India, EU resume free trade talks after near-decade freeze

Two sides hope to overcome sticking points as they aim to reduce China reliance

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A containership docked at the Indian city of Kochi: India opted out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership free trade grouping but is looking for alternatives. © Reuters

KIRAN SHARMA, Nikkei staff writer

NEW DELHI -- India and the European Union on Monday formally relaunched negotiations toward a free trade agreement, ending a hiatus of nearly a decade and aiming to strike a deal by the end of 2023.

The decision to revive the talks was made about a year ago, but global pressures may be giving the two sides extra impetus to hammer out their differences. Both are seeking to reduce their economic dependence on China, while Russia's invasion of Ukraine has cast ties with Moscow in a harsher light as well.

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