Image Source: Swarajya
Piyush Goyal met EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Brussels for high-level talks advancing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Discussions addressed key issues like market access, farmer and MSME protections, and rules-based trade. Both sides aim to integrate Indian sectors into global chains ahead of the upcoming summit, post-missed 2025 deadline.
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Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held high-level discussions with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Brussels to advance the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to a rules-based trade framework protecting farmers and MSMEs while boosting Indian industries in global supply chains. The talks build momentum ahead of the missed 2025 deadline and upcoming India-EU Summit.
Key Highlights
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Discussions covered critical areas of the proposed FTA, following intensive technical talks between Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and EU Director General Sabine Weyand on January 6-7.
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India seeks zero-duty access for labor-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, apparel, gems, jewelry, and handicrafts to enhance exports.
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EU demands duty reductions on automobiles, medical devices, wine, spirits, meat, poultry, alongside stronger intellectual property protections.
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Bilateral goods trade hit USD 136.53 billion in 2024-25, with India exporting USD 75.85 billion, making EU India's top partner.
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Negotiations span 23 chapters including goods, services, investment, rules of origin, customs, and sustainable development; 16 rounds completed.
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Urgency rises for conclusion before January 27 India-EU Summit, where EU leaders will attend Republic Day as chief guests.
These engagements signal a decisive phase in forging a balanced pact, integrating India deeper into global value chains while addressing sensitivities. Resumed in 2022 after a nine-year hiatus, the FTA promises competitiveness for Indian exports like garments and pharmaceuticals.
Sources: Business Standard, News on AIR
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