European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to deepening ties with India, announcing that both sides are working towards signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2026. The announcement came after her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, where leaders discussed trade, investment and strategic connectivity initiatives.
In a post on X following the meeting, von der Leyen described the proposed India-EU trade pact as the "mother of all trade deals" and said negotiations are progressing rapidly. She noted that both partners have been moving swiftly to implement the commitments reached during recent discussions, reflecting their shared intent to strengthen economic cooperation and expand bilateral engagement.
According to the European Commission President, the FTA is expected to be signed before the end of the year, while negotiations on a separate investment agreement will also be accelerated. The investment pact is aimed at improving market access, encouraging cross-border investments and creating a more predictable business environment for companies operating in both regions.
Also Read: Kedarnath Marks 13 Years Since 2013 Flood Tragedy With Tribute To Victims And Rescuers
Beyond trade and investment, the leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in defence and strategic infrastructure. A key focus remains the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a major connectivity initiative designed to enhance trade routes, logistics networks and economic integration between India, the Middle East and Europe through modern transport and infrastructure links.
The renewed push for closer ties comes as India and the European Union seek to diversify supply chains, boost economic resilience and strengthen partnerships amid evolving global geopolitical and economic conditions. A comprehensive trade agreement is expected to enhance bilateral commerce, increase investment opportunities and create new avenues for collaboration across multiple sectors.
The meeting signals continued momentum in India-EU relations, with both sides expressing confidence that negotiations will remain on track. If concluded as planned, the Free Trade Agreement and the accompanying investment pact would mark a significant milestone in bilateral relations while reinforcing cooperation in trade, infrastructure, defence and long-term economic development.
Also Read: AP-NORC Poll Finds Americans See Rights Under Threat But Central To National Identity