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Key Talks on India-EU FTA: Piyush Goyal’s High-Level Brussels Visit

Key Talks on India-EU FTA: Piyush Goyal’s High-Level Brussels Visit

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to Visit Brussels for Key India-EU FTA Talks

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, is set to visit Brussels, Belgium, from January 18-20 to engage in high-level discussions on the proposed India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He will meet Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission’s Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, to expedite negotiations and strengthen bilateral trade ties.


Objectives of the Visit

The visit underscores India’s commitment to fostering stronger trade and investment relations with the EU, a key partner. Key discussions will focus on:

  1. India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA):
    • Reviewing progress and providing political directions to fast-track negotiations.
    • Aiming for a trade deal that is commercially significant, balanced, equitable, ambitious, and mutually beneficial.
  2. Trade and Technology Council Framework:
    • Taking stock of the council’s work in enhancing trade and technological collaboration.
  3. Global Economic Context:
    • Discussing global trade disruptions and aligning strategies for economic resilience.

Significance of India-EU Trade Relations

  • Bilateral Trade:
    • The EU is one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $180 billion in FY2023-24.
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):
    • The EU is a major source of FDI for India, contributing $117.34 billion, highlighting its importance in driving India’s economic growth.

Upcoming FTA Negotiations

Minister Goyal’s visit comes ahead of the 10th round of FTA negotiations, scheduled to take place from March 10-14 in Brussels. The dialogue aims to address key trade barriers and facilitate deeper economic integration between India and the EU.


Meetings and Side Events

During his visit, Goyal will also:

  1. Meet Ngozi Okonzo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
  2. Hold discussions with Bernard Quintin, Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Foreign Trade.
  3. Interact with representatives from Belgian industries and the Indian community in Belgium, reinforcing economic and cultural ties.

Broader Implications

The FTA is expected to enhance market access, boost trade in goods and services, and promote investment flows between India and the EU. It is part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen economic partnerships with major global markets amid evolving trade dynamics.


Piyush Goyal’s visit to Brussels highlights the strategic importance India places on its partnership with the EU. The discussions are expected to provide crucial momentum to the FTA negotiations and pave the way for a robust trade agreement, benefiting both economies in the long run.

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