X account @PiyushGoyal
India Advances FTA Talks with EU, US, Peru, Chile
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that India is actively pursuing free trade agreements (FTAs) with several global partners, including the European Union, United States, Chile, and Peru. He said negotiations are ongoing across time zones, highlighting the pace and seriousness of the discussions.
Ongoing US Trade Talks Under Pressure
India has held five rounds of bilateral trade agreement (BTA) talks with the US since March, but a planned sixth round has been deferred. This comes ahead of the US move to raise tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 50% starting August 27, raising the stakes for both sides.
India’s Expanding Trade Agenda
India has already signed FTAs with several partners including the UAE, Australia, UK (CETA), Mauritius, and EFTA. Current negotiations also involve Oman and New Zealand. Goyal noted that “many others want to start engaging with India,” underlining India’s growing role in global trade. He added that India is approaching trade issues, including its differences with the US, with “a very open mind” but will remain firm on protecting national interests.
EU Talks Could Conclude Soon
On the European Union front, Goyal indicated that negotiations are moving positively and that an agreement could be finalized before the end of 2025.
