India-EU FTA talks make 'substantive progress'; next round Jan 2026

• India-EU FTA talks show "substantive progress"; next round set for early January 2026.
• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed confidence in a fair, equitable, and balanced FTA, despite some remaining issues.
• High-level discussions between Goyal and EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič provided strategic guidance for negotiators.
• The FTA aims for a "100% win-win" solution for both India and the EU, covering market access, services, and more.
• Piyush Goyal also signed the India-Italy Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) protocol to strengthen economic partnership.

Why It Matters: India-EU trade deal progress could reshape markets and consumer choices.