October 29, 2025

Exciting news from Brussels! India and the European Union have come much closer in their talks to seal a big Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and after intense three days of discussions, both sides have managed to reduce major differences in their negotiating positions. Mr. Goyal, sharing the update on X, called the talks “intense” but “very productive.” He said, “The talks have significantly reduced our outstanding issues and allowed us to create the framework that will help deliver a win-win for our economies.” This means both India and the EU are on the verge of a deal that can benefit millions of people and businesses. In a video shared by Mr. Goyal, Mr. Šefčovič spoke warmly about the talks happening in an atmosphere of "full transparency and trust." However, he also reminded everyone that “further work is required” to finalize the details. He highlighted that the teams have made “substantial progress in a number of areas” and have given clear instructions about industrial tariffs. To keep the momentum, a high-level EU trade delegation led by Director-General Sabine Weyand is set to visit New Delhi next week. They will work on “technical tariff negotiations” to iron out the final details. Meanwhile, a delegation from the European Parliament is already in New Delhi this week, exploring the trade chances and challenges ahead. The talks have had some bumpy roads, especially around tariffs on agricultural products, a touchy subject for both sides but particularly important for India. Another hot potato was tariffs on European cars sold in India and the complex regulatory issues, including the EU’s carbon tax on imports, known as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Despite these hurdles, the spirit of cooperation is strong. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have both backed a goal to wrap up the FTA by the end of the year. The 14th round of talks wrapped up on October 10 in Brussels, and continuous efforts between rounds show the urgency and determination to meet this deadline. Mr. Goyal confidently summed up the progress: “The negotiations and discussions have laid the foundation for a robust and balanced agreement.” With such eagerness and progress, this India-EU deal might soon become a reality, promising better trade and friendship between the two giants.

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Tags: India-eu fta, Piyush goyal, Maros sefcovic, Trade talks, Tariffs, Brussels,