India and EU Implement Free Trade Agreement During Brussels Summit

Indian ministers S. Jaishankar and Piyush Goyal visited Brussels from July 14 to 15, 2026, to advance the India-EU Strategic Partnership and oversee the official implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The pact eliminates tariffs on labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, electronics, and gems and jewelry, and provides zero-duty access for most agricultural products, excluding rice and sugar.

Co-chairing the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting, the ministers agreed to begin formal negotiations for India's association with the Horizon Europe research program by late 2026 and established an India-EU Innovation Hub for electric vehicle charging. Discussions with European Council President António Costa and Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas also addressed maritime security, the West Asia conflict, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Parallel to EU talks, India and Belgium launched their first Strategic Dialogue to deepen cooperation in digital technologies and life sciences. Minister Goyal met Belgian Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval to discuss workforce mobility and logistics, including visits to the Port of Antwerp. Additionally, Goyal announced that the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force on July 15, granting zero-duty market access for nearly 99% of Indian exports. The visit concluded with S. Jaishankar launching India's campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term.