Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal engaged in discussions with EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Brussels to advance the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Goyal emphasized the importance of a rules-based trading framework and a modern economic partnership that benefits farmers and MSMEs while integrating Indian industries globally.
India is advocating for duty-free access for labor-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, apparel, gems and jewelry, and handicrafts. The visit of the Indian minister to Brussels highlights the deepening diplomatic and technical ties between India and the EU, aiming to guide negotiations, address pending issues, and expedite a comprehensive agreement.
The recent ministerial discussions follow extensive talks in Brussels, building on previous high-level meetings between India’s Commerce Secretary and the Director-General for Trade of the European Commission. These negotiations mark a significant phase in India-EU economic relations, with both sides demonstrating a strong commitment to a rules-based trading framework and an economic partnership that supports farmers, MSMEs, and the integration of Indian industries into global supply chains.
