During his visit, Shri Goyal held high-level discussions with the European Union’s Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Mr. Maroš Šefčovič. The ministerial-level dialogue focused on providing strategic guidance to negotiating teams on both sides to address pending differences and move swiftly towards finalising the agreement.
Officials familiar with the discussions said the talks reflected a shared determination to deliver a comprehensive trade pact that is fair, balanced, and aligned with the economic priorities of both India and the EU. The engagement also underscored the broader strategic importance of the India-EU partnership in a rapidly evolving global trade environment.
According to official sources, the preparatory discussions helped bring greater clarity on unresolved areas, thereby creating the groundwork for more focused ministerial-level deliberations. This sequencing of technical and political engagement highlighted the seriousness with which both sides are approaching the negotiations.
The ministerial discussions reaffirmed that the India-EU FTA is not merely a commercial arrangement but a strategic partnership rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to a rules-based global trading system. Both sides stressed that the agreement should be ambitious yet sensitive to developmental concerns.
From the EU’s perspective, a strong trade pact with India is seen as vital for diversifying economic partnerships and deepening engagement with one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. The renewed push reflects converging interests amid global economic uncertainties.
The Brussels engagement marks another important step in India’s broader trade diplomacy, aimed at securing balanced and future-ready agreements that support domestic growth while integrating the country more deeply into global value chains.
