Commerce Secretary Agrawal to visit Brussels this week to speed up FTA talks with EU

India’s top trade officials are gearing up for a flurry of meetings in Brussels to push the India‑EU free trade agreement toward a final signature. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal will head to the European capital at the end of the week to talk with EU Trade Director General Sabine Weyand, says Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

The minister said live discussions in Brussels are “very good” and that both sides aim to finish the deal by year‑end, a target set by EU President Ursula von der Leyen and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Goyal added that the FTA will help both economies tap each other’s strengths—technology for India and market access for the EU.

What’s on the agenda?

The India‑EU free trade agreement covers 23 policy chapters, but a few key issues still need ironing out. Market access and rules of origin are the main sticking points. The EU is also keen to boost trade amid rising global tariffs, hoping the FTA will diversify supply chains for both partners.

In recent weeks, a high‑level Indian delegation led by Special Secretary L Satya Srinivas has been in Brussels for the 14th round of talks. These negotiations ran for five days, and a next meeting between Minister Goyal and EU Trade Minister Maros Sefcovic is scheduled for October 27‑28. After that, Agrawal will meet Weyand to lock in the next steps.

Why does it matter?

India and the EU already trade billions of euros of goods and services. Last year, bilateral goods trade hit €120 billion, making the EU India’s biggest trading partner—out‑doing the US and China. When services are added, the total jumps to €180 billion. At the same time, both India and the EU are the world’s second and fourth largest economies, respectively. The FTA could unlock significant growth for both sides.

“India’s innovation and tech base holds great potential for the EU,” Goyal told reporters. “Together we can serve the world better.” EU ambassador Hervé Delphin echoed this sentiment, pointing out how the agreement could hedge against the uncertainties created by tariff pushes elsewhere, notably from the United States.

The next moves

While Goyal’s two‑day visit to Qatar is focused on deepening ties with Gulf partners, he will soon return to Europe. “Once this round in Qatar is over, I’ll be heading to Brussels to meet with Agrawal and Weyand,” Goyal said. He also emphasized that finishing the FTA before the year’s end will require relentless effort from both governments.

“We’re at a point where we can shape the future of trade between our economies,” Goyal added. “The scoreboard is clear: the EU is the third highest trade partner of India in terms of goods and the second overall when services are included. This deal can super‑charge that relationship.”

Bottom line

• Key players: Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, EU Trade DG Sabine Weyand.
• Main issues: Market access & rules of origin.
• Timeline: Deal targets final signature by year‑end; talks in Brussels finish the week, followed by further meetings.
• Economic impact: Current bilateral goods trade €120 billion, services add 60 billion; potential growth significant.

The India‑EU free trade agreement could become a landmark deal for global trade, reshaping how the world’s second and fourth largest economies cooperate. Keep an eye on Brussels this week as both sides work to close the final gaps and secure a deal that promises to invigorate trade, investment, and innovation across continents.

Source: ianslive


Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.