India & EU reaffirm commitment to conclude Free Trade Agreement by 2025 end

New Delhi, May 2: In a significant step toward strengthening bilateral economic ties, India and the European Union have reaffirmed their shared commitment to concluding the long-anticipated India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025. 

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The reaffirmation came during a high-level dialogue between Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič.

This forward-looking engagement builds on the strategic momentum set during the landmark visit of the EU College of Commissioners to New Delhi in February 2025, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Both sides emphasized their resolve to establish a commercially meaningful, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade partnership. The agreement, they noted, is poised to play a transformative role in enhancing economic resilience and inclusive growth across both regions.

The meeting highlighted steady progress across multiple negotiating tracks, while underscoring the importance of monthly negotiating rounds and continued virtual coordination to maintain momentum. The next formal round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from May 12 to 16, 2025.

India stressed the importance of addressing non-tariff barriers (NTBs) with the same urgency as tariff-related matters. It also called for regulatory frameworks that are inclusive, proportionate, and non-restrictive to ensure meaningful trade liberalization.

The envisioned FTA aims to reflect the shifting dynamics of global trade by promoting digital transformation and building diversified, resilient supply chains. Both sides expressed confidence that the agreement will expand market access, enhance regulatory cooperation, and boost innovation and competitiveness.

Investment flows and people-to-people mobility were recognized as key enablers of sustained economic vitality, with the FTA expected to foster deeper connections in these areas.

Positioning India as a “Vishwa Mitra” — a trusted global partner — the agreement is aligned with the country’s Vision 2047 development goals. 

As India continues to pursue multiple free trade deals globally, the India-EU FTA stands as a testament to its commitment to creating a future-ready, fair, and inclusive trade framework that resonates with both national priorities and global aspirations.