India And EU Accelerate Efforts For Early Free Trade Agreement Signing In France

India and the European Union on Wednesday reiterated their push to expedite the signing and implementation of a long-anticipated free trade agreement, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held high-level discussions with top EU leadership on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France. The talks reflect growing momentum in bilateral ties as both sides seek to deepen economic and strategic cooperation amid shifting global trade dynamics. The discussions took place between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Council President António Costa, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The meeting focused on strengthening trade and investment linkages, enhancing cooperation in defence and security, and aligning positions on key global issues, including the need for a more stable and multipolar international order. A central focus of the engagement was the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, which both sides have recently concluded after years of negotiations. The agreement is widely viewed as one of the most significant pending trade frameworks between two major global economies, aimed at reducing tariffs, improving market access, and encouraging smoother cross-border flows of goods, services, and investments across multiple sectors.

Officials and leaders from both sides emphasised the importance of accelerating the transition from agreement to implementation. The FTA is expected to cover key areas such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, digital services, renewable energy, and critical technologies, while also addressing regulatory cooperation and supply chain resilience. Both India and the EU have described the deal as a cornerstone for future economic engagement. Prime Minister Modi described the current phase of India-EU relations as particularly productive, noting that the conclusion of the FTA represents a major milestone in bilateral cooperation.

Also Read: PM Modi Courts 55 European CEOs in Gothenburg; Pitches Five-Sector India Partnership Framework

He also referred to the participation of EU leaders in India’s Republic Day celebrations earlier this year as a symbol of strengthening diplomatic ties and mutual political trust between the two sides. In his social media remarks following the meeting, Modi said the discussions in Evian centred on ways to further deepen economic linkages in the coming years. He highlighted that enhanced cooperation between India and the European Union could play a crucial role in promoting global peace, stability, and prosperity at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and economic fragmentation.

The EU leadership echoed the importance of moving quickly on the agreement, stressing that timely signing and implementation would be essential to unlocking the full potential of the partnership. Both sides reportedly agreed that delays in execution could limit the economic benefits of the deal, particularly at a time when global supply chains are being restructured. The renewed urgency around the India-EU Free Trade Agreement reflects broader strategic convergence between New Delhi and Brussels. As both seek to diversify trade relationships, reduce dependence on single markets, and strengthen economic resilience, the partnership is increasingly being positioned as a key pillar in the evolving architecture of global trade and governance.

Also Read: EU, India Target Year-End FTA Signing as Ursula von der Leyen Meets PM Modi