External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday pressed for Germany’s support in accelerating negotiations on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in New Delhi.
“We count on your support to deepen our relationship with the European Union and expedite the FTA negotiations. India and Germany have a strong history of multilateral cooperation, which I am confident will advance further through our discussions today,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks.
This marks the first visit of a German Foreign Minister to India since Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government took office. Jaishankar highlighted the depth of bilateral ties, noting 25 years of strategic partnership, 50 years of scientific cooperation, nearly 60 years of cultural agreements, and more than a century of business engagement. He also welcomed Wadephul’s visit to Bengaluru, describing it as an opportunity to explore technology-driven cooperation.
Wadephul, who arrived in New Delhi after engagements in Bengaluru as part of his two-day visit, also held talks with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. German Ambassador to India Phillip Ackermann described the meeting as “productive,” citing discussions on strengthening trade, investment, and innovation ties.
Goyal later told reporters that India-EU FTA talks are in an advanced stage, with negotiations ongoing in Brussels. He added that European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic will visit India on September 12 to push talks forward.
India and the EU have set a target to conclude the FTA by the end of 2025, reaffirming their commitment to tackling global trade challenges and deepening economic cooperation.
