India-EU Free Trade Deal Talks Concluded

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has said that India and the European Union (EU) have finished official-level talks for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA). The deal is expected to be announced today and aims to increase trade and strengthen economic ties between the two sides.

He said the agreement is balanced and future-focused from India’s point of view. It will help India connect better with the EU market and make it easier for businesses to trade and invest. According to him, the deal will boost exports, create more business opportunities, and attract investments in both India and Europe.

The announcement will be made during the India-EU summit, which is being hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Top EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, are taking part in the 16th India-EU summit talks with the Prime Minister.

The two sides are also expected to strengthen cooperation beyond trade. Kaja Kallas, Vice President of the European Commission, said that an EU-India Security and Defence Partnership agreement will also be signed. This partnership will improve cooperation in areas such as defence, security, and strategic planning.

Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen are currently on a State Visit to India. They were also the Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, showing the growing friendship between India and the EU.

Officials believe that the new agreements will mark an important step in building stronger political, economic, and security ties between India and the European Union in the coming years.