New Delhi. The Commerce Secretary, Dr. Rahul Khullar and Director General, Trade of European Commission, Mr. David O’ Sullivan met today to take stock of the progress in the ongoing India-EU Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement negotiations. A wide range of subjects were discussed reflecting the expectations of the two sides. The subjects discussed were trade in goods, trade in services, matters pertaining to SPS and Intellectual Property rights, TBT concerns, non-tariff barriers to trade and EU’s expectations on Government Procurement.

The discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere with a view to finding possible contours of a deal and laying the road map of further negotiations on unresolved issues. EU’s expectation on high level of liberalization by both sides was discussed along with India’s desire to have an agreement which reflects a balanced outcome, considering the difference in the level of development of India and EU.

While the two sides expressed satisfaction after the discussions, on the progress made so far, and called for intensified interaction at the expert level in the weeks ahead. Both sides agreed to fast-track the negotiations to reach an agreement within the next few months. It was also agreed that a ministerial level stock taking could take place at a suitable time in the near future after substantial progress has been made at the expert level.