<h1>India and EU close to finalising comprehensive free trade agreement covering goods, services, investment, intellectual property, and sustainable development</h1> An Indian minister stated that India and the 27-member EU are close to signing a comprehensive free trade agreement intended to boost bilateral commerce and investment, with negotiators targeting conclusion by December and an official Indian team visiting Brussels this month. Talks resumed in 2022 after a long hiatus and cover 23 chapters including goods, services, investment, intellectual property, geographical indications, customs, dispute settlement and sustainable development. Key EU demands include lower duties on automobiles, medical devices and certain agricultural products and stronger IP protections; India seeks enhanced market access for exports such as garments, pharmaceuticals and electrical goods.