What’s Next for India-EU Trade Relations? Insights from the WTO Conference
Key Developments at the WTO Conference
New Delhi: During the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) held in Cameroon, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal engaged with Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, to assess the status of the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA).
The two officials discussed essential priorities outlined in the MC14 agenda and reviewed the advancements made towards finalizing the India-EU FTA, a commitment initially announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in January 2026 in New Delhi.
Goyal mentioned in a post on X that they also explored ways to enhance their economic and trade partnership.
Additionally, Goyal held discussions with Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, focusing on the MC14 agenda and potential avenues for strengthening trade relations between the two countries.
A fruitful dialogue with Mauro Vieira, Brazil's Minister of Foreign Affairs, led to an exchange of perspectives on the MC14 agenda, including the enhancement of bilateral trade relations and the expansion of the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
At the WTO meeting, India took a bold stance on the contentious Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of truth over conformity, and opposed its inclusion as an Annex 4 Agreement within the WTO framework.
Goyal expressed concerns that incorporating the IFD Agreement could undermine the WTO's foundational principles and functional limits.
In discussions regarding WTO reforms, members are considering legal safeguards and guardrails for plurilateral agreements before any specific outcomes are integrated.
Goyal emphasized India's willingness to engage in good faith discussions and constructive dialogue under the WTO Reform Agenda, given the systemic issues at play.
Moreover, Goyal met with the Indian diaspora in Cameroon, recognizing their role in strengthening ties and fostering goodwill between nations.
He expressed his pleasure in addressing the Indian Community Reception in Cameroon, highlighting the significant potential for deepening bilateral relations.