India and the European Union took forward discussions on their proposed free trade agreement during Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s two-day visit to Brussels, which concluded on January 9.Goyal was in the Belgian capital on January 8 and 9, where he held several high-level meetings with the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Sefcovic. The discussions focused on progressing the long-pending India-EU FTA negotiations, with both leaders offering clear directions to their negotiating teams to resolve outstanding issues and expedite the process.
Discussions focused on balancing commercial ambitions and national priorities. Both sides stressed that the agreement must protect farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while also helping Indian industries strengthen their participation in global supply chains. “As a continuation of our efforts to achieve a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), I held high-level talks with the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Mr. Maros Sefcovic, in Brussels. During this dialogue, we deliberated on the key areas of the proposed agreement. We reaffirmed our commitment to a rules-based trading framework and a modern economic partnership that protects the interests of farmers and MSMEs while integrating Indian industries in global supply chains,” Goyal said in an article on X.According to the Ministry of Commerce, the ministerial discussions focused on several critical aspects of the agreement. Progress in negotiating areas such as market access for goods, rules of origin and services was reviewed, with both sides recognizing steady progress on these fronts.The ministry said the discussions reflected a strong political will on the part of India and the EU to resolve remaining issues through constructive engagement. Both sides also reiterated the need to finalize a fair, balanced and ambitious agreement, aligned with common values, economic priorities and a rules-based trade framework.The ministerial engagement builds on earlier discussions held on 6-7 January 2026 between Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and the European Commission’s Director-General for Trade, Sabine Weyand. The meetings were intended to take stock of progress in all negotiating areas, with officials working to “bridge differences” and clarify unresolved issues ahead of ministerial-level talks.Before arriving in Brussels, Goyal traveled to Liechtenstein, where he led a roundtable discussion with leading local business leaders. The discussions focused on the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). This was the first-ever trip by an Indian minister to Liechtenstein and highlighted the strengthening economic relations following the implementation of the trade agreement.During the interactions, Goyal said the India-EFTA TEPA goes beyond trade liberalization, providing a broader framework for investment, technology collaboration, skills development and creation of resilient value chains. He encouraged Liechtenstein businesses to explore opportunities in India, especially in the context of the $100 billion investment commitment made by EFTA countries.As part of this visit, the minister visited the headquarters of the Hilti group and met its managing director, Jahangir Doongaji. Discussions focused on expanding localization efforts, increasing value addition and scaling up global shipments from India. With Hilti having been in India’s construction sector for over 25 years, discussions also included technology collaboration to support safer and smarter infrastructure, in line with India’s manufacturing and export goals.Goyal also met Liechtenstein Prime Minister Brigitte Haas to discuss ways to deepen economic and investment cooperation under the India-EFTA TEPA. The leaders explored collaboration in skills development, professional training and industry-academia partnerships, bringing together India’s young workforce and Liechtenstein’s advanced industrial expertise.
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