India, EU push to finalize free trade agreement by year-end

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have directed their teams to finalize a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union by the end of this year.

The two leaders also committed to strengthening the India-EU strategic partnership in defence, security, and critical technology.

Speaking after talks with von der Leyen, Modi described the India-EU partnership as “natural,” built on trust and shared democratic values. “This is a very important decision that comes amid growing global concerns about the Trump administration’s policy on trade and taxes,” he said.

Negotiations are also advancing on an investment protection agreement and an agreement on geographical indicators. On connectivity, Modi said concrete steps would be taken to advance the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

“I am confident that the IMEC corridor will prove to be the engine of advancing global trade, sustainable development, and prosperity,” he said.

Modi termed von der Leyen’s visit, along with other members of the College of Commissioners, as “unprecedented.”

He also said that India and the EU share common views on ensuring peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.