Goyal Holds Talks with EU, UK Leaders To Strengthen Trade Partnership

During his meeting with Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, discussions centred on key priorities under the MC-14 agenda and progress towards the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The talks reviewed ongoing negotiations following the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in January 2026. “Delighted to meet my good friend Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, on the sidelines of WTOMC14. Deliberated on key priorities under the MC14 agenda and reviewed progress on the ongoing work towards the signing of the India-EU FTA, as announced by PM Narendra Modi ji and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in January 2026 in New Delhi. Also discussed avenues to further deepen our bilateral economic and trade partnership,” Goyal said in a post on micro-blogging site X. In a separate interaction with the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle, both sides reviewed developments related to the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which was signed in July 2025 by Prime Minister Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The discussions also took note of the United Kingdom completing its parliamentary approval process for the agreement, with both sides looking ahead to its entry into force in line with agreed timelines. “A productive interaction with Peter Kyle, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, on the sidelines of WTOMC14. Discussed key priorities under the MC14 agenda and reviewed progress towards the entry into force of the India-UK CETA, signed by PM Narendra Modi and PM Keir Starmer in July 2025. Also acknowledged his academic background in rural development and his appreciation of PM Modi’s leadership in driving technology-enabled, inclusive rural progress,” Goya wrote on micro-blogging site. The engagements reflected continued momentum in India’s trade negotiations with key global partners, alongside broader discussions on multilateral trade priorities under the WTO framework. (KNN Bureau)