FTA : India, Eurasian officials hold talks in Moscow

New Delhi: Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held discussions in Moscow with Russian leaders on the proposed India–Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement, according to a statement issued by the Commerce Ministry on Sunday. ZThe Commerce Secretary met the Minister in charge of Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Andrey Slepnev, and the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Yurin, and also addressed a business networking plenary with members of Indian and Russian industry, the statement said.

The discussions built upon the outcomes of the India–Russia Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation, with a continued focus on diversification, strengthening resilient supply chains, ensuring regulatory predictability and promoting balanced growth in the partnership. These efforts reflect the Leaders’ direction to reach $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 and to expand Indian exports through industrial and technological collaboration.

In the meeting with Minister Slepnev, the Commerce Secretary reviewed the next steps for the India–EAEU FTA in goods. The terms of reference signed on August 20, 2025 outline an 18-month work plan aimed at diversifying markets for Indian businesses, including MSMEs, farmers and fishermen. In line with the leaders’ guidance, the services and investment tracks will also be examined as the process advances, the statement explained.

In his discussions with Deputy Minister Yurin, the Commerce Secretary explored ways to enhance trade diversification, supply-chain resilience and cooperation in critical minerals. Both sides discussed a time-bound pathway across key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, telecom equipment, machinery, leather, automobiles and chemicals.