India and the European Union are nearing the signing of a proposed free trade agreement, expected to take place this month. Top EU leaders will visit New Delhi and also serve as chief guests at the Republic Day parade on January 26. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal mentioned that negotiators from both sides are finalizing the agreement, with 20 out of 24 chapters already settled.
European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are set to visit India from January 25 to 27. They will attend India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations and the subsequent India-EU Summit. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in his recent visit, expressed strong support for the trade pact and urged expedited signing to address supply chain disruptions.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the productive discussions with the European Union Trade and Economic Security Commissioner in Brussels. Emphasizing the importance of a fair and ambitious agreement, Goyal stressed the alignment of values and economic priorities. Additionally, Goyal reviewed the implementation of the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement during his visit to Liechtenstein.
