India and EU Strengthen Ties with Key Agreements on Trade, Technology, & Security

In a significant gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen revealed a series of strategic accords covering trade, technology, security, and sustainability, emphasizing the strengthening relationship between India and the European Union. The leaders highlighted the importance of mutual trust, common democratic principles, and a dedication to global stability.

In the joint press conference, PM Modi emphasized the importance of the EU-India relationship, noting, “Over two decades of strategic partnership between India and the EU is natural and organic, and in its foundation are trust and democratic values.” He  reaffirmed the dedication to concluding a mutually advantageous Free Trade Agreement (FTA) before the year’s end, an ambitious move that may greatly enhance economic relations between the two regions.

President von der Leyen expressed a similar sentiment, highlighting that this visit demonstrates the significance the EU attributes to its partnership with India. She connected the timing of the summit to the uncommon celestial alignment of seven planets, referring to it as a moment of “growth and transformation” for both Europe and India.

Both parties committed to accelerate FTA discussions, with the goal of finalizing them by the end of the year, while also pushing forward an investment protection framework and a Geographical Indications (GI) agreement. India and the EU will work together on new technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, high-performance computing, and 6G.