Sitharaman–Šefčovič Meeting Reinforces India–EU Commitment to a Balanced FTA

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with a European Union delegation led by Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic in New Delhi, engaging in constructive discussions on trade and investment cooperation. The meeting underscored both nations' shared commitment to deepening bilateral economic relations and advancing mutual prosperity.

High-Level Strategic Engagement

Finance Minister Sitharaman received the EU Trade Commissioner during his two-day visit to India, which forms part of intensive diplomatic and economic engagement between the two nations. The Finance Ministry confirmed that the two leaders discussed various issues pertaining to economic cooperation on trade and investment between India and the European Union, emphasizing their joint commitment toward strengthening bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of their people and countries.​

This ministerial-level engagement represents a critical component of the broader dialogue between India and the European Union. Sefcovic's visit to New Delhi also included separate meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, creating a comprehensive forum for addressing economic and diplomatic priorities.​

Context of FTA Negotiations

The meeting occurs against the backdrop of ongoing technical discussions held from December 3-9, 2025, in New Delhi covering key chapters of the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement. These negotiations encompass critical areas including Market Access for Goods, Rules of Origin, Services, Technical Barriers to Trade, and Trade and Sustainable Development.​

The visit was preceded by high-level consultations between India's Commerce Secretary and the European Commission's Director-General Trade on December 7, 2025, reinforcing the shared commitment to intensify dialogue and collaboration with focused determination to advance negotiations toward a timely and mutually beneficial conclusion

Path Forward

EU Trade Commissioner Sefcovic stated following his meeting with Finance Minister Sitharaman that he had "a constructive, results-oriented discussion on key areas of shared interest and opportunity between India and the EU." Officials indicate that both sides aim to wrap up discussions on the FTA by year-end, with the agreement potentially achievable by the first quarter of 2026. India and the European Union initiated FTA negotiations in 2022, with the comprehensive agreement covering 23 chapters or policy areas alongside separate negotiations on Geographical Indications and Investment Protection.