The two leaders agree to build a commercially meaningful trade agenda and work towards a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement

Commerce and Industry Minister (CIM) Shri Piyush Goyal met with Mr Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security for a High Level Dialogue from 18-19 January 2025 in Brussels. This was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders, subsequent to the introductory video conference held in December 2024. The dialogue was marked by mutual respect, consideration towards each other's sensitivities and was aimed at setting up a new framework for India-European Union strategic agenda in the area of trade and investments.

The Minister underlined the commitment of the Prime Minister Modi government towards transforming India into a developed country by 2047. Shri Goyal outlined the six broad principles for building a mutually beneficial partnership between India and the European Union: 

First, India would work together with the European Union, a relationship based on common values of democracy, rule of law and independent judiciary, as a trusted partner for developing an economic relationship which integrates the combined market currently estimated at over $24 trillion, bringing unprecedented opportunities for the 2 billion people of India and the European Union.

Second, India would build a commercially meaningful trade agenda with the EU, which is fair and equitable, addressing the tariff and non-tariff barriers through simplification and cost competitiveness for benefits of businesses from both sides, especially small and medium enterprises, farmers and fishermen.

Third, in endeavour to build India as a high-quality product market in terms of Prime Minister’s clarion call for a “zero defect” and “zero effect” production capability, it would engage with the European Union for exchange of best practices, harmonize standards and build mutual processes to achieve these objectives.

Fourth, India would work together with the European Union for developing cutting edge technologies, secure critical raw material supply chains and build resilient supply chains- reducing dependencies on non-market economies and developing closer economic ties between India and the EU.

Fifth, cooperation in the area of trade and sustainable development in a fair manner keeping in mind the respective level of developments and the principle of common but differentiated responsibility.

Sixth, as a leader in harnessing technologies at scale and a nation home to young, aspirational and highly talented people, India would explore becoming a living bridge with the European Union to partner in mutual growth and development.

With a view to build a new India-EU strategic agenda, the two leaders outlined political directions to both the teams to develop a mutually beneficial agenda for trade and investment and a robust FTA in an expedited manner to meet global challenges. The two leaders reviewed progress in the trade and investment group of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), agreed to address legacy issues & laid a roadmap for continuous consultations between senior officials from both sides and at ministerial level. The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides.

Free Trade Agreement momentum pursued to build a commercially meaningful trade agenda and resilient supply chains. The leaders agreed to pursue a Free Trade Agreement and a commercially meaningful trade agenda addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers, simplifying procedures, and enhancing cost competitiveness for businesses including SMEs, farmers and fishermen. They committed to harmonising standards and exchanging best practices to support high-quality production, to develop technologies and secure critical raw material and resilient supply chains, and to cooperate on trade and sustainable development with respect for differing levels of development, while resolving legacy issues through continuous consultations under the Trade and Technology Council.