ENA Global 2026-01-07 17:20:51 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Jan 7 (KNN) </strong>Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, is scheduled to visit Brussels on 8 9 January 2026 to advance negotiations on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The two-day visit marks a significant phase in the ongoing efforts to finalise a comprehensive trade and economic partnership between India and the EU, reflecting heightened diplomatic and technical engagement.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The India-EU FTA negotiations, ambitiously relaunched in June 2022 after a hiatus of over nine years, have since witnessed 14 rounds of intensive discussions and multiple high-level ministerial dialogues, with the latest interaction held in December 2025. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The European Union remains Indias largest trading partner and a key source of investment, with bilateral trade in goods seeing substantial growth in the 2024 25 fiscal year. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The proposed FTA is envisioned as a modern, rules-based partnership addressing contemporary economic challenges while facilitating greater market integration.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">During the Brussels visit, Goyal will hold high-level talks with European Commission officials, including Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maro&scaron; &Scaron;efčovič. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The discussions will focus on providing strategic guidance to negotiating teams, resolving outstanding issues, and expediting the conclusion of a balanced and ambitious agreement. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">These ministerial-level deliberations follow preparatory engagements earlier in the week (6 7 January 2026) between Indias Commerce Secretary, Rajesh Agrawal, and Sabine Weyand, Director-General for Trade, European Commission.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">India is pressing for zero-duty access for labor-intensive industries such as textiles, leather, apparel, gems and jewellery, and handicrafts, alongside broader provisions that protect farmers, MSMEs, and small enterprises while integrating Indian industries into global value chains.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Both sides have reiterated strong political commitment to conclude a comprehensive and forward-looking trade deal. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The forthcoming talks are expected to further narrow differences, provide clarity on outstanding issues, and reaffirm the shared goal of a modern economic partnership that strengthens trade, investment, and strategic collaboration between India and the European Union.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span><br /> </p> 44694 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/global/piyush-goyal-to-visit-brussels-to-advance-indiaeu-free-trade-agreement-talks 2026-01-07 17:20:51 knnindia.co.in