New Delhi, March 29 (IANS). Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic on the sidelines of the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Meeting (MC14) in Cameroon and reviewed the progress on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The two leaders discussed key priorities under the MC 14 Agenda and “reviewed the progress of the ongoing work on an India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in January 2026 in New Delhi.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal wrote in a post on social site X, “Along with this, opportunities to further deepen bilateral economic and trade partnership were also discussed.”
Goyal also met Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Commerce and Investment. “The MC14 agenda was discussed and opportunities were explored to further strengthen trade and economic cooperation between the two countries,” he said.
Views were shared on the MC14 agenda, strengthening bilateral trade relations and expansion of the India-Mercosur PTA in a constructive conversation with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
At the WTO meeting, taking inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of truth, India showed courage to stand alone on the controversial issue of Investment Facilitation Development (IFD) Agreement and did not consent to its inclusion as an Annex 4 agreement in the WTO framework.
“Inclusion of the IFD agreement risks weakening the functional boundaries of the WTO and disrupting its fundamental principles,” Goyal said.
As part of WTO reform discussions, members are considering safeguards and legal measures for multilateral agreements before integrating any specific multilateral outcomes.
“Given the systemic issues, India expressed its openness to goodwill, broad discussion and constructive engagement under the WTO reform agenda,” he said.
Goyal also met the expatriate community in Cameroon, which is an important bridge between the two countries to strengthen ties, enhance goodwill and bring the countries closer.
“I am very happy to address the welcoming ceremony of the Indian community in Cameroon and highlight the immense potential to further deepen our bilateral relations,” Goyal said.
–IANS
PM
