India-EU FTA Talks Extend to 2026; Ministerial Meet Jan 8-9

• India-EU FTA talks are now expected to extend into early 2026, missing the earlier 2025 target.
• The next round of India-EU FTA negotiations is set for early January, with ministerial engagement around January 8-9.
• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the need for a "100 percent agreement" that is balanced and mutually beneficial.
• Italy's Deputy PM hopes the FTA could conclude by mid-2026, highlighting the Indian market's importance for Italian exports.
• India and Italy are expanding economic cooperation in technology, innovation, startups, manufacturing, defence, and aerospace.

Why It Matters: India-EU FTA delay affects future trade and investment prospects.