India and EU Strengthen Economic and Trade Partnership: Piyush Goyal

New Delhi, March 29: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, during the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Cameroon. They reviewed the progress of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Both leaders discussed key priorities under the MC14 agenda and assessed the ongoing work on the FTA, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in January 2026 in New Delhi.

In a post on social media platform X, Goyal stated, “We also discussed opportunities to deepen our bilateral economic and trade partnership.”

Goyal also met with Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment. They explored opportunities to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between the two countries under the MC14 agenda.

In a constructive dialogue with Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, they exchanged views on the MC14 agenda, enhancing bilateral trade relations, and expanding the India-Mercosur PTA.

During the WTO meeting, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of truth, India courageously stood alone on the contentious issue of the Investment Facilitation Development (IFD) agreement, refusing to agree to its inclusion as an Annex 4 agreement within the WTO framework.

Goyal remarked, “Including the IFD agreement poses a risk of undermining the functional limits of the WTO and disrupting its fundamental principles.”

As part of discussions on WTO reforms, members are considering security and legal measures for multilateral agreements before integrating any specific multilateral outcomes.

He added, “Given the systemic issues, India has shown openness for goodwill, extensive discussions, and constructive engagement under the WTO reform agenda.”

Goyal also met with the diaspora community in Cameroon, which plays a vital role in strengthening ties, enhancing goodwill, and bridging the two nations.

He expressed his happiness by addressing the Indian community’s welcome ceremony in Cameroon and highlighting the immense potential to deepen bilateral relations.

–