With key Brussels meetings done, India and EU set sights on closing FTA this year

India and the European Union on Tuesday reaffirmed their aim to conclude negotiations on the long-discussed free trade agreement by the end of this year, using a series of high-level meetings in Brussels to push the process forward ahead of the January summit.

In a joint media statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the EU said the commitment was reiterated during the 11th India-EU Foreign Policy and Security Consultations held on November 18, and the Sixth Strategic Partnership Review Meeting held on November 19.

The discussions spanned economic security, resilient supply chains, trade and investment, the Global Gateway initiative, the India-EU Connectivity Partnership and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), along with cooperation on innovation, and science and technology.

“The two sides reaffirmed the shared ambition to conclude negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year and to accelerate negotiations on the Investment Protection agreement and the agreement on Geographical Indications,” the statement said.

They also noted progress in the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and said they were looking forward to the next TTC Ministerial Meeting in Brussels in 2026.

Both sides underlined the importance of cooperation at the multilateral level and continued dialogue on economic issues, including supply chain diversification.

The consultations also covered global and regional issues, including humanitarian and disaster resilience cooperation and India’s upcoming BRICS chairship in 2026.

The statement said the two sides “noted substantial points of convergence on global issues to be further explored.”

Both sides condemned terrorism and violent extremism “in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism” and said they were looking forward to the next edition of the India-EU Human Rights Dialogue.

The meetings emphasised the shared commitment to a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, stressing the rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

India and the EU reiterated their support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine “in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN charter.”

They also reaffirmed their support for the ‘Peace Plan for Gaza’ and highlighted the need for early restoration of peace and stability there.

The statement said both sides acknowledged shared security challenges and reiterated their commitment to deepening cooperation on maritime security, counterterrorism, cyber issues, space, defence industry, disarmament and non-proliferation.

Progress in these areas was noted, alongside commitment to pursue a security and defence partnership and a security of information agreement.

The discussions also focused on preparations for the next phase of the partnership, including development of a new Joint EU-India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, expected to be endorsed at the India-EU summit in New Delhi next year.

The Foreign Policy and Security Consultations were chaired by EU Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs Olof Skoog and MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George.

The Strategic Partnership Review was chaired by EU Acting Deputy Secretary General for Economic and Global Issues Olivier Bailly and George.

(With inputs from agencies)