India has proposed to double bilateral trade with the European Union and is counting on Germany’s support to advance negotiations, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on Wednesday.
Jaishankar met German counterpart Johann Wadephul in New Delhi during a two-day visit. Both ministers called for an increase in trade, including in the areas of defence and security.
“We count on your support to deepen our relationship with the European Union and expedite the FTA negotiation,” Jaishankar told Wadephul, referring to a free trade agreement.
Trade talks between India and the EU resumed in 2021 after an eight-year pause but remain stalled over issues including EU demands for lower import taxes on cars and dairy products and stricter climate and labour standards. India has sought to protect local farmers, avoid rigid environmental rules, and maintain control over legal disputes.
Speaking after the meeting, Jaishankar said India would like the FTA to reach a “decisive conclusion” soon. Wadephul said the deal could be concluded in the coming months.
India’s Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday that negotiations were ongoing in Brussels.
Jaishankar met German counterpart Johann Wadephul in New Delhi during a two-day visit. Both ministers called for an increase in trade, including in the areas of defence and security.
“We count on your support to deepen our relationship with the European Union and expedite the FTA negotiation,” Jaishankar told Wadephul, referring to a free trade agreement.
Trade talks between India and the EU resumed in 2021 after an eight-year pause but remain stalled over issues including EU demands for lower import taxes on cars and dairy products and stricter climate and labour standards. India has sought to protect local farmers, avoid rigid environmental rules, and maintain control over legal disputes.
Speaking after the meeting, Jaishankar said India would like the FTA to reach a “decisive conclusion” soon. Wadephul said the deal could be concluded in the coming months.
India’s Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday that negotiations were ongoing in Brussels.