Sun Oct 05 08:27:51 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

India and the European Union (EU) are set to resume negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) in Brussels on October 6, 2025. This marks the 14th round of talks, aimed at resolving outstanding issues and finalizing the pact by December. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has expressed optimism about the agreement’s imminent signing. The FTA aims to significantly boost trade and investment between the two entities. Key areas of discussion include tariff reductions on automobiles and medical devices (EU demands), intellectual property rights, and market access for various goods. The potential agreement covers 23 policy areas and is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Indian exports to the EU, which include ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, steel, petroleum products, and electrical machinery. The EU is currently India’s largest trading partner for goods, and the FTA is expected to further strengthen economic ties.

**News Article:**

**India and EU Resume Trade Talks in Brussels Aiming for December Deadline**

**New Delhi, October 5, 2025** – Senior officials from India and the European Union (EU) will meet in Brussels starting October 6th to resume negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA). The five-day talks, marking the 14th round of negotiations, are aimed at resolving remaining disagreements and finalizing the agreement by the end of the year.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has recently voiced optimism about the trade deal, stating that he hopes both sides will sign the agreement soon. He is also slated to meet with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in South Africa later this month to assess the progress.

The FTA seeks to significantly boost trade and investment between India and the 27-nation EU bloc. Key discussion points include the EU’s demands for tariff reductions on automobiles, medical devices, wine, spirits, meat, and poultry, as well as a strong intellectual property regime.

For India, the pact could enhance the competitiveness of exports like ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, steel, petroleum products, and electrical machinery to the EU market. The agreement covers 23 policy areas, including trade in goods and services, investment, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, intellectual property rights, and sustainable development.

In 2024-25, bilateral trade in goods between India and the EU reached $136.53 billion, making the EU India’s largest trading partner. The EU accounts for approximately 17% of India’s total exports and 9% of the EU’s total overseas shipments. In addition to goods, bilateral trade in services was estimated at $51.45 billion in 2023. Both sides are hoping to resolve outstanding issues to meet the self-imposed December deadline.

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