India and the European Union (EU) have reiterated their commitment to finalise the long-discussed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), highlighting that a fair and balanced pact would deliver major benefits for people and businesses on both sides.Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal hosted European trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic and agriculture and food commissioner Christophe Hansen in New Delhi, for the 13th round of the FTA discussions.
“It was a pleasure hosting you for the 13th Round of India-EU FTA negotiations. We remain committed to working towards a balanced and mutually beneficial FTA soon, to unlock massive opportunities on both sides. Thank you for your visit. Looking forward to our continued dialogue,” Goyal posted on X.Maros Sefcovic and Christophe Hansen are in India from September 12 to 13 to strengthen business ties between India and the EU.Goyal had recently said that almost 60% of the chapters in the agreement have already been completed. “I think the chief negotiators are working to converge on different parts of the agreement. Almost 60% of the chapters are completed and finalised,” he explained, adding that he hoped the visit would help move things forward.European leaders have also backed the talks. German foreign minister Johann Wadephul told external affairs minister S Jaishankar that Germany would press the European Commission to bring the deal to a quick conclusion.
