India and European Union Renew Push for Free Trade Agreement Talks

New Delhi, November 4, 2025 India and the European Union (EU) have resumed negotiations on the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in New Delhi, aiming to bridge differences and create a fair, balanced, and forward-looking trade partnership. A senior EU delegation arrived in the capital on Monday for week-long talks with Indian officials to work through pending issues and accelerate progress toward a deal that has been in discussion for years. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the meetings, scheduled from November 3 to 7, are focusing on major areas such as trade in goods and services, rules of origin, technical regulations, and institutional frameworks. The goal, officials said, is to design a “modern, robust, and future-ready” FTA that reflects the shared priorities of both India and the EU — two of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets. The latest round of talks follows Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent visit to Brussels on October 27 and 28, where he met with Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties and expressed optimism about reaching an agreement that supports growth, jobs, and innovation. Momentum for the negotiations increased after a virtual meeting held on November 3 between Mr. Goyal, Mr. Šefčovič, and EU Agriculture and Food Commissioner Christophe Hansen. During the meeting, leaders discussed ways to align trade standards, enhance agricultural cooperation, and promote sustainable development within the framework of the agreement. Further high-level discussions are planned during the visit of Sabine Weyand, Director-General for Trade at the European Commission, who will be in New Delhi from November 5 to 6. She is expected to hold consultations with Commerce Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal to address technical and policy-level challenges that have delayed progress in earlier rounds. The Ministry of Commerce emphasized that the ongoing talks reflect the determination of both India and the EU to build a trade partnership that benefits businesses and consumers on both sides. The envisioned agreement is expected to not only increase bilateral trade and investment but also open up opportunities for cooperation in technology, clean energy, and innovation. India and the EU represent significant trade partners, with bilateral trade in goods and services already exceeding $130 billion annually. An FTA would help reduce tariffs, simplify regulations, and encourage mutual investments, while also promoting sustainable economic growth and job creation. Officials noted that both sides are seeking a deal that balances ambition with fairness, ensuring that the agreement benefits a broad range of industries while supporting environmental and social goals. If successful, the India-EU FTA could become one of the most comprehensive trade agreements between a major Asian economy and the European bloc, marking a new chapter in global economic cooperation. India and EU Move Closer to Landmark Free Trade Agreement India and the European Union have taken a major step forward in their push for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with high-level talks underway in New Delhi this week. The discussions, running from November 3 to 7, aim to resolve key issues in trade, investment, and market access — paving the way for a modern, fair, and future-ready partnership. The renewed momentum follows Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent visit to Brussels, where he met EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to reaffirm both sides’ commitment to reaching an ambitious and balanced deal. The dialogue continued through a virtual meeting on November 3, joined by EU Agriculture and Food Commissioner Christophe Hansen, setting the stage for deeper cooperation. Sabine Weyand, Director-General for Trade at the European Commission, is also visiting India for policy-level consultations with Commerce Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal. Both sides agree that the FTA will unlock new opportunities for businesses, strengthen investments, and support sustainable growth. As negotiations progress, hopes are high for an agreement that boosts trade, creates jobs, and strengthens India-EU economic ties for the future.