While New Delhi is known to be a tough negotiator, the EU is keen to step up negotiations on a trade deal with India, especially now that protectionist US President Donald Trump has returned to the White House. be.
Von der Leyen’s announcement follows an active visit to Belgium by Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce, where he met with European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčović. The next round of negotiations on the free trade agreement is scheduled for March 10-14 in Brussels.
The meeting was also attended by World Trade Organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, suggesting that discussions also focused on reviving stalled talks on reforming the organization.
Mr. Trump’s reelection prompted Ms. von der Leyen to take action on trade issues. In December, he signed a long-awaited agreement with the Mercosur bloc of South American countries. The EU last week overhauled its trade agreement with Mexico. And on Monday, trade negotiations with Malaysia resumed after more than a decade of hiatus.
This story has been updated.
