Based on a statement from the Russian embassy, the first round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is likely to begin in early November.
According to the Russian Embassy in India, in a meeting with Andrey Slepnev, Minister in-charge, Trade, EAEU, Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, India agreed on an approach under which the first round of negotiations will be held in early November this year and focus on discussing the core aspects of the future deal. The meeting will be preceded by intensive consultations between the Commission, Indian partners, and the EAEU Member States, the ambassy added.
The next round of FTA talks between India and the European Union (EU) is scheduled for October 6-10, a source from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry noted. Almost all issues for the India-EU FTA have been resolved, and an early harvest deal could be possible. This follows a statement last week from Maroš Šefčovič, Trade Commissioner, EU, who said both sides are on track to meet the December deadline for a full FTA.
India is also set to hold new rounds of negotiations for FTAs with Chile and Peru, and will conduct a review of its FTA with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
