 "Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held talks with Maros Sefcovic, the European Union’s Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security. (X)")
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held talks with Maros Sefcovic, the European Union’s Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, during his October 27-28 visit to Brussels to review the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.
Following the meeting, Goyal announced on X that his engagements with Sefcovic were “intense but very productive,” adding that both sides had significantly narrowed their outstanding issues and created a framework to deliver a “win-win” outcome for both economies. He said the discussions had laid the foundation for a robust and balanced agreement that would strengthen business ties and drive mutual growth.
Reaffirming the shared vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, Goyal said India and the EU were committed to achieving shared prosperity through innovation, trade, investments, and job creation. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of both negotiation teams and said he looked forward to welcoming Sefcovic and his team to India soon to advance the dialogue further.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to concluding a swift, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement that would bolster trade and economic relations between India and the European Union.
Meetings with German counterparts ahead of Brussels talks
Goyal began his Brussels visit with a meeting with Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, where discussions centred on advancing the India-EU FTA. Sharing details of the meeting on X, he noted that the conversation spanned key areas of mutual interest and growth, reaffirming the strength of the India-Germany strategic partnership and their joint commitment to an early conclusion of the agreement.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Goyal’s visit aimed to provide political and strategic guidance to the ongoing FTA negotiations, which had shown progress during the 14th round of talks held earlier in October.
The minister’s engagements followed the renewed strategic depth in the India-EU partnership, reinforced by the meeting earlier this year between Prime Minister Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where both leaders emphasised building a future-ready trade relationship focused on prosperity, sustainability, and innovation.
Before Belgium, Goyal visited Germany, where he met Anne-Laure Parrical de Chammard, Member of the Executive Board of Siemens Energy, to explore opportunities for collaboration in developing reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy systems.