Photo Credit: Minister Piyush Goyal
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal began his two-day visit to Brussels (October 27–28) with a series of high-level meetings aimed at fast-tracking the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and strengthening India’s economic and strategic ties with Europe.
Talks with German Foreign Minister on FTA Progress
Kicking off his Brussels engagements on October 27, Minister Goyal met Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, to review the status of the India–EU FTA negotiations and explore ways to conclude the agreement at the earliest.
Minister Goyal posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Began my visit to Brussels with a meeting with Mr. Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Germany. Our discussions spanned key areas of mutual interest and growth, reaffirming the robust India–Germany strategic partnership and our shared commitment to an early conclusion of the India–EU FTA.”
The meeting follows the 14th round of India–EU FTA negotiations earlier this month, which made headway on trade facilitation, services, and investment cooperation.
Meeting with EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič
On October 28, 2025, the Indian Minister held bilateral talks with Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, to give political momentum to the ongoing negotiations.
According to Minister Goyal, the two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to achieving a “swift, balanced, and mutually beneficial” trade agreement.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said discussions covered market access, non-tariff barriers, and regulatory cooperation, and included a bilateral meeting followed by a working dinner with Commissioner Šefčovič to assess progress and identify remaining areas for convergence.
Deepening India–EU Strategic Ties
The visit takes place against the backdrop of the India–EU partnership gaining renewed strategic depth after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting earlier this year with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The leaders underscored the need for a future-ready, innovation-driven trade relationship promoting sustainability and prosperity on both sides.
Berlin Stop Focused on Energy Cooperation
Before heading to Belgium, Minister Goyal was in Berlin, where he met Anne-Laure Parrical de Chammard, Member of the Executive Board of Siemens Energy, to discuss collaboration in reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy systems. The meeting highlighted growing Indo-German cooperation in clean-energy transition and technology exchange.
