India–EU trade deal to boost whisky exports: Minister

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said recently that India remains firmly focused on clinching a “very good” Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, a pact expected to pave the way for smoother imports of Italian wines and cars while widening export avenues for Indian whisky, textile products, auto components and several other categories.

He noted that negotiations have moved forward, though a few sticking points still need to be resolved. “We are leaving no stone unturned to secure a solid outcome. We had extensive engagements earlier this week, and there are still some matters we must cross the finish line,” he said.

He added that with strong backing from EU members like Italy and with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent emphasis on strengthening the partnership, both sides are positioned to steer the agreement through its final stages. According to him, the eventual pact should serve as a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial framework. He made these remarks at the India-Italy Business Forum in Mumbai.

India and the EU intensified their negotiations earlier this week, when the minister met Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, in New Delhi on December 8 and 9. Talks centred on key chapters, including market access for goods and services and technical barriers to trade, as both sides aim to settle the agreement by early next year.

The Commerce Secretary had indicated last month that India is aiming to conclude the FTA by early 2026, with discussions now entering their endgame. Earlier, in February, both sides agreed to accelerate the pace of talks and work toward closure by end-2025 in response to heightened uncertainty in global trade policies.