Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an important bilateral meeting with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France. The discussions focused on strengthening India-European Union relations, expanding economic cooperation, and addressing key regional and global developments.
The meeting comes at a significant moment for India and the European Union, as both sides have recently concluded negotiations on the long-awaited India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The leaders described the conclusion of negotiations as a historic milestone that could reshape economic relations between the two major democratic partners.
During the talks, the leaders exchanged views on global geopolitical developments and welcomed recent positive developments in West Asia. They reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, sustainable development, and a resilient multipolar world order capable of addressing emerging global challenges.
India-EU Free Trade Agreement Takes Centre Stage at G7 Summit
A major focus of the meeting was the recently concluded India-EU FTA negotiations. Both sides stressed the importance of signing and implementing the agreement at the earliest opportunity. Leaders from India and the European Union believe the trade pact has the potential to significantly boost bilateral trade, encourage fresh investments, and create new opportunities for businesses across sectors.
The European Union remains one of India’s largest trading partners, while India continues to emerge as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Experts believe that the India-EU FTA could unlock greater market access, reduce trade barriers, strengthen supply chains, and enhance cooperation in manufacturing, technology, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and digital services.
The agreement is also expected to help businesses navigate an increasingly uncertain global economic environment. With geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions affecting international commerce, both India and the European Union view stronger economic integration as a strategic necessity.
Officials believe the agreement could lead to a substantial increase in bilateral trade volumes over the coming years while creating employment opportunities and supporting economic growth on both sides.
Strategic Partnership Expands Beyond Trade
Beyond trade and investment, the leaders reviewed progress made under the Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda that was endorsed earlier this year. The framework is designed to deepen cooperation in a wide range of areas, including security, technology, climate action, innovation, connectivity, education, and sustainable development.
India and the European Union have steadily expanded their strategic engagement in recent years. Regular high-level meetings and growing collaboration across sectors have helped strengthen trust and create new avenues for partnership. The latest discussions reflected a shared understanding that global challenges require coordinated responses among like-minded nations.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s commitment to building stronger partnerships with Europe as part of its broader global engagement strategy. European leaders also acknowledged India’s growing role in international affairs and its contribution to global economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
The leaders expressed confidence that the Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda would deliver transformative and mutually beneficial outcomes. They emphasized that stronger cooperation between India and the European Union would not only benefit their citizens but also contribute positively to global stability and prosperity.
As the G7 Summit continues, the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and top European Union leaders has reinforced the momentum behind the India-EU FTA and underscored the growing importance of India-Europe relations in an evolving global landscape. The successful implementation of the agreement is expected to mark a new chapter in the strategic partnership between the world’s largest democracy and one of the world’s largest economic blocs.
Also read: PM Modi Participates in G7 Summit Working Session on Global Partnerships in France
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