India and the European Union (EU) on Monday held detailed discussions in Brussels to assess the ongoing negotiations for their proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The talks focused on the pace of progress and the next steps needed to boost trade and economic cooperation between the two partners.
According to officials cited by PTI, the meeting took place between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic. Both leaders reviewed developments in the FTA discussions and shared their commitment to deepen economic ties.
Goyal Stresses on Swift and Balanced Deal
After the meeting, Goyal wrote on X, “Our discussions focused on giving impetus to the India-EU FTA negotiations. We also reiterated our shared commitment to achieving a swift, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement.”
It was a pleasure to meet my friend @MarosSefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security.
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) October 27, 2025
Our discussions focused on giving impetus to the India-EU FTA negotiations. We also reiterated our shared commitment to achieving a swift, balanced, and mutually beneficial… pic.twitter.com/hqusMchWwa
The minister’s visit to Brussels comes as the deadline to conclude the long-pending FTA talks draws closer. The meeting follows the 14th round of negotiations, which took place from October 6–10, involving Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and European Commission Director General for Trade Sabine Weyand.
Talks Gain Momentum Ahead of December Deadline
Both sides have stepped up their engagement, hoping to wrap up the negotiations by December 2025. The discussions cover not only the free trade deal but also related agreements on investment protection and geographical indications.
The FTA negotiations were revived in June 2022 after an eight-year pause, following a breakdown in 2013 over market access issues.
EU Remains India’s Top Trading Partner
The European Union continues to be India’s largest trading partner for goods. In 2024–25, India’s bilateral trade with the EU reached USD 136.53 billion, including USD 75.85 billion in exports and USD 60.68 billion in imports.
The EU accounts for around 17% of India’s total exports, while imports from the bloc make up 9% of India’s global imports.
Key Demands and Trade Interests
The EU is pressing India to cut import duties on sectors like automobiles, medical devices, wine, spirits, meat, and poultry. It also seeks a stronger intellectual property framework to protect European products and technologies.
On the other hand, India wants to secure better access for its readymade garments, pharmaceuticals, steel, petroleum products, and electrical machinery, which would benefit from reduced tariffs under the FTA.
Broad Scope of Negotiations
The India–EU trade pact covers 23 policy areas, making it one of the most comprehensive negotiations India has ever undertaken. These include trade in goods and services, investment, customs facilitation, competition, government procurement, dispute settlement, rules of origin, intellectual property rights, geographical indications, and sustainable development.