The talks come at a pivotal moment in India-EU economic relations. After remaining stalled for over nine years, FTA negotiations were re-launched in June 2022, marking renewed political will on both sides to deepen economic integration. Since then, 14 rounds of negotiations and several ministerial-level dialogues—most recently in December 2025—have been held, reflecting sustained efforts to finalise a comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade pact.
The European Union is currently India’s largest trading partner and a key investor, with bilateral trade in goods significantly bolstered in the 2024-25 fiscal. This agreement is envisioned not just as a trade deal, but as a comprehensive partnership that addresses modern economic realities.
During the visit, Goyal will hold high-level dialogues with the European Union’s commissioner for trade and economic security, Maros Sefcovic. The primary objective of these interactions is to provide strategic guidance to the negotiating teams, resolve pending issues, and expedite the conclusion of a balanced and ambitious agreement, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a press release.
The leaders are expected to carry out detailed deliberations across key areas of the proposed agreement, aiming to narrow divergences and ensure clarity on outstanding matters. The ministerial engagement follows a week of intensive deliberations in Brussels, building upon the groundwork laid during high-level discussions held earlier this week between India's commerce secretary, Rajesh Agrawal, and the director-general for trade of the European Commission, Sabine Weyand.
A central pillar of India’s negotiation strategy, guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is to secure an agreement that translates into tangible benefits for the common man. India is pushing for zero-duty access for its labour-intensive sectors—such as textiles, leather, apparel, gems and jewellery, and handicrafts.
Both India and the EU have expressed strong political resolve to deliver a comprehensive deal. The upcoming talks are expected to reaffirm the commitment of both sides to a rules-based trading framework and a modern economic partnership that safeguards the interests of farmers and MSMEs while integrating Indian industries into global supply chains.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (RR)
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