India, EU to maintain close contact on FTA implementation issues

SENSEX 75,692.78

+ 1,233.25

NIFTY 23,440.80

+ 387.70

CRUDEOIL 9,215.00

 -722.00

GOLD 140,300.00

+ 1,815.00

SILVER 184,317.00

+ 5,185.00

SENSEX 75,692.78

+ 1,233.25

NIFTY 23,440.80

+ 387.70

NIFTY 23,440.80

+ 387.70

CRUDEOIL 9,215.00

 -722.00

CRUDEOIL 9,215.00

 -722.00

GOLD 140,300.00

+ 1,815.00

'; } document.getElementById("lgdv").innerHTML = htmlElements; } function numberformat(i) { return Number(parseFloat(i).toFixed(2)).toLocaleString('en', { minimumFractionDigits: 2 }) } async function gatherResponse(response) { const { headers } = response; const contentType = headers.get('content-type') || ''; if (contentType.includes('application/json')) { return await response.json() } return response.text(); } function getWidth() { if (Math.max(document.body.scrollWidth,document.documentElement.scrollWidth,document.body.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.clientWidth) > 991) { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "none"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "block"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "none"; } } getWidth(); THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM. SUBSCRIBE FOR MINIMAL ADS.THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM. SUBSCRIBE FOR MINIMAL ADS.

The Commerce Secretary met key European officials in Brussels to discuss measures to facilitate two-way trade, unlock new opportunities

By BL New Delhi Bureau

Updated - November 02, 2026 at 09:36 PM.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal holds high-level meetings with European Commission officials and industry representatives in Brussels on Monday | Photo Credit: ANI

In high-level official talks in Brussels, India and the European Union agreed to maintain close contact to address all remaining procedural and implementation-related issues surrounding the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) expected to kick off by mid-2027. 

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal led key discussions with European Commission officials last week, including Director General for Trade Ditte Juul Jørgensen, focusing on measures to facilitate two-way trade, improve market access, strengthen supply chain resilience, and unlock new commercial opportunities for both economic powers, per a statement issued by the Commerce Department on Monday.

India-EU FTA

Agrawal also met Gerassimos Thomas, Director General, Directorate General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD). "...the meetings focused on customs cooperation, trade facilitation, and preparations for the implementation of the India-EU FTA. Both sides recognised the importance of efficient, transparent, and digitally enabled customs procedures in supporting businesses, reducing transaction costs, and ensuring the smooth movement of legitimate trade,” it said.

The India–EU FTA is likely to be officially signed in December in Brussels during a planned visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is projected to enter into force in early to mid-2027, after the EU Parliament clears it, with phased tariff reductions rolling out over up to ten years.

In their discussions with Agrawal, the EU officials highlighted a shared commitment to a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial economic framework, the statement noted. 

With the EU’s focus on sustainability also reflected in the trade pact, Agrawal met Koen Doens, Director-General for International Partnerships, exchanging views on deepening strategic cooperation across sustainable development, clean energy, and green technology sectors.

The Commerce Secretary also met stakeholders from the Antwerp diamond ecosystem to discuss the global value chain, certification, traceability requirements, and responsible sourcing. Recognising Antwerp, Mumbai, and Surat as primary diamond hubs, both sides identified gems and jewellery as vital pillars for enhanced industrial collaboration.

Agrawal participated in a BusinessEurope roundtable with European industry leaders to discuss opportunities for expanding trade and investment ties. “He highlighted India’s strong economic growth, reform momentum and investment opportunities across key sectors and invited European businesses to deepen their engagement with India and participate in its expanding value chains,” the statement underlined.

Published on November 2, 2026

THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM. SUBSCRIBE FOR MINIMAL ADS. THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM. SUBSCRIBE FOR MINIMAL ADS. THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM. SUBSCRIBE FOR MINIMAL ADS. THIS AD SUPPORTS OUR JOURNALISM. SUBSCRIBE FOR MINIMAL ADS.Sign into Unlock benefits!

• Access 10 free stories per month
• Get notified by email for early preview to new features, discounts & offers