What Will the EU Team Discuss During Their Visit to Delhi?
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Synopsis
A delegation from the EU's International Trade Committee will be in New Delhi from October 27 to 29 for crucial trade discussions with India. This visit aims to enhance mutual understanding and address key issues ahead of the Free Trade Agreement deadline in 2025. Stakeholder engagement is pivotal for successful negotiations.
Key Takeaways
- Delegation from EU's International Trade Committee visiting New Delhi.
- Visit scheduled from October 27 to 29.
- Main objective is to enhance mutual understanding and discuss trade relations.
- Stakeholder engagement is a priority during the mission.
- Any agreement requires European Parliament's consent.
Brussels, Oct 24 (NationPress) A group of representatives from the International Trade Committee is set to visit New Delhi next week, from October 27 to 29, to engage in discussions regarding trade, economic, and investment ties between the EU and India, as stated in an official announcement.
The delegation, consisting of seven members, will be led by Cristina Maestre and Brando Benifei. Prior to the visit, both co-chairs remarked: “The primary aim of this visit is to enhance our mutual understanding during the ongoing trade negotiations between the EU and India. This mission is well-timed, occurring just months before the deadline to finalize negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025. We are eager to address the relevant issues, as both parties share a strong interest in achieving a substantial bilateral agreement while upholding the rules-based multilateral trade framework.”
Throughout the mission, the Members of the European Parliament will interact with various stakeholders to gather firsthand insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with these trade discussions, as noted in the statement.
Members of INTA are expected to conduct numerous meetings at both ministerial and parliamentary levels. They will connect with the Federation of European Business in India and the Confederation of Indian Industry. Additional meetings will be arranged with civil society groups focusing on sustainability and with representatives from labor rights organizations.
The International Trade Committee has been meticulously monitoring the ongoing negotiations between the EU and India, and any agreement reached will require the approval of the European Parliament, as indicated in the statement.
In addition to co-chairs Cristina Maestre and Brando Benifei, the delegation includes Juan Ignacio Zoido, Waldemar Buda, Barry Cowen, Vicent Marza Ibanez, and Angelika Niebler, who chairs the EP delegation for relations with India.
Point of View
I believe that this visit by the EU delegation marks a significant step towards strengthening trade relations between India and Europe. The focus on mutual understanding and collaboration is essential, especially given the impending deadline for the Free Trade Agreement. It is crucial for both parties to engage constructively to foster economic growth and uphold a rules-based trade order.
NationPress
24/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main objectives of the EU delegation's visit to Delhi?
The main objectives include enhancing mutual understanding, discussing trade, economic, and investment relations, and addressing key issues ahead of the Free Trade Agreement deadline.
Who is leading the EU delegation?
The delegation is led by Cristina Maestre and Brando Benifei, co-chairs of the International Trade Committee.
When will the EU delegation be in New Delhi?
The delegation will be in New Delhi from October 27 to 29.
What stakeholders will the EU delegation engage with?
The delegation will meet with various stakeholders, including the Federation of European Business in India, Confederation of Indian Industry, and civil society groups focused on sustainability and labor rights.
What is the significance of this visit for the Free Trade Agreement?
This visit is significant as it occurs just months before the deadline to finalize the Free Trade Agreement, aiming for a meaningful bilateral agreement between the EU and India.
