New Delhi: India and the European Union (EU) have reiterated their dedication to swiftly concluding the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two parties.
In a post on social media platform X, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that a balanced and mutually advantageous FTA will create new opportunities.
In his post on X, he mentioned, "As the India-EU FTA negotiations progress, we reaffirmed our collective commitment to its prompt conclusion. A balanced and mutually beneficial FTA will generate new opportunities for individuals and businesses on both sides."
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen are visiting India from September 12-13. They will spearhead the negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union.
On September 9, the EU Embassy in India announced, "On 12-13 Sept, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Agriculture & Food Commissioner Christophe Hansen will be in town to meet Minister Piyush Goyal, assess the situation & enhance India-EU business relations and engage with key stakeholders."
The India-European Union Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is anticipated to be enacted later this year, following the completion of ratification processes by all involved parties.
Recently, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reiterated his nation's dedication to concluding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union at the earliest opportunity.
In the discussions, India has stressed that achieving significant advancements in trade negotiations necessitates equal attention to non-tariff barriers (NTBs) in addition to tariff matters, and that regulatory frameworks should be inclusive, proportionate, and not hinder trade.
Over the last five years, India has signed multiple trade agreements, including the India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) which was enacted in 2021, the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) in 2022, the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) anticipated in 2024, and the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed in 2025, which is still pending implementation.
The India-European Union Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is projected to be put into effect later this year once all involved parties finalize their ratification procedures.
In the meantime, India is negotiating several additional agreements, such as the India-EU FTA, India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), India-Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement, India-Peru FTA, India-Chile CEPA, India-New Zealand FTA, and a bilateral trade agreement with the United States.
