G20 trade Ministers’ meet: Goyal calls for food security & cooperation

India has cautioned against treating legitimate national measures to protect food security as the weaponisation of food. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal made the distinction during a session of the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee, US. Goyal highlighted that the shared objective must be to ensure that food remains a source of security, stability and cooperation. The Minister also reviewed progress towards the signing and entry into force of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. 
He held talks with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting. The two sides also exchanged views on the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, reform of the World Trade Organisation and shared priorities at the G20. India and the EU concluded negotiations for the trade pact on January 27 this year, after talks that began in 2007 and were relaunched in 2022. The European Commission earlier this month submitted the agreement to the EU Council for authorisation for signature and conclusion. 
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada has said the pact would create greater opportunities for trade and investment, while technology transfers, local manufacturing and artificial intelligence would support India’s next phase of industrial growth.