New Delhi: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held high-level discussions with Maroš Šefčovič, the European Union’s Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, during December 8–9, 2025, aimed at accelerating progress toward the early conclusion of the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The ministerial engagement focused on providing strategic direction to the FTA negotiating teams as both sides work toward finalizing the agreement at the earliest possible date. The visit followed a round of intensive technical negotiations held in New Delhi from December 3 to 9, covering critical chapters such as Market Access for Goods, Rules of Origin, Services, Technical Barriers to Trade, and Trade and Sustainable Development.
Ahead of the Commissioner’s visit, high-level consultations were also held on December 7 between India’s Commerce Secretary and the Director-General for Trade of the European Commission. These discussions underscored the shared commitment of both sides to intensify engagement and push the negotiations toward a timely, balanced, and mutually beneficial conclusion.
During their detailed deliberations, Minister Goyal and Commissioner Šefčovič reviewed progress across various negotiating tracks and acknowledged the steady advancements achieved so far. Both sides agreed on the need to maintain momentum through sustained technical and political-level exchanges.
The two leaders emphasized the strategic importance of finalizing a fair, balanced, and ambitious FTA that reflects shared values, economic priorities, and a collective commitment to a rules-based global trading system. The ministerial-level talks reaffirmed strong political will on both sides to resolve outstanding issues through constructive engagement.
Commissioner Šefčovič’s visit to New Delhi was seen as a major milestone in the evolving India–EU trade partnership, reinforcing India’s position as a reliable and strategic economic partner for the European Union. Anchored in common goals of prosperity, sustainability, and innovation, the visit concluded with both sides expressing confidence and renewed determination to intensify efforts toward the early conclusion of a modern, comprehensive, and mutually advantageous trade agreement.