India and the European Union have renewed efforts to advance a long-pending free trade agreement following high-level talks in Brussels…reports Asian Lite News
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has concluded a visit to Brussels, where he held discussions with European Union leaders on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and broader cooperation across technology, security and connectivity. The talks included meetings with members of the EU Foreign Affairs Council and senior figures such as Antonio Costa, Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas.
The minister described the engagement as productive and highlighted the importance of concluding the FTA, which remains under negotiation. He said the agreement would serve as a “turning point” in relations, deepening both economic and strategic engagement between India and the EU.
“The finalisation of the Free Trade Agreement represents a turning point in India-EU ties. It will not only unlock its enormous economic potential but also express the strategic nature of our engagement,” Jaishankar said.
Discussions covered a wide range of sectors, including cooperation in advanced and essential technologies, strengthening supply chain resilience, and expanding security partnerships. Mr Jaishankar emphasised the need to upgrade the Trade and Technology Council to enhance collaboration in emerging technological domains.
Supply chains were identified as a shared priority, with both sides seeking to reduce vulnerabilities and improve reliability amid global disruptions. The proposed FTA is expected to support closer business linkages and facilitate trade flows between India and EU member states.
Talent mobility also featured in the talks, with Mr Jaishankar advocating streamlined frameworks for the movement of skilled professionals. He pointed to the establishment of a Legal Gateway Office in India as a step towards improving institutional support for such exchanges.
On security, the minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing cooperation through the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership. He also underlined the importance of concluding the Security of Information Agreement at the earliest opportunity to strengthen collaboration in sensitive areas.
Connectivity initiatives were another key focus. Existing frameworks, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, were highlighted as avenues for further development, with both sides aiming to enhance infrastructure links and economic integration across the regions.
Jaishankar also stressed the broader geopolitical context, noting challenges to global multilateralism and the need for stable partnerships. He said India and the EU were working to strengthen institutional ties amid an increasingly uncertain international environment.
“In a multipolar and uncertain world, the India-EU partnership will act as a factor of stability and resilience,” he said.
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen the India-EU strategic partnership, with negotiations on the FTA and related agreements continuing alongside wider cooperation across economic, technological and security domains.
