India, EU discuss resolving procedural issues, customs cooperation ahead of FTA rollout

India and the European Union have discussed measures to address procedural and implementation-related issues related to their proposed free trade agreement (FTA), the Commerce Ministry said on Monday.

The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen customs cooperation to facilitate trade, according to the ministry.

The discussions took place during a series of high-level meetings held by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal with European Commission officials in Brussels.

In a meeting with Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, both sides discussed facilitating two-way trade, improving market access and strengthening supply chain resilience.

"They reaffirmed their commitment to a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement and agreed to maintain close engagement to address the remaining procedural and implementation-related issues," the ministry said in a statement.

Agrawal also met Gerassimos Thomas, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union, where the discussions focused on customs cooperation, trade facilitation and preparations for the implementation of the India-EU FTA.

Both sides recognised the importance of efficient, transparent and digitally enabled customs procedures in reducing transaction costs for businesses and ensuring the smooth movement of legitimate trade, it said.

During his meeting with Koen Doens, Director-General of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships, Agrawal discussed development cooperation, sustainable development, clean energy and green technologies.

The Commerce Secretary also held discussions with representatives of the diamond industry, including stakeholders associated with the Antwerp diamond ecosystem.

The discussions covered the global diamond value chain, certification and traceability requirements, responsible sourcing and opportunities arising from India's expanding diamond market and manufacturing ecosystem.

Agrawal also participated in a roundtable organised by BusinessEurope with European industry representatives to discuss ways to strengthen trade and investment ties, improve market access and enhance supply chain resilience.

“He highlighted India's strong economic growth, reform momentum and investment opportunities across key sectors, and invited European businesses to deepen their engagement with India and participate in its expanding value chains,” the ministry said.