PM Modi Discusses India-EU Trade Deal and Global Issues with European Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on Thursday with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The leaders discussed progress in India-EU relations and emphasized the need to quickly conclude talks on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). They also reviewed the next steps for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), a major connectivity project.
The conversation highlighted growing cooperation in areas like trade, technology, investment, defence, sustainability, and supply chain resilience. Modi invited both leaders to India for the upcoming India-EU Summit, which is expected to take place soon.
The leaders also exchanged views on key international concerns, including the war in Ukraine. Modi repeated India’s position that conflicts should be resolved peacefully and stressed the importance of restoring stability.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the talks underscored the value of the India-EU Strategic Partnership. Both sides see it as a way to tackle global challenges together, promote stability, and ensure a fair and rules-based international order.
The discussions also built on earlier meetings this year. In February, the EU College of Commissioners visited India, marking a milestone in ties. In June, Modi met von der Leyen during the G7 Summit in Canada, where they spoke about enhancing cooperation. He also held talks with Costa during the same summit.
That month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met von der Leyen in Brussels, where they spoke about terrorism, trade, technology, and connectivity. She strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed solidarity with India in fighting terrorism.
Both sides have made it clear that they want to expand ties not only in trade but also in security, technology, and global cooperation. With the next India-EU Summit on the horizon, the focus is on turning this shared vision into concrete action.
