India-EU to discuss FTA next week

Earlier this month, the EU unveiled a new strategic agenda to ramp up its engagement with New Delhi in several key sectors such as defence, trade and technology
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The negotiations between India and the European Union (EU) are “proceeding well” and trade officials from both countries will be meeting next week in Brussels to take it forward, a source said.

“The trade talks between the two are proceeding well. Indian negotiators will be in Brussels from October 6-10 for the talks,” said the source.

The same source informed that trade talks with Qatar will also resume next week

Goyal to visit Singapore

Besides, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is scheduled to visit Singapore next week, which will be followed by trips to Qatar, and South Africa. The Minister is expected to meet EU’s Trade Commissioner in course of his visit to South Africa, where he will attend G20 Trade Ministers’ meeting, the source added.

Earlier this month, the EU unveiled a new strategic agenda to ramp up its engagement with New Delhi in several key sectors such as defence, trade and technology.

The new strategic agenda will have to be ratified by all the 27 member nations of the EU. After the ratification process, it will be adopted at the India-EU summit that is expected to be held in the first quarter of next year.

It identifies five areas of shared interest that include security and defence, connectivity and global issues, prosperity, sustainability, technology and innovation.

“Beyond the bilateral dimension, the new strategic agenda highlights EU-India joint engagement on global issues and with third partners, reflecting India’s growing global influence,” the EU said.

Published on September 30, 2025