Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is set to visit Brussels on October 27-28 to advance discussions on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This visit comes at a critical juncture as both parties aim to finalize the trade pact by December. Goyal will meet with Maroš Šefčovič, the Executive Vice-President and European Commissioner for Trade, to provide political momentum to the negotiations.

The two-day visit will focus on essential aspects of the proposed FTA, including market access, non-tariff measures, and regulatory cooperation. The Ministry of Commerce stated that the discussions will also review the progress made so far and identify areas needing further alignment. Goyal's meetings will include a bilateral session with Šefčovič, followed by a working dinner to reinforce the commitment to strengthen the India-EU trade relationship.

This engagement follows the 14th round of FTA talks held earlier this month and reflects a renewed strategic partnership between India and the EU, highlighted by a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The FTA negotiations, which resumed in June 2022 after an eight-year hiatus, cover 23 policy areas, including trade in goods and services, investment, and intellectual property rights. Six chapters have already reached agreement.

India's trade with the EU was valued at USD 136.53 billion in 2024-25, making the EU India's largest trading partner. The ongoing negotiations aim to create a comprehensive, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade agreement that enhances competitiveness for Indian exports, such as pharmaceuticals and textiles, while addressing EU demands for duty reductions on various products. Both sides are committed to continuous engagement to meet the December deadline for concluding the FTA negotiations.