The Ministry of Commerce Industry of India and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to conclude an ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025. This comes after Shri Piyush Goyal, India's Minister for Commerce and Industry, and Mr. Maro efovi from the EU held a forward-looking dialogue addressing global trade challenges. The commitment is aligned with joint strategies set during the visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February 2025.
The leaders highlighted the importance of building a mutually beneficial, balanced, fair, and resilient trade partnership that supports economic stability. They acknowledged challenges such as non-tariff barriers and emphasized on maintaining negotiating momentum through regular meetings. Both parties aim to address outstanding issues with respect and pragmatism for equal focus on tariff discussions and non-tariff barriers.
The India-European Union FTA seeks to support digital transitions, diversified supply chains and competitive innovation by reflecting the evolving global commerce realities. The agreement is expected to enhance market access, promote regulatory cooperation, foster innovation, and recognize the importance of investment flows and people-to-people mobility in sustaining economic vitality.
In view of India's vision as a 'Vishwa Mitraa' partner with its 2047 development goals, fostering diversified production networks and upholding fair trade principles are key focuses. This dialogue, among ongoing free trade deals, reflects India's aim to shape future-ready frameworks that align with national priorities and global aspirations.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Commerce Industry India: A governmental department responsible for trade and industry policies in India.
EU (European Union): An international organization consisting of 27 European countries that coordinates economic policies among its members.
Ambitious FTA: A Free Trade Agreement with the intent to achieve significant levels of trade liberalization between India and the EU, aiming for a mutually beneficial outcome by the end of 2025.
Shri Piyush Goyal: The Minister of Commerce Industry in India currently holding this position as per the text provided.
Mr. Maro efovi: A European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, a high-ranking official responsible for trade matters within the EU.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi: The highest executive and political authority in India representing the government's direction on national policies, including economic strategies involving trade partnerships.
President of the European Commission Ms. Ursula von der Leyen: The head of the European Commission, which oversees the day-to-day management and implementation of EU policies, with specific responsibilities for strategic objectives such as trade agreements.
Vishwa Mitraa partner: India's role in global partnerships emphasizing mutual friendliness and cooperation on various fronts, including economic integration and trade.
National priorities and global aspirations: Guiding principles reflecting India's strategic goals both domestically and internationally when engaging with global partners like the EU.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India and EU reaffirm Commitment to Conclude
Ambitious FTA by the End of 2025, Deepen Strategic
Trade Ties
Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 10:24AM by PIB Delhi
Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry of India, and Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, European
Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, engaged in a forward-looking and substantive dialogue to
address global trade challenges and reaffirm their shared resolve to conclude the India-European Union Free
Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025. This commitment builds on the strategic direction given by
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen
during the landmark visit of the EU College of Commissioners to New Delhi in February 2025.
The high-level engagement underscores the strategic importance both partners attach to building a
commercially meaningful, mutually beneficial, balanced, and a fair trade partnership that supports economic
resilience and inclusive growth. The meeting highlighted the progress made across multiple negotiating tracks
and emphasized the importance of maintaining the ongoing momentum through monthly negotiating rounds
and continued virtual engagement. Both sides reiterated their aim to address pending issues in a spirit of
mutual respect and pragmatism, including at the next round scheduled to be held from 12-16 May 2025 in
New Delhi.
India emphasized that meaningful progress in trade negotiations requires equal focus on non-tariff barriers
(NTBs) alongside tariff discussions and regulatory frameworks must be inclusive, proportionate, and avoid
restricting trade.
The India-EU FTA aspires to reflect the evolving realities of global commerce by supporting digital
transition, promoting diversified and resilient supply chains. Both sides expressed optimism that the
agreement, once concluded, will serve as a transformative pillar of the broader India-EU strategic partnership,
enhancing market access, supporting regulatory cooperation, and fostering innovation and competitiveness on
both sides. Both sides acknowledged the crucial role of investment flows and people-to-people mobility in
sustaining economic vitality.
In the spirit of India’s emergence as a “Vishwa Mitra”—a partner to the world—and aligning with its 2047
development goals, the India- EU FTA is seen as an instrument to promote diversified production networks
and uphold fair trade principles. As India continues to broaden its footprint through multiple free trade deals,
this dialogue reflects its broader vision of shaping a future-ready framework aligned with national priorities
and global aspirations.
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Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan
(Release ID: 2126025)