India and the European Union have committed to concluding negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of this year, following extensive discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced this development on Friday, highlighting the significance of the visit and the progress made.
The European Commission President is on a two-day bilateral visit to India, accompanied by members of the European College of Commissioners. This visit marks Ursula von der Leyen’s third trip to India, following her official visit in April 2022 and her attendance at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023.
Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Tanmay Lal called this an “unprecedented and landmark visit,” noting that it was the first visit by the European College of Commissioners outside of Europe. “This visit signals the high priority both sides attach to the strategic partnership we share. President von der Leyen met Prime Minister Modi, and the two leaders held extensive delegation-level discussions. There were also 20 ministerial-level meetings,” Lal stated in a press briefing.
The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including trade, digital green technology, energy, environment, and connectivity. The three working groups of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) also held meetings on strategic technologies, clean and green technology, and resilient value chains.
One of the major outcomes of the visit was the decision to finalize the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year. “The leaders have directed their teams to ensure that the FTA is concluded within this year. This is a very important outcome,” Lal said.
Significant progress was also reported on implementing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on semiconductors, supply chain resilience, and talent exchange. Lal highlighted the collaboration between the Bharat 6G Alliance and the EU 6G Smart Networks, as well as deepening ties between India’s AI mission and the European AI Office.
On the clean and green energy front, India and the EU announced joint funding of 60 million euros for research projects focused on electric vehicles, plastics, and green hydrogen. An India-EU Green Hydrogen Forum and an India-EU Business Summit on offshore wind energy are also planned.
Earlier in the day, EU President Ursula von der Leyen praised India’s role as a “pillar of certainty” for Europe in an increasingly uncertain world. She commended Prime Minister Modi’s address at the Paris AI Summit and expressed confidence that India’s upcoming AI Summit would be a great success.
As both sides move forward with their strategic partnership, the commitment to finalize the FTA and enhance cooperation in digital technology, AI, and green energy underscores the growing strength of India-EU relations.
