Brussels/New Delhi – The recently finalized trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and India marks a significant advancement in their relationship, unaffected by ongoing disputes over sensitive agricultural imports or steel, as noted by European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič during a phone interview with a Brussels-based TASR correspondent.
Maroš Šefčovič highlighted that the free trade agreement was a key focus of discussions between Indian Prime Minister Naréndra Módí, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa during the 16th EU-India summit held in New Delhi.
“We are truly opening a new chapter in the India-EU relationship,” Šefčovič stated, assuring that Europeans need not worry about the influx of cheaper beef, chicken, or rice as a result of the agreement.
He mentioned that since he assumed responsibility for the trade policy in the European Commission, his negotiations with Indian Trade Minister Pijuš Gojal have been “extremely intensive.” They met more than ten times last year to identify common ground for finalizing the agreement and to avoid the pitfalls of prior negotiations that began around 10 to 20 years ago.
“At the start of my term as European Commissioner for Exit, we agreed to mutually exclude the most sensitive commodities.” Maroš Šefčovič
During discussions with India, the Commissioner acknowledged concerns from the European steel sector, given India’s status as a major global steel producer.
He informed his Indian counterparts that the EU has reduced imports of steel products by 47% due to market conditions, applicable to all importers. This import reduction strategy was presented by the European Commission and Šefčovič in October 2025.
“However, countries with which we have free trade agreements are treated as privileged partners, and this will apply to India as well. I believe we have established a common ground that will benefit India,” he asserted, noting that the EU must adhere to the previously agreed 47% import reduction for steel products.
He indicated that India is “in a very good position,” and preliminary discussions have begun. The EU will act as if the free trade agreement is already in effect, positioning India as a key partner. Both parties aim to finalize negotiations regarding the 47% steel import reduction by June 30.
Post this date, the EU will implement a mechanism requiring all exporters sending more than 5% of steel to the EU to negotiate their import reduction plans. This process, Šefčovič added, is governed by Article 28 of the World Trade Organization (WTO). (27 January)
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