Piyush Goyal concludes Brussels trip, expresses confidence about “early conclusion” of FTA talks

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal concluded a two-day visit to Brussels on Friday (January 9, 2026), which marked a “decisive step” forward in the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, the government said in a statement on Saturday (January 10). 

During his visit, Mr. Goyal held a series of high-level dialogues with EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič, with both leaders providing guidance to negotiating teams to resolve pending issues and expedite the agreement.

“During their engagement, Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and Commissioner Šefčovič carried out detailed deliberations across key areas of the proposed agreement,” the statement said. “Both sides took note of the steady progress achieved across various negotiating tracks including market access for goods, rules of origin, services etc.”

It added that the Ministerial meetings capped a week of “intensive diplomatic and technical engagements” in Brussels. The Ministerial meetings were preceded by high-level discussions between Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Director-General for Trade of the European Commission Sabine Weyand on January 6-7, 2026. 

“The meetings focused on stocktaking the progress achieved across various negotiating tracks,” the statement added. “The officials worked to narrow divergences and ensure clarity on outstanding issues, clearing the path for the Ministerial dialogue.”

It added that Mr. Goyal’s visit concluded with both sides expressing confidence and a renewed determination towards the “early conclusion of a modern, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement”.

Mr. Goyal’s visit came just weeks before EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Costa are set to attend India’s Republic Day as chief guests ahead of the EU-India Summit, which is slated to begin in New Delhi on January 27.