India Seeks German Support to Unlock EU Free Trade Deal

India has urged Germany to back its push for a long-pending free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union, as both nations aim to double bilateral trade. During talks in Delhi, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar called on German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul for stronger support in navigating difficult negotiations with Brussels.
India and Germany recorded nearly €31 billion ($36 billion) in bilateral trade in 2024, placing India 23rd among Germany’s partners. Wadephul said the goal of doubling trade was realistic and added that momentum was building toward a potential FTA in the coming months. He stressed that while some countries were erecting trade barriers, India and Germany should work to reduce them.
Negotiations have stalled over key differences. The EU is demanding lower tariffs on cars and dairy, as well as stricter climate and labor standards. India, meanwhile, wants safeguards for its farmers, flexibility on environmental rules, and more control in legal disputes. Both sides are under fresh pressure after the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports, while also striking its own tariff adjustment deal with the EU.
Alongside trade talks, Wadephul’s India visit included stops at Mercedes-Benz’s R&D facility, the Indian Institute of Science, and SAP’s offices in Bengaluru. He also joined a cultural diplomacy event in Delhi, playing field hockey alongside German and Indian sports stars. Jaishankar said India was “counting on” German backing to break the deadlock in Brussels and accelerate progress toward a deal.