Negotiations between India and the European Union (EU) for a free trade agreement (FTA) have entered the ‘most difficult’ phase, with both sides engaged in bridging the gaps and closing the talks soon, according to Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal.

Key chapters like goods, services, investment, rules of origin, and technical barriers to trade were discussed, along with the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). Under CBAM, Indian exports of steel, aluminium, and cement to the EU could face tariffs of 20-35 per cent.

Negotiations between India and the EU for an FTA have entered the ‘most difficult’ phase, with both sides engaged in bridging the gaps and closing the talks soon, a top Indian official said.
Ruling out dropping any chapter now, he said the negotiation process will not stop if internal time lines are not met.
The 16th round of negotiations concluded earlier this month in New Delhi.

The 16th round of negotiations concluded earlier this month in New Delhi.

“We are narrowing down the differences…we are working tirelessly to close the talks,” Agrawal was quoted as saying by Indian media outlets.

“I do not think we are dropping (any chapter) as of now. Whatever is on the table is on the table. But in case, in the interest of agreement at some point in time, we feel that there are certain issues or areas that need to be dropped, may be (dropped). That call will be taken at the level of either chief negotiators or my ministers or my level, but that is not the stage we are at,” he said.

Regarding the December deadline for conclusion of the talks, he said the negotiation process will not stop if internal time lines are not met.

In June 2022, India and the EU bloc resumed negotiations for a comprehensive FTA, an investment protection agreement and a pact on geographical indications after a gap of over eight years. It was stalled in 2013 due to differences on the level of opening up markets.

The negotiations cover 23 policy areas or chapters, including trade in goods, services, investment, trade remedies, rules of origin, customs and trade facilitation, competition, government procurement, dispute settlement, intellectual property rights, geographical indications and sustainable development.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed to diversify the trade basket and convene early the 11th Trade and Economic Joint Committee in the first half of 2026 to monitor progress in economic and trade relations.

Modi is on an official 2-day visit to Jordan that ends today.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and Indian PM Narendra Modi have agreed to diversify the trade basket and convene early the 11th Trade and Economic Joint Committee in the first half of 2026 to monitor progress in economic and trade relations.
Modi is on an official visit to Jordan.
An MoU on technical cooperation in new and renewable energy was also signed.

A Jordan-India Business Forum was convened on the sidelines of the visit, where representatives from the two countries discussed ways to further strengthen and expand trade and economic cooperation, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a press release.

Addressing the forum, Modi suggested greater business collaboration in the fields of renewable energy, green financing, desalination and water recycling.

The leaders agreed to fully utilise the Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, according to a joint statement issued during the visit. This agreement facilitates sharing of information to ensure proper application of Customs Laws and combating of customs offences.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of strengthening transport and logistics connectivity, including the regional integration of Jordan’s transit and logistics infrastructure as a strategic opportunity to advance shared economic interests and private-sector collaboration.

A memorandum of understanding on technical cooperation in new and renewable energy was also signed. Both sides agreed on the exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel, organisation of workshops, seminars and working groups, transfer of equipment, know-how and technology on a non-commercial basis and development of joint research or technical projects on subjects of mutual interest.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

YSE Beauty, the skincare brand founded by entrepreneur Molly Sims, has closed a $15 million Series A funding round.

The funding, led by Silas Capital, with participation from L Catterton and existing investors Willow Growth Partners and Halogen Ventures, will be used to support YSE Beauty’s national expansion across all U.S. Sephora locations and to accelerate growth on its direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform.

“Molly’s approachable, yet authoritative voice has been a key driver in building the loyal and engaged community supporting the incredible momentum for YSE Beauty,” said Brian Thorne, partner at Silas Capital. 

“Leveraging her insider network of dermatologists, estheticians, and makeup artists, she has curated a lineup of multi-functional skincare-meets-makeup essentials that cater to an underserved Gen X customer that demands results-driven beauty. We’re thrilled to partner with Molly for this next chapter, supporting both the brand’s impressive e-commerce momentum, as well as its quickly scaling wholesale expansion with Sephora.”

Founded in 2023, YSE Beauty targets women aged 35 and older seeking simplified, effective skincare solutions. The brand was inspired by Sims’ personal experience with hyperpigmentation and her desire to address what she saw as a gap in the market for clinically backed products designed for mature skin.

In 2025, YSE Beauty reported 120 percent revenue growth and expects to deliver more than 80 percent growth in 2026. The company anticipates more than doubling its Sephora business while continuing to scale e-commerce, bringing projected revenue to nearly $30 million next year.

“There is so much synergy between our brand, the brands in the Silas portfolio and L Catterton’s deep strategic knowledge of the category. Both firms deeply understand the kind of women we speak to… what she wears, what she values and how she moves through the world. It feels like a true alignment in vision and audience, making it the perfect fit,” added Sims.

“This partnership isn’t just strategic – it’s a shared philosophy and a mutual understanding of what’s going to fuel us and where we want to take the brand next.”