PM Modi, EU Leaders Push for Early India-EU FTA

• PM Narendra Modi held a joint telephone call with EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen.
• Leaders welcomed progress in trade, technology, investment, innovation, defence, security, and supply chain resilience.
• Reaffirmed commitment to early conclusion of India-EU FTA and progress on IMEEC corridor.
• Discussed regional and global issues, including efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 4th Sept: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a joint telephone conversation with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirming the strong strategic partnership between India and the European Union.

As the world’s largest democratic forces, the leaders emphasized the shared values of trust, stability, and a rules-based order guiding India-EU relations. They welcomed progress in bilateral cooperation across sectors such as trade, technology, investment, innovation, sustainability, defence, security, and supply chain resilience.

The three leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the early conclusion of negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and to advancing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).

Building on the EU College of Commissioners’ historic visit to India earlier this year, discussions also focused on organizing the next India-EU Summit in India. Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to both leaders to attend the summit at an early mutually convenient date.

The leaders also exchanged views on global developments, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s support for a peaceful resolution and called for the early restoration of peace and stability.

The leaders agreed to remain in close contact as India and the EU move forward in strengthening their strategic cooperation.