FTA: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stressed on understanding and respecting mutual sensitivities to expedite the India-EU free trade agreement talks. He clarified that if the EU insists on opening the dairy sector, then there will be no agreement. Addressing the 18th conference of the 'Asia Pacific Conference of German Business' organized in Delhi, the minister said that 'external' issues like labor and climate change should be discussed on the international platform.

Per capita, income of EU countries is higher than that of Indian states.

He said both sides must understand, listen, and appreciate each other's sensitivities. Goyal said, 'You (EU) are 27 countries with different priorities. India has 27 states. Maybe I am growing apples in a state, which does not allow me to open the apple sector.' He also said that the per capita income of EU member countries is much higher than that of Indian states. The minister said that there is a need to focus on promoting trade, investment, and deep strategic partnerships to take the talks forward. Goyal said, 'If we keep these things in mind, then FTA can be done in a very respectable, commendable manner and quickly.'

He said, 'What comes first is the sensitivity between the 27 countries of the European Union and my 27 states of India... If we respect each other's sensitivities, as is the case with UAE, Australia, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)... then we just respect each other's sensitivities and do not cross the line on issues that can hurt. For example, milk..., I cannot open the milk sector. If the EU insists that I open the doors of the milk sector for them, then there will be no FTA.' Goyal said that Australia did its first FTA with India without the milk sector because theyitpected India's issues.