India-EU FTA: Piyush Goyal wraps up Brussels visit; talks focused on expediting agreement

India and the European Union moved their proposed Free Trade Agreement discussions forward during Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal’s two-day visit to Brussels, which ended on January 9.Goyal was in the Belgian capital on January 8 and 9, where he held multiple high-level meetings with EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic. The discussions focused on moving the long-running India–EU FTA talks forward, with both leaders offering clear guidance to their negotiating teams to resolve outstanding matters and speed up the process.The talks placed strong emphasis on balancing trade ambitions with domestic priorities. Both sides underlined that the agreement must protect farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while also helping Indian industries strengthen their participation in global supply chains.“In continuation of our efforts to secure a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), I held high-level talks with the EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner, Mr. Maros Sefcovic, in Brussels. During this dialogue, we deliberated across key areas of the proposed agreement. We reaffirmed our commitment to a rules-based trading framework and a modern economic partnership that safeguards the interests of farmers and MSMEs while integrating Indian industries into global supply chains,” Goyal said in a post on X.According to the Ministry of Commerce, the ministerial talks covered several critical aspects of the agreement. Progress across negotiating tracks such as Market Access for Goods, Rules of Origin and Services was reviewed, with both sides acknowledging steady movement on these fronts.The ministry said the discussions reflected strong political will in both India and the EU to resolve remaining issues through constructive engagement. The two sides also reiterated the need to finalise a fair, balanced and ambitious agreement that aligns with shared values, economic priorities and a rules-based trading framework.The ministerial engagement was built on earlier discussions held on 6 and 7 January 2026 between Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and European Commission Director-General for Trade Sabine Weyand. These meetings focused on taking stock of progress across negotiating areas, with officials working to “narrow divergences” and bring clarity to unresolved issues ahead of the minister-level talks.Before arriving in Brussels, Goyal visited Liechtenstein, where he led a business roundtable with senior executives from leading local companies. The discussions centred on the implementation of the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). The visit marked the first-ever trip by an Indian Cabinet Minister to Liechtenstein and underscored the strengthening economic relationship following the operationalisation of the trade pact.During the interactions, Goyal said the India–EFTA TEPA extends beyond trade liberalisation, offering a broader framework for investment, technology collaboration, skill development and the creation of resilient value chains. He encouraged Liechtenstein companies to explore opportunities in India, particularly in the context of the $100 billion investment commitment made by EFTA countries.As part of the visit, the minister toured the headquarters of the Hilti Group and met its chief executive, Jahangir Doongaji. Talks focused on expanding localisation efforts, increasing value addition and scaling up global shipments from India. With Hilti operating in India’s construction sector for over 25 years, discussions also covered technology collaboration aimed at supporting safer and smarter infrastructure in line with India’s manufacturing and export objectives.Goyal also met Liechtenstein Prime Minister Brigitte Haas to discuss ways to deepen economic and investment cooperation under the India–EFTA TEPA. The leaders explored collaboration in skill development, vocational training and industry-academia partnerships, bringing together India’s young workforce and Liechtenstein’s advanced industrial expertise.