Piyush Goyal meets UK, EU, NZ, Canada trade ministers at WTO MC14 sidelines

New Delhi: India and the EU agreed to strive to complete the necessary processes as soon as possible to facilitate the signing of the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), while the UK informed New Delhi that it has completed the parliamentary approval of the India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd Michael McClay has confirmed that a key delivery list for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit has been finalized by both parties.

The issues were discussed among the relevant ministers on the sidelines of the 14th meeting.^This The ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO MC14) will be held, the government said on Sunday. Goyal held a bilateral meeting with Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, where they discussed expediting the recently launched India-Canada CEPA negotiations.

“Outside the FTA framework, both sides agreed to develop a diversified sectoral participation strategy and expand cooperation in shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, tourism and education sector… Underlining the importance of the transition to clean energy, both ministers agreed to explore cooperation in nuclear energy and other critical areas, including agriculture and critical minerals,” the trade and industry ministry said in a statement.

Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, in his meeting with British Minister of Commerce and Trade Peter J Kyle, exchanged views on the MC14 agenda, reviewed the progress in the implementation of the India-UK CETA signed in July 2025.

“On the MC-14 agenda, Goyal and Kyle agreed to maintain inclusiveness in the evolving trade discussions within the WTO, including WTO reforms, tariff moratorium on electronic transmission, and moratorium on Non-Violation and Status Complaints under the TRIPS Agreement,” the ministry said.

Issues related to the MC14 agenda, progress of ongoing work on signing the recently signed India-EU Free Trade Agreement and options for further development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation were brought up during the bilateral meeting with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.
They agreed on the need for WTO reforms and also exchanged views on the inclusion of a moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, as well as the Agreement on Facilitation of Investment for Development.

Discussed the Multi-Party Interim Appeals Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) with Canada. While India emphasized that the WTO is a consensus-based body and should prioritize past unfinished tasks, especially in agriculture, before focusing on newer issues, Canada acknowledged India’s concerns and suggested that both countries should continue constructive relations under the auspices of the WTO, respecting different perspectives on certain trade issues.