The ongoing negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) have received renewed momentum, with Germany reaffirming its strong support for the early conclusion of the landmark pact.

During his two-day official visit to India, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul underscored Berlin’s commitment to ensuring that the FTA is finalised “as soon as possible.”

Speaking at a delegation-level meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Wadephul expressed Germany’s determination to use its influence with the European Commission to accelerate progress on the negotiations.

Highlighting Germany’s status as a “free trade nation,” he remarked that a comprehensive and ambitious FTA with India was of paramount importance both for Berlin and for the EU collectively, stressing that his country would employ “all arguments” at its disposal to persuade the Commission and member states to push the agreement forward.

The visit also focused on strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and cultural cooperation.

Wadephul’s engagements in Bangalore provided him with valuable insights into India’s expanding educational and cultural partnership with Germany. He expressed appreciation for the significant number of Indian students learning the German language, describing his experience in Bangalore as “astonishing” and evidence of the immense untapped potential between both countries.

He noted that these educational linkages, combined with existing economic collaborations, demonstrated the strong foundation upon which India and Germany could deepen their relationship.

Earlier in the day, Wadephul held discussions with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, which the German Ambassador to India, Phillip Ackermann, described as highly productive and focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and innovation.

This engagement further reinforced the alignment of priorities between India and Germany as they work towards the conclusion of the FTA.

On India’s side, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that negotiations for the FTA with the EU had reached an “advanced stage.” He informed reporters in the national capital that the Commerce Secretary was actively engaged in meetings in Brussels with his counterparts from the European Commission, and that further negotiation rounds were scheduled in the coming weeks.

Goyal also noted that European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic would be visiting India on September 12 to continue discussions at a ministerial level. This sequence of high-level talks highlights the seriousness with which both India and the EU are approaching the agreement, with negotiators working intensively to address outstanding issues.

Goyal described the progress as “very active and significant,” pointing out that both sides were making a concerted effort to resolve differences and streamline the path toward a mutually beneficial arrangement.

The India-EU FTA negotiations, which have been under discussion for several years, are now projected to reach their conclusion by the end of 2025. Last month, both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to overcoming global trade challenges through dialogue, agreeing on the need for a forward-looking arrangement that would strengthen bilateral economic ties while also contributing to global stability in trade.

For India, the agreement promises expanded access to the EU’s vast single market, diversification of exports, and opportunities for technology transfer and investment. For the EU, it would secure a strategic economic partnership with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, while reinforcing supply chain resilience and expanding investments in areas such as green energy, digital innovation, and manufacturing.

Johann Wadephul’s strong assurances during his visit mark an important moment in the trajectory of the India-EU FTA negotiations. Germany’s pledge to actively lobby the European Commission on India’s behalf underscores Berlin’s recognition of India’s growing economic weight and strategic importance.

Combined with the encouraging statements from Piyush Goyal about the advanced stage of discussions, the momentum toward finalising the agreement appears stronger than ever.

With intensive negotiations continuing across multiple levels of engagement and a target deadline set for the end of 2025, the India-EU Free Trade Agreement is moving closer to realisation, bearing the potential to transform economic relations, enhance cultural linkages, and support broader geopolitical cooperation in the years to come.

Based On ANI Report