India-EU FTA talks gather steam as negotiators for equitable deal arrive Mon
This story was originally published at 21:51 IST on 3 November 2025
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NEW DELHI – Free trade agreement negotiations between India and the European Union have intensified, as a senior team of negotiators from the EU arrived in New Delhi Monday for five days of deliberations. The engagement aims to resolve key issues between the two sides and advance the agreement towards a balanced and equitable framework that benefits both parties. The two sides last month had reaffirmed the goal to conclude trade pact negotiations by the end of this year.
The visit follows Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's official visit to Brussels last month, where he held forward-looking discussions with Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security. "These consultations reaffirm the commitment of both sides to intensify engagement and facilitate a comprehensive trade agreement," the commerce ministry said in a release Monday.
Deliberations during the week will focus on core areas, including trade in goods, trade in services, rules of origin, among others, along with technical and institutional matters, the ministry said. "The discussions are guided by a shared vision of a modern, robust, and future-ready FTA that reflects the priorities and sensitivities of both India and the EU," it said in the release.
During the day, Goyal held a virtual meeting with Sefcovic and European Commissione for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen. "The EU delegation's visit underscores the joint determination of India and the European Union to conclude a fair and balanced agreement, fostering trade, investment, innovation, and sustainable growth," the ministry said.
The ministry had earlier said both sides have agreed to work closely on finalising the non-sensitive industrial tariff lines. They also agreed on the more contentious issues like steel and auto sector-related problems, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and other EU regulations that still require further discussion.
The EU accounts for over 15% of India's total exports. India had exported $78.85 billion worth of goods to the EU in 2024-25 (Apr-Mar) and had a trade surplus of $15.17 billion with the bloc. End
US$1 = INR 88.78
Reported by Priyasmita Dutta
Edited by Tanima Banerjee
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