India, EU begin talks to resolve key issues in proposed bilateral free trade agreement

New Delhi: India and the European Union on Monday began discussions to resolve key outstanding issues in their proposed free trade agreement (FTA), the commerce and industry ministry said, adding that the focus would be on core areas such as trade in goods, services, rules of origin, and technical and institutional matters.

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal had a virtual meeting with MaroS Šefcovic, European commissioner for trade and economic security, and agriculture and food commissioner Christophe Hansen. European negotiators are in Delhi from November 3-7 for the negotiations.

"The engagements aim to resolve key outstanding issues and advance the agreement toward a balanced and equitable framework that benefits both sides," the ministry said in a statement.


The discussions will "advance the agreement toward a balanced and equitable framework that benefits both sides".

"The discussions are guided by a shared vision of a modern, robust, and future-ready FTA that reflects the priorities and sensitivities of both India and the EU," the ministry said.

As part of the visit, Sabine Weyand, director-general for trade at the European Commission, will be in Delhi on November 5-6 for talks with India's commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal on key technical and policy issues.

"These consultations reaffirm the commitment of both sides to intensify engagement and facilitate a comprehensive trade agreement," it said.

The EU delegation's visit underscores the joint determination of India and the EU to conclude a fair and balanced agreement, fostering trade, investment, innovation and sustainable growth, according to the ministry.