Piyush Goyal to Brussels for India-EU FTA Talks on Jan 8-9

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Brussels on January 8-9 for high-level talks to advance the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• The visit is crucial for the comprehensive trade deal, re-launched in June 2022 after a nine-year hiatus, with 14 rounds of discussions held.
• Goyal will meet EU’s Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič to provide strategic guidance and address outstanding issues.
• India is advocating for zero-duty access for its labour-intensive sectors, including textiles, leather, apparel, gems and jewellery, and handicrafts.
• Talks aim to reaffirm commitment to a rules-based trading framework, safeguard farmers/MSMEs, and integrate Indian industries into global supply chains.

Why It Matters: Piyush Goyal's Brussels visit is critical to expedite the India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations.