India, EU aim to have FTA ready ahead of leaders' meet on January 27: Commerce secretary
- IBEF
- January 16, 2026
India and the European Union (EU) are intensifying negotiations to conclude a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) ahead of the India–EU leaders’ summit scheduled for 27 January 2026, according to India’s Commerce Secretary. The negotiations have made progress on key issues, with both sides engaging constructively to address outstanding concerns related to market access, tariffs, and regulatory frameworks. A successful FTA could pave the way for deeper economic integration between two of the world’s major economic blocs, strengthening trade, investment, and cooperation across sectors, including goods, services, and digital trade. The Commerce Secretary noted that the accelerated pace of negotiations reflects the shared political will and mutual interest of India and the EU in securing a comprehensive agreement that delivers benefits to businesses and consumers on both sides.
While specific details on the remaining issues were not disclosed, officials indicated that efforts are underway to bridge differences on sensitive agricultural and industrial products, rules of origin, and the sequencing of tariff elimination. An early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) ahead of the leaders’ meeting would help sustain momentum in India–EU trade relations, potentially strengthening bilateral trade flows and providing greater predictability for exporters in both markets. The Commerce Secretary reiterated that both India and the European Union remain committed to agreeing in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner, while upholding high standards for labour practices, environmental protection, and regulatory cooperation. Progress on this landmark agreement is expected to feature prominently in discussions when Indian and EU leaders convene later this month.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
Partners
