Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal had a virtual meeting with MaroS Šefcovic, European commissioner for trade and economic security, and agriculture and food commissioner Christophe Hansen. European negotiators are in Delhi from November 3-7 for the negotiations.
“The engagements aim to resolve key outstanding issues and advance the agreement toward a balanced and equitable framework that benefits both sides,” the ministry said in a statement.
The discussions will “advance the agreement toward a balanced and equitable framework that benefits both sides”.
“The discussions are guided by a shared vision of a modern, robust, and future-ready FTA that reflects the priorities and sensitivities of both India and the EU,” the ministry said.
As part of the visit, Sabine Weyand, director-general for trade at the European Commission, will be in Delhi on November 5-6 for talks with India’s commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal on key technical and policy issues. “These consultations reaffirm the commitment of both sides to intensify engagement and facilitate a comprehensive trade agreement,” it said.The EU delegation’s visit underscores the joint determination of India and the EU to conclude a fair and balanced agreement, fostering trade, investment, innovation and sustainable growth, according to the ministry.