Flexibility needed on India trade deal - EU trade chief

'I must admit it's not easy':

Belgium: European Union trade commissioner Karel De Gucht warned Monday that a long-planned free-trade agreement between Europe and India is in trouble failing more "flexibility" from both sides.

"We remain fully engaged on these negotiations," the Belgian said after talks in Brussels among the EU's 27 trade ministers.

"But I must also admit, it is not easy," De Gucht said of stumbling blocks centred on life-saving generic HIV/AIDS drugs.

He said the EU's "determination is as strong as ever," but conceded that "at a certain point, it requires pragmatism."

Thirteen rounds of talks have been held since India and the EU started discussing a comprehensive market-opening pact in June 2007 to boost bilateral commerce. Brussels, Monday, AFP