In a significant step toward finalising the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal held high-level discussions with Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, during his visit to Brussels from October 26 to 28, 2025.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to conclude the FTA negotiations by the end of 2025, following the direction laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyenduring the latter’s visit to New Delhi earlier this year. The discussions, described as “productive and meaningful,” focused on creating a balanced, equitable, and mutually beneficial agreement that reflects the growing strategic partnership and political trust between India and the European Union.
The talks addressed outstanding issues, including tariff and non-tariff barriers, with both sides agreeing on the need for a transparent and predictable regulatory framework to boost trade and investment. India reiterated that the FTA must remain balanced and sensitive to the developmental and sectoral priorities of both partners.
According to official sources, the meeting saw intensive engagement on potential landing zones for unresolved issues. India raised concerns about non-tariff measures and the impact of new EU regulatory frameworks, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Minister Goyal also highlighted the importance of preferential treatment for India’s labour-intensive sectors, such as textiles, leather, and gems & jewellery.
Both sides agreed to work towards the finalisation of non-sensitive industrial tariff lines, while recognising that issues related to steel, automobiles, CBAM, and other regulatory areas would require continued discussions due to their higher sensitivities.
Emphasising the importance of collaboration, Shri Goyal stated that India remains committed to working with the EU to build a trade relationship founded on shared innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity. As part of the next steps, a technical delegation from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade is scheduled to visit India next week to advance negotiations based on the potential solutions identified during the Brussels meetings.
The India–EU FTA, once concluded, is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade, diversify supply chains, and reinforce the economic and strategic partnership between the two democracies in the evolving global trade landscape.
