Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the 16th India-European Union Summit, held in New Delhi in January this year, has given a strong new push to the strategic partnership between India and the European Union.
Speaking at the Europe Day celebrations in New Delhi, Sitharaman said the summit marked an important turning point in India-EU relations and elevated cooperation to a higher level.
She explained that the summit’s outcomes represent a transformative phase in the partnership, with several major agreements and frameworks strengthening ties between the two sides.
One of the key developments highlighted by the minister was the successful completion of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to improve trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
She also mentioned the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership, which will deepen collaboration in areas such as regional security, strategic stability, and defence cooperation.
In addition, the adoption of the Comprehensive Framework on Cooperation on Mobility is expected to improve movement, opportunities, and exchanges between India and EU member countries.
Sitharaman further emphasized the importance of the joint roadmap adopted during the summit, titled “Towards 2030: India-EU a Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda.”
According to her, this roadmap offers a clear and ambitious long-term vision for expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, technology, climate action, mobility, and security.
Hervé Delphin, the EU Ambassador to India, was also present during the event.
The minister’s remarks underline the growing importance of India-EU relations as both sides work toward stronger economic, political, and strategic cooperation in the coming years.