Our Bureau
New Delhi
The 13th round of negotiations on the highly anticipated India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is currently underway in New Delhi, signaling a crucial step toward finalizing a trade deal by December 2025. The talks are focused on addressing sensitive sectors while ensuring the best interests of Indian farmers are protected, according to government sources.
The meeting involves high-level officials including EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The two sides aim to unlock transformative initiatives that go beyond trade tariff reductions to include cooperation in areas like investment, intellectual property, geographical indications, and sustainable development.
The trade pact, if signed, will be a key economic booster for India, helping cushion the country against ongoing global uncertainties such as tariff impositions by other major economies. The EU represents India’s largest trading partner for goods, with bilateral trade in goods valued at $137.41 billion in 2023-24, including $75.92 billion in exports from India. The EU accounts for roughly 17% of India’s total exports.
Discussions have emphasized market access offers across goods, services, and investment sectors. Key EU demands include lowered duties on automobiles, medical devices, wines, and spirits, while India seeks competitive advantages in exports like pharmaceuticals, steel, garments, and electrical machinery.
The negotiations cover 23 policy chapters addressing comprehensive trade facilitation measures. The Indian government remains committed to balancing trade liberalization with protection for critical sectors, especially agriculture, reflecting domestic considerations amid the broader economic objectives.
Both sides are optimistic about concluding the trade deal in phases, starting with core trade issues, to advance the pact efficiently. The forthcoming months will be decisive in shaping the future of India-EU economic cooperation.
