India-EU FTA: 10 Chapters Closed, Significant Progress Made
India is advancing toward a “fair, equitable and balanced” Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, with substantial breakthroughs achieved in recent negotiations, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced.
Key Negotiation Milestones
Following productive talks in Brussels from October 26-28, 2025, Minister Goyal confirmed that negotiators have closed 10 out of 20 chapters, with another 4-5 chapters broadly decided in principle.
“We have agreed to close 10 out of 20 chapters. Another four or five chapters have, in principle, been broadly decided and on more and more issues we are leading towards convergence,” Goyal stated.
With the EU technical team scheduled to visit India next week, both sides expect to make “significant and substantial progress toward closure” during the next round of negotiations in late November or December.
Addressing Key Issues
The negotiations focus on promoting trade, investments, and technology while respecting mutual sensitivities. India has raised concerns about:
- Non-tariff measures and new EU regulations
- Preferential treatment for labor-intensive sectors
- Issues related to steel, automobiles, and CBAM
Both parties have agreed to finalize non-sensitive industrial tariff lines, though sensitive sectors require further discussion.
Growing International Interest
At the Berlin Global Dialogue, Goyal noted strong European interest in expanding relations with India, describing the country as “resurgent, strong, decisive, democratic and aspirational… with growing consumer demand and the fastest growing large economy.”
He emphasized India’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth that creates “large two-way opportunities” for both partners.
Strategic Context
The FTA negotiations, relaunched in June 2022, target conclusion by end-2025, following strategic direction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during their February 2025 meetings.
Goyal reiterated India’s role in representing developing economies and promoting “collective action for global good, peace and prosperity.”
Both sides are working to create transparent regulatory frameworks that accelerate trade while ensuring the agreement remains balanced for both partners.
