Piyush Goyal in Brussels: India, EU push mutually beneficial FTA talks
New Delhi: Trade and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday met Maros Sefcovic, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and discussed the India-EU FTA negotiations, which are at their crucial stage.
Goyal held high-level discussions with Sefcovic in Brussels, Belgium, as both sides intensified efforts to conclude a comprehensive, balanced and mutually beneficial trade deal at the earliest.
“Our discussions focused on gaining momentum for the India-EU FTA negotiations. We also reiterated our shared commitment to reach an early, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement,” Goyal posted on social media platform X.
He began his visit to Brussels with a meeting with Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany.
“Our discussions focused on key areas of mutual interest and growth, reaffirming the strong strategic partnership between India and Germany and our shared commitment to an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA,” informed the minister.
This visit reflects India’s unwavering commitment to deepening its relationship with the European Union, one of its largest trading partners, and advancing an agreement that contributes to resilient supply chains, sustainable growth and a rules-based global trading system.
“Building on the momentum generated by the 14th round of negotiations held earlier this month, the minister’s visit aims to provide strategic direction and political impetus to the negotiations,” the Commerce Ministry said in a statement.
According to the ministry, the discussions are expected to cover key areas of the proposed FTA, including market access, non-tariff measures and regulatory cooperation. The visit will also serve to review progress made so far and identify areas requiring further convergence.
The visit comes against the backdrop of the India-EU partnership gaining strategic depth following the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen earlier this year.
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