Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal reviewed progress on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic during the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee. The two sides also discussed the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, WTO reform and shared G20 priorities.Key HighlightsPiyush Goyal met EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Milwaukee.Both sides reviewed progress towards signing and bringing the India-EU FTA into force.The India-EU Trade and Technology Council was also discussed.WTO reform and shared G20 priorities were part of the talks.India and the EU concluded FTA negotiations in January 2026.The European Commission submitted the agreement to the EU Council in September for authorisation to sign and conclude it.India-EU FTA Progress ReviewedGoyal said he and Sefcovic reviewed the progress towards the signing and entry into force of the India-EU FTA. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the two-day G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee.The discussions come as India and the European Union move through the formal steps required to bring the trade agreement into force. Negotiations for the pact were concluded on January 27, 2026, following years of talks.In September, the European Commission presented the agreement to the EU Council, seeking authorisation for its signature and conclusion.Trade and Technology Council Also DiscussedGoyal and Sefcovic also exchanged views on progress under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC).The TTC is a key platform for cooperation between India and the EU on trade, technology and strategic areas. At its third meeting in July, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in areas including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, high-performance computing and 6G.India and the EU also agreed to work on strategic value chains and strengthen cooperation in areas such as clean energy technologies, pharmaceuticals and agri-food.India-EU FTA and WTO ReformThe two officials also discussed reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as shared priorities at the G20.The discussions come amid wider debates at the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting over the future of global trade rules. Issues on the agenda include the WTO’s Most-Favoured-Nation principle, forced labour in supply chains, food trade and structural excess production capacity.India has said it supports a rules-based, open, inclusive, transparent and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, while seeking adequate policy space for developing countries.(READ MORE : Piyush Goyal Invites US Manufacturers to Invest in India and Explore New Opportunities)India-EU Trade TiesThe European Union is among India’s largest trading partners. According to India’s Commerce Ministry, bilateral trade in goods reached 6.54 billion in 2024-25, while trade in services stood at .10 billion in 2024.The India-EU FTA is expected to further expand market access and create opportunities for businesses, exporters, investors and service providers on both sides.The agreement brings together two major economic blocs and covers a wide range of trade and economic issues. The next phase involves completing the required legal and institutional procedures before the agreement can enter into force.G20 Trade Ministers’ MeetingGoyal is in Milwaukee for the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting, where trade ministers are discussing major issues affecting global commerce.Alongside multilateral discussions, India is also holding bilateral meetings with trade partners. Goyal has discussed trade and investment ties with representatives from Poland, Brazil and other countries during the G20 gathering.The India-EU FTA remains an important part of India’s wider trade engagement as New Delhi works to expand market access and strengthen economic partnerships.
