At the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, India reviewed progress on the India-EU FTA, discussed trade expansion with Nigeria and Brazil, and firmly opposed incorporating the IFD Agreement into the WTO framework
-1774760083844_d.png "Piyush Goyal meets key global trade leaders, reviews India-EU FTA at MC14")
Goyal met Maros Sefcovic, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security at WTO. PIC/ X(@PiyushGoyal)
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met key global trade leaders on the sidelines of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Cameroon, reviewing progress on trade agreements and highlighting India’s stand on WTO reforms.
During the conference, Goyal met Maros Sefcovic, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, to discuss the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both leaders reviewed progress on the FTA, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in January 2026 in New Delhi.
Goyal tweeted, “Also discussed avenues to further deepen our bilateral economic and trade partnership.” The discussions focused on accelerating work towards signing the agreement and expanding economic cooperation between India and the European Union.
Our diaspora in Cameroon is a vital bridge strengthening bonds, fostering goodwill, and bringing our nations closer together.
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) March 28, 2026
Delighted to address the Indian Community Reception in Cameroon and highlight the immense potential to further deepen our bilateral relations. 🇮🇳🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/vLopihM0Ei
Engagements with Nigeria and Brazil
Goyal also held talks with Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, discussing opportunities to strengthen trade and economic ties between India and Nigeria.
In a separate meeting with Mauro Vieira, Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders exchanged views on enhancing bilateral trade and expanding the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
India’s stand on WTO reforms
At MC14, India took a firm stand on the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement. Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of truth, Goyal emphasized India’s independent approach.
“Incorporation of the IFD Agreement risks eroding the functional limits of the WTO and undermining its foundational principles,” he said.
India stressed the need for guardrails and legal safeguards before integrating any plurilateral agreement into the WTO framework. Goyal highlighted that India remains open to “good faith, comprehensive discussions and constructive engagement under the WTO Reform Agenda.”
Connecting with the Indian Diaspora
In addition to official meetings, Goyal addressed the Indian diaspora in Cameroon, emphasizing the role of overseas communities in strengthening bilateral relations.
“Delighted to address the Indian Community Reception in Cameroon and highlight the immense potential to further deepen our bilateral relations,” he noted as reported by IANS.
The interactions at MC14 underscore India’s focus on strategic trade partnerships, careful engagement in WTO reforms, and strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with countries across Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
(With IANS Inputs)
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