India and the European Union on Monday launched the 14th round of negotiations for the long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Brussels, aiming to finalize a deal by the end of 2025. The latest round of talks, extending over five days, will be followed by a meeting between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in South Africa on the sidelines of the G20 trade commissioners’ summit.

The proposed India–EU FTA covers 23 policy areas, with key issues such as market access and rules of origin still awaiting resolution. The FTA aims to enhance trade and investment between the two economic powerhouses.

EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin said both sides should use the agreement to expand opportunities, especially as “some countries” are closing markets or raising tariffs — an indirect reference to the US. “The FTA can open new opportunities for EU and Indian businesses, strengthen supply chains, and diversify trade,” he said.

Delphin highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen have set the goal to conclude the FTA by year-end, though challenges remain. “The EU is ready to conclude a meaningful package,” he added.

Currently, the EU is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods worth €120 billion, and total trade (including services) exceeding €180 billion.

Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated India’s commitment to a balanced and mutually beneficial deal, opening new avenues for growth and investment across sectors.