First series of negotiations for the ALE with the EAEU, including Russia, probably in early November ‘

The first series of negotiations for a free trade agreement (ALE) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Russia, is expected to take place in early November, according to the Russian Embassy. However, this has not yet been confirmed by the Indian government.

In addition, the next two months will see series of negotiations for the AFF between India and the EU, Chile, Peru, and an ALE examination with the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN).

In a statement, the Embassy of Russia in India said that the Minister in charge of trade in the Eurasian Economic Commission Andrey Slepnev met the Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on September 15.

Read also | India, the European Union reaffirms the commitment in early conclusion of the ALE talks: Piyush Goyal

“The ministers agreed with an approach under which the first series of negotiations should take place in early November of this year in India and focus on the main aspects of the future agreement,” the statement said. “It will be preceded by intensive consultations between the Commission, the Indian partners and the EAEU member states.”

The Indian government has not confirmed the date of the first series of negotiations, however.

According to a source from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the next series of negotiations for the ALE between India and the European Union will take place from October 6 to 10.

A second source, close to negotiations, said that “almost all” problems relating to the India-EU FTA have been resolved and that an early harvest agreement could also be on the cards. This occurs at a time when the EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič last week said that the two parties would respect the end of December for the end of the negotiations throughout the ALE.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission on Wednesday, September 17, 2025) published on X that “we are committed to finalizing our trade agreement (with India) by the end of the year”.

The sources of the ministry have also confirmed that the next cycles of negotiations on the ALE in India-Chile would take place from October 27 to 31 and for India-Peru Ale on November 3-5.

In addition, the next meeting to examine the ALE with the countries of the Anase is expected from October 6 to 7, the source claiming that the exam should “be concluded by the end of the year”.