Goyal’s Brussels Mission Boosts Momentum Toward Early India‑EU Free Trade Deal
Updated (3 articles)
Progress Report From Two‑Day Brussels Visit Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal concluded a two‑day trip on 9 January 2026, meeting EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and signalling “decisive” progress toward an early conclusion of the India‑EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) [1]. Both sides highlighted steady advances on market‑access, rules‑of‑origin and services tracks, and expressed renewed confidence in closing the pact before the upcoming summit [1]. The government described the talks as a “decisive step forward,” underscoring a shared determination to finalize a modern, comprehensive agreement [1].
Pre‑Ministerial Foundations Laid Earlier in the Week India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and EU Director‑General for Trade Sabine Weyand held intensive sessions on 6‑7 January 2026, reviewing progress and narrowing divergences ahead of ministerial dialogue [2][3]. Those meetings built on the “most difficult stage” of negotiations identified on 15 December 2025, marking the 16th round of talks and setting the agenda for Goyal’s ministerial engagement [2][3]. Both parties aimed to clear remaining gaps on sensitive sectors before the ministerial round.
Key Sectors and Trade Figures Under Negotiation India is pressing for zero‑duty access for labour‑intensive textiles and leather, while the EU seeks substantial duty cuts on autos, medical devices, wine, spirits, meat and poultry, plus a robust intellectual‑property regime [2][3]. The negotiations span 23 policy areas, including goods, services, investment, dispute settlement and sustainable development [3]. Bilateral goods trade reached roughly $136.53 billion in 2024‑25, with Indian exports of $75.85 billion and imports of $60.68 billion, illustrating the economic stakes of the agreement [3].
Political Timeline Aligns With Summit and Republic Day The Brussels talks are timed for EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa to attend India’s Republic Day parade on 26 January 2026, followed by an India‑EU summit on 27 January 2026 [1][2]. High‑level political attendance underscores the diplomatic priority placed on securing the FTA ahead of these flagship events [1]. Officials expect the summit to cement the “early conclusion” momentum generated by the Brussels negotiations [1].
Sources
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1.
The Hindu: Goyal Wraps Brussels Trip, Upbeat on Early Conclusion of India‑EU FTA Ahead of Summit – Details Goyal’s Jan 9 visit, his meeting with Šefčovič, and the government’s confidence in concluding the FTA before the Jan 27 summit .
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The Hindu: India–EU Hold FTA Talks in Brussels, Reaffirm Safeguards for Farmers and MSMEs – Highlights the Jan 9‑10 ministerial talks, the preceding Agrawal‑Weyand meetings, the “most difficult” stage of negotiations, and the Jan 27 summit schedule .
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The Hindu: India and EU Hold Brussels FTA Talks to Protect Farmers and MSMEs – Provides sector‑specific demands, trade‑value statistics, the 23‑chapter scope, and the broader economic context of the negotiations .
Timeline
Dec 15, 2025 – Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal says negotiations have entered the most difficult stage, with 16 rounds completed and both sides working to bridge differences toward a conclusion [2].
2024‑25 fiscal year – India’s bilateral goods trade with the EU totals $136.53 billion (exports $75.85 billion, imports $60.68 billion), highlighting the high economic stakes of the FTA [3].
Jan 6‑7, 2026 – Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal meets EU Director‑General for Trade Sabine Weyand in Brussels, stockpiling progress and narrowing divergences to clear the path for upcoming ministerial talks [1][2].
Jan 9, 2026 – Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal arrives in Brussels for a two‑day visit, holding high‑level talks with EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to push a mutually beneficial FTA and reaffirm safeguards for farmers and MSMEs [2][3].
Jan 9, 2026 – During the ministerial round, Goyal and Šefčovič deliberate on market‑access gaps, rules of origin and services, with both sides noting “steady progress across tracks” and expressing confidence in an early agreement [1].
Jan 10, 2026 – Goyal wraps up the Brussels trip, declaring that ministerial meetings close with “both sides expressing confidence and a renewed determination toward an early conclusion of a modern, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement” [1].
Jan 26‑27, 2026 – EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa attend India’s Republic Day parade as chief guests on Jan 26 and the India‑EU Summit on Jan 27, providing a high‑profile political backdrop for finalizing the FTA [2][1].