New Delhi: India and Germany Monday discussed areas of mutual interest and growth, and their shared commitment to an early conclusion of the India–EU free trade agreement ( FTA). The issues were taken up during commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Brussels where he met Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Germany.
“Began my visit to Brussels with a meeting with Mr. Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Germany. Our discussions spanned key areas of mutual interest and growth, reaffirming the robust India-Germany strategic partnership and our shared commitment to an early conclusion of the India–EU FTA,” Goyal said in a post on X.
The minister is on a two-day visit to Brussels where he is slated to hold high-level discussions with Maroš Šefcovic, Executive Vice-President and European Commissioner for Trade of the EU. The two sides will discuss key areas of the proposed FTA including market access, non-tariff measures and regulatory cooperation as they aim to conclude the trade pact negotiations by December. Separate negotiations for an investment protection agreement and an agreement on geographical indications are also underway.
India-EU bilateral trade in goods was $136.53 billion in FY25.
India and the EU concluded the 14th round of FTA negotiations in Brussels on October 10. Following the negotiations, the EU said the talks focused on firming up an economically meaningful market access package.
The bloc has sought India to lower its tariffs on cars and alcoholic beverages while New Delhi wants the EU to recognise it as a data-secure country, as the EU’s data transfer rules hinder trade in digital services. Besides, India has sought easier temporary work access for its skilled professionals.
A delegation of the EU Committee on International Trade is in India from October 27-29 to discuss trade, economic and investment relations. It is led by Cristina Maestre, the committee’s standing rapporteur for India, and Brando Benifei.
“Began my visit to Brussels with a meeting with Mr. Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Germany. Our discussions spanned key areas of mutual interest and growth, reaffirming the robust India-Germany strategic partnership and our shared commitment to an early conclusion of the India–EU FTA,” Goyal said in a post on X.
The minister is on a two-day visit to Brussels where he is slated to hold high-level discussions with Maroš Šefcovic, Executive Vice-President and European Commissioner for Trade of the EU. The two sides will discuss key areas of the proposed FTA including market access, non-tariff measures and regulatory cooperation as they aim to conclude the trade pact negotiations by December. Separate negotiations for an investment protection agreement and an agreement on geographical indications are also underway.
India-EU bilateral trade in goods was $136.53 billion in FY25.
India and the EU concluded the 14th round of FTA negotiations in Brussels on October 10. Following the negotiations, the EU said the talks focused on firming up an economically meaningful market access package.
The bloc has sought India to lower its tariffs on cars and alcoholic beverages while New Delhi wants the EU to recognise it as a data-secure country, as the EU’s data transfer rules hinder trade in digital services. Besides, India has sought easier temporary work access for its skilled professionals.
A delegation of the EU Committee on International Trade is in India from October 27-29 to discuss trade, economic and investment relations. It is led by Cristina Maestre, the committee’s standing rapporteur for India, and Brando Benifei.
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