 "Jaishankar pushes for early India-EU FTA to ‘stabilise global economy, strengthen democratic forces’")
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said that an early conclusion of the proposed India–European Union free trade agreement (FTA) could play a crucial role in stabilising the global economy and strengthening democratic forces.
Jaishankar made the remarks after meeting a high-level trade delegation from the 27-member European Union, which is currently visiting India to advance discussions on finalising the long-pending FTA.
The seven-member EU delegation is holding talks aimed at expediting the agreement that both sides have been negotiating for years.
”Discussed how India & the European Union can maximize convergences and deepen cooperation. This can stabilize the global economy and strengthen democratic forces,” Jaishankar said on X.
”The early conclusion of the India-EU FTA can make a big difference to these objectives,” he said.
Pleased to meet delegation of European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade #INTA today in Delhi.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 29, 2025
Discussed how India & the European Union can maximize convergences and deepen cooperation. This can stabilize the global economy and strengthen democratic forces. The… pic.twitter.com/5P55MFNAVh
Jaishankar remarks came as the two sides looked to wrap up negotiations for the mega trade pact.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIn September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed their commitment to finalise the trade deal by December.
The European Union is India’s biggest trade partner with bilateral trade in goods recording USD 135 billion in the financial year 2023-24. The FTA is expected to significantly enhance the two-way trade ties.
India and the EU concluded the 14th round of FTA negotiations in Brussels on October 10.
Following the negotiations, the EU said the talks focused on firming up an economically meaningful market access package.
”Some progress was made in outstanding areas, in particular on the SPS chapter, which was closed,” it said.
The two sides have already concluded negotiations on 11 chapters that included customs and trade facilitation, dispute settlement, digital trade, sustainable food system, small and medium-sized enterprises, competition and subsidies and capital movements.
The delegation of members of the European Parliament will also engage with a variety of stakeholders in order to receive first-hand information on the opportunities and challenges posed by these trade negotiations.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal was in Brussels this week to hold talks with top EU officials on the trade pact.
EU ambassador to India Herve Delphin on Wednesday said ”substantial progress” has been made in the negotiations.
”EU & India in continuous negotiation mode, aiming to reach an agreement by end of year,” he posted on X.
With inputs from agencies
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