude the comprehensive agreement.
From November 3 to 7, 2025, India and the European Union held a critical round of negotiations in New Delhi focused on finalizing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Key discussion points included trade in goods and services, investment, sustainable development, rules of origin, and technical trade barriers. India, through Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, stressed the importance of transparency, predictability, and avoiding trade distortions in the application of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and proposed steel regulations to ensure a level playing field for Indian exporters. A two-day stocktake meeting on November 5-6 reviewed outstanding issues and helped narrow divergences between the parties. Both sides acknowledged substantive convergence on numerous chapters, reaching common understandings and committing to sustained technical efforts to bridge remaining gaps. The negotiations reflect a shared determination to conclude an ambitious, balanced, and forward-looking trade agreement by the end of 2025, aiming to deepen the economic partnership between India and the EU while supporting inclusive growth and sustainable development.
