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Oman deal signing soon
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India also pushing to accelerate ASEAN trade pact review; EU negotiations near conclusion
India is moving quickly to finalise its free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union, with most negotiations already complete, according to official sources. “We’re working on fast-tracking pending FTAs such as with the EU. A majority of talks are complete, and both sides had mutually decided to conclude the agreement by December. Further meetings, including ministerial-level talks, are planned,” an official said, reported ndtvprofit.com.
In July, India and the EU exchanged offers on services and non-services, completing the 12th round of talks. The upcoming round will involve an in-person EU delegation visit to India. The framework for the FTA was reinforced when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed on the deal during her landmark visit to New Delhi in February 2025.
The proposed India-EU FTA will cover goods, services, investment, sustainability, and digital trade, with the next round of negotiations scheduled for September
On the Oman front, negotiations have concluded, with only the formal signing pending. “The deal has been agreed upon, and signing will take place on mutually convenient dates,” the official confirmed.
India is also accelerating the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), with multiple ASEAN delegations currently in New Delhi for discussions to strengthen trade ties and resolve existing concerns.
Meanwhile, negotiations with New Zealand on a separate free trade pact have also gained momentum, with two rounds of talks already completed.
