Breakthrough in India–EU trade deal? Goyal’s Brussels visit sparks fresh optimism

During the visit, Goyal held high-level discussions with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič, with both leaders providing strategic guidance to their respective negotiating teams to resolve outstanding issues and accelerate progress towards the agreement.

The visit capped a week of intensive diplomatic and technical engagements in Brussels, underscoring the strong political commitment on both sides to deliver a comprehensive trade deal.

The ministerial engagement followed high-level talks between Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and European Commission Director-General for Trade Sabine Weyand held on January 6–7, 2026. “The meetings focused on taking stock of the progress achieved across various negotiating tracks,” the Indian government said in a statement.

Officials worked to narrow differences and bring greater clarity on unresolved issues, paving the way for productive ministerial-level discussions.

During their engagement, Goyal and Šefčovič held detailed deliberations across key areas of the proposed agreement. Both sides noted steady progress in negotiations, including on market access for goods, rules of origin, and services, among other areas.

The ministerial-level talks reaffirmed the strong political resolve of both India and the EU to address pending issues through constructive engagement. Both sides also emphasised the strategic importance of concluding a fair, balanced and ambitious agreement aligned with shared values, economic priorities and a commitment to a rules-based trading system.

The visit concluded with both parties expressing confidence and renewed determination to work towards the early conclusion of a modern, comprehensive and mutually beneficial India–EU Free Trade Agreement.