Amid the uncertainty over a trade deal with the US which is dampening investment and export prospects, India has made considerable progress in its trade deal negotiations with the European Union (EU). The official was responding to the question based on reports that agriculture has been kept out of the trade deal. Agriculture has been one of the most sensitive issues for India and a major roadblock to signing the trade deal with the US. Story continues below this adFor India, the carbon tax has posed the biggest challenge in signing the trade deal, as a steeper duty on metal exports could reverse gains that would be accrued during the trade deal negotiations. Uncertainty has created new marketsUncertainty around the US trade deal had created significant urgency for India to explore new markets.

Source: Indian Express January 16, 2026 00:13 UTC