Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal interacts with Indian expatriates in Berlin during his official visit to meet global industry leaders in Berlin on October 25, 2025. Photo Credit: ANI
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Brussels from October 27 to 28 to hold high-level discussions with his counterpart in the European Union (EU) to provide “strategic direction and political impetus” to the ongoing negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the European Union.
At the same time, a delegation of the European Parliament Trade Committee will be in New Delhi from 27 to 29 October to enhance mutual understanding amid intensive trade talks between the European Union and India.
According to the Commerce and Industry Ministry, Mr Goyal’s visit to Brussels and meeting with EU Executive Vice-President and European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic comes at a “crucial stage” in the FTA negotiations.
“Building on the momentum generated from the 14th round of talks held earlier this month, the minister’s visit aims to provide strategic direction and political impetus to the talks,” the ministry said in a release.
The Hindu, On October 16, reports said that while discussions were ongoing between India and the EU, the next formal round of talks has not yet been finalized as issues holding up a deal require continued communication rather than waiting for a formal round.
These issues included market access, regulatory cooperation and agricultural sensitivities.
“The discussions are expected to cover key areas of the proposed FTA, including market access, non-tariff measures and regulatory cooperation,” the release said. “The visit will also serve to review the progress achieved so far and identify areas requiring further convergence.”
Mr Goyal will hold a bilateral meeting with Mr Sefcovic, followed by a working dinner. This will not be considered a formal round of talks but a series of discussions.
european team in india
According to a press release issued by the European Parliament, the Trade Committee delegation will consist of seven Members of the European Parliament.
“The main objective of this visit is to contribute to enhancing our mutual understanding amid intensified trade negotiations between the EU and India,” Cristina Mestre and Brando Benfi, co-heads of delegation, said in a joint statement. “The mission is timely, just months before the deadline to conclude negotiations for a free trade agreement by the end of 2025.”
The release said that during its visit to India, the delegation will meet various stakeholders to get “first-hand information on the opportunities and challenges arising from these trade negotiations”.
“INTA members look forward to convening various meetings at both the ministerial and parliamentary levels,” it added. “Members will be meeting with the European Trade Federation and the Confederation of Indian Industry in India.”
The release further said that other meetings will be held with civil society working on sustainability issues and representatives of workers and employers, and organizations working on labor rights.
published – October 26, 2025 04:05 PM IST
