Image Source: First Post
India's Foreign Minister has assured that talks on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are going on at a fast pace, with over half of the job done. The target is still to close the deal by the end of 2025, a milestone in India-EU trade relations.
1. Progress & Key Developments
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Three top-level meetings have occurred within the past 35 days between India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.
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The talks have centered on lowering trade barriers, improving market access, and deepening economic cooperation.
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The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade, which currently stands at $15 billion between India and Italy alone.
2. Strategic Significance of the FTA
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The India-EU FTA is likely to enhance exports, foreign investment, and new employment opportunities.
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The agreement is in line with India's overall trade policy, after recent deals with EFTA and the UK.
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The EU considers India a strategic partner in international trade, with a focus on free trade rather than protectionism.
3. Next Steps & Expected Timeline
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The second session of negotiations is planned for May 12–16, 2025, in New Delhi.
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Both parties seek to seal the deal within the year-end deadline, calling for a balanced and complete trade agreement.
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The FTA will cover digital trade, supply chain resilience, and regulatory cooperation, making it a transformative deal for both economies.
Sources: The Economic Times, Times of India, MSN
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