After concluding the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the government has turned its focus to finalising a trade pact with the European Union (EU).
The Centre confirmed on Friday that India and the EU have been negotiating an FTA since June 2022. They have completed 12 rounds of talks, with the latest round held in July 2025.
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, informed the Rajya Sabha that merchandise exports to the EU have steadily increased. Exports rose from $41.36 billion in FY 2020–21 to $75.76 billion in FY 2024–25. India and the EU aim to conclude the India-EU FTA by the end of 2025.
India’s merchandise exports to the US also showed strong growth. Exports jumped from $51.6 billion in FY 2020–21 to $86.5 billion in FY 2024–25, the minister said.
India recently signed a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CEPA) with the UK after successfully completing negotiations. With that achieved, the government is now intensifying talks with the EU and the ASEAN bloc.
In the India-EU FTA negotiations, both parties have exchanged market access offers for goods and services. Some chapters have been finalised, while differences remain on other areas. The next round of talks will take place in India in the first week of September.
Both sides have agreed to first conclude an interim deal to fast-track the process. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said last month that the India-EU FTA reflects a shared commitment to deeper economic ties and inclusive growth.
During his Stockholm visit, Goyal addressed the India-Sweden High-Level Trade and Investment Policy Forum. He highlighted the vast scope for collaboration between Swedish and Indian companies.
Also Read: India-UK FTA Hailed As Transformational Step For Inclusive Growth & Trade Integration
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