India and the EU will discuss key areas of the proposed free trade agreement ( FTA) including market access, non-tariff measures and regulatory cooperation, during commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Brussels on October 27–28. Goyal will hold high-level discussions with Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President and European Commissioner for Trade of the EU.
“The visit will also serve to review progress achieved so far and to identify areas requiring further convergence,” the commerce and industry ministry said in a statement Sunday.
The two sides aim to conclude the FTA negotiations by December. Separate negotiations for an investment protection agreement and an agreement on geographical indications are also underway.
India-EU bilateral trade in goods was $136.53 billion in FY25.
The visit reflects “India’s steadfast commitment to deepening engagement with the EU, one of its largest trading partners, and to advancing an agreement that contributes to resilient supply chains, sustainable growth, and a rules-based global trading system”.
The two sides aim to intensify efforts to conclude a comprehensive, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade agreement at the earliest, according to the statement.
“Building on the momentum generated by the 14th round of negotiations held earlier this month, the minister’s visit aims to provide strategic direction and political impetus to the talks,” it said.
India and the EU concluded the 14th round of FTA negotiations in Brussels on October 10. Following the negotiations, the EU said the talks focused on firming up an economically meaningful market access package.
The bloc has sought India to lower its tariffs on cars and alcoholic beverages while New Delhi wants the EU to recognise it as a data-secure country, as the EU’s data transfer rules hinder trade in digital services. Besides, India has sought easier temporary work access for its skilled professionals.
Goyal’s engagements in Brussels will include a bilateral meeting with Šefčovič followed by a working dinner, where both leaders are expected to reaffirm the shared ambition to strengthen the India–EU trade and economic partnership.
A delegation of the EU Committee on International Trade will be in India from October 27-29 to discuss trade, economic and investment relations. It will be led by Cristina Maestre, the committee’s standing rapporteur for India, and Brando Benifei.
“The visit will also serve to review progress achieved so far and to identify areas requiring further convergence,” the commerce and industry ministry said in a statement Sunday.
The two sides aim to conclude the FTA negotiations by December. Separate negotiations for an investment protection agreement and an agreement on geographical indications are also underway.
India-EU bilateral trade in goods was $136.53 billion in FY25.
The visit reflects “India’s steadfast commitment to deepening engagement with the EU, one of its largest trading partners, and to advancing an agreement that contributes to resilient supply chains, sustainable growth, and a rules-based global trading system”.
The two sides aim to intensify efforts to conclude a comprehensive, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade agreement at the earliest, according to the statement.
“Building on the momentum generated by the 14th round of negotiations held earlier this month, the minister’s visit aims to provide strategic direction and political impetus to the talks,” it said.
India and the EU concluded the 14th round of FTA negotiations in Brussels on October 10. Following the negotiations, the EU said the talks focused on firming up an economically meaningful market access package.
The bloc has sought India to lower its tariffs on cars and alcoholic beverages while New Delhi wants the EU to recognise it as a data-secure country, as the EU’s data transfer rules hinder trade in digital services. Besides, India has sought easier temporary work access for its skilled professionals.
Goyal’s engagements in Brussels will include a bilateral meeting with Šefčovič followed by a working dinner, where both leaders are expected to reaffirm the shared ambition to strengthen the India–EU trade and economic partnership.
A delegation of the EU Committee on International Trade will be in India from October 27-29 to discuss trade, economic and investment relations. It will be led by Cristina Maestre, the committee’s standing rapporteur for India, and Brando Benifei.
You may also like
From Samastipur to Begusarai: Why PM Modi's Bihar campaign start is a calculated political move; the 36% swing math explained
Dani Dyer's Strictly Come Dancing return 'confirmed' after shock withdrawal
Prince Andrew promises King Charles he won't 'pull a Harry' with bombshell memoir
EAM Jaishankar wishes Austria on National Day, reaffirms commitment to advance partnership
The beautiful tiny UK village with cobbled streets that's best to visit before Christmas
