Sat Oct 11 14:32:07 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

India and the EU are nearing the conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025, following the 14th round of negotiations in Brussels. While officials express optimism, challenges remain, particularly regarding sustainable development, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and Indian Quality Control Orders (QCOs). Both sides are committed to resolving these issues, driven by a political mandate from Prime Minister Modi and European Commission President von der Leyen. Alongside the FTA talks, Brussels is also focused on the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project, which aims to establish trade and infrastructure links between India and Europe.

**News Article:**

**India and EU Aim for Trade Deal by Year’s End, Despite Lingering Hurdles**

**Brussels – October 11, 2025** – Indian and European Union officials are expressing confidence that a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) can be finalized by the end of the year, following the conclusion of the 14th round of negotiations in Brussels. While both sides acknowledge the complexities of the agreement, officials suggest a final agreement is within reach.

“I can’t imagine a scenario where we’re not close to or have not concluded the FTA at the end of the year,” an EU official told *The Hindu* on Thursday.

While significant progress has been made, several challenges persist, including disagreements over trade and sustainable development, the EU’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and India’s Quality Control Orders (QCOs). India has voiced strong objections to the CBAM, which taxes emissions released during production, arguing it could isolate Europe and cause inflation.

“There is a strong political directive to complete discussions by December,” said India’s Ambassador to Brussels, Saurabh Kumar.

The negotiations are being led by L. Satya Srinivas for India and Christophe Kiener for the EU. Rajesh Agrawal, recently appointed as Commerce Secretary, is also playing a key role in the talks, while Darpan Jain will lead negotiations with the United States.

Alongside the FTA discussions, the EU is actively pursuing the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project. This ambitious initiative, unveiled at the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, aims to establish a network of transport, fibre optic, and energy routes connecting India to Europe through the Middle East. Officials view the project as crucial for regional connectivity and economic growth.

With both sides demonstrating a strong commitment to reaching a consensus, the coming weeks will be crucial in bridging the remaining divides and paving the way for a landmark trade agreement between India and the European Union. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to be in Brussels at the end of the month.

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