India and EU hold FTA talks in Brussels as New Delhi steps up global trade diplomacy with parallel negotiations, including with the US

India’s trade negotiations with the European Union (EU) have moved into an advanced phase, with both sides reporting substantial progress after the 14th round of discussions held in Brussels from October 6 to 10, 2025. The week-long round covered 12 policy areas through 91 technical sessions, with detailed deliberations on market access for goods and services, Rules of Origin, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). According to the Ministry of Commerce, several key issues have been resolved, paving the way for the long-awaited trade pact to move closer to conclusion. Officials said both sides are working to bridge remaining differences on tariffs, data protection and regulatory standards. The ministry described the progress as “constructive and forward-looking”, adding that a final deal could emerge soon if the current momentum is maintained.

India’s broader trade diplomacy is also gathering pace, with multiple negotiations running parallel to the EU talks. From October 13 to 17, India and New Zealand held discussions on their proposed Free Trade Agreement, which focused on improving market access, reducing non-tariff barriers and expanding cooperation in agriculture and services. The next round of talks is scheduled for November. In Southeast Asia, India continues discussions with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to address pending issues under the existing FTA framework. Officials indicated that significant announcements may follow in the next meeting as both sides work to rebalance trade commitments and address sector-specific concerns.

India’s trade engagement with Latin America has also advanced, with Brazil emerging as a key focus. Both countries have reached broad agreement on market access during recent discussions. The progress coincides with the visit of Brazil’s Vice President to India this week, during which he met Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. Talks between the two sides centred on expanding trade in agricultural goods, energy cooperation and investment in manufacturing and renewable sectors. Officials described the meeting as “positive and productive”, signalling growing convergence between the two major emerging economies.

India’s trade engagement with the United Kingdom and the United States continues to deepen. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India from October 8 to 9 added momentum to bilateral discussions. During his trip, India and the UK signed Terms of Reference to reset the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO). High-level meetings between the Commerce Secretary and senior British officials in Mumbai and Delhi explored new investment and trade opportunities, particularly in clean energy, digital technology, and higher education

On the US front, five rounds of bilateral trade talks have been completed so far, with negotiations continuing in Washington and New Delhi. Officials said discussions are progressing on key areas such as tariff alignment and services, with both sides aiming for a “balanced and mutually beneficial” outcome. Around 45 per cent of India’s exports to the US already face zero tariffs, offering a strong base for expanding trade volumes further.

Several other bilateral trade agreements are also advancing steadily. The India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) has completed 11 formal rounds, with the latest held in August 2025.

The India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has seen 11 rounds so far, most recently in Seoul in July 2024.

Talks with Peru and Chile are also moving forward. The ninth round of the India-Peru FTA is set for November 3 to 5, while the third round of India-Chile negotiations will take place from October 27 to 31.

Meanwhile, discussions with Sri Lanka and Oman have also made headway – 14 rounds have been completed for the India-Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) and negotiations for the India-Oman CEPA concluded after five rounds earlier this year.

With multiple negotiations progressing in parallel, India’s trade strategy is clearly focused on expanding its global economic footprint. Officials said the government’s broader objective is to diversify export markets, enhance supply chain resilience and align trade policy with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and export-led growth.